A B4T worker wrote me today, Things are still very unclear with our situation. I could lose the company anytime or I could be arrested! 2 major challenges to face at one time. So far, after 2 weeks, we are still functioning, and I AM FREE! I do believe this is my defining moment in my 27 years here. I had 27 years to prepare…
Think about this. Every person that God uses greatly faces at least one defining moment – a great test.
Moses, the burning bush.
Joshua, parting the Jordan River.
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, walking through the burning furnace untouched.
Daniel, the lions’ den.
Peter, stepping out of the boat.
Paul, the Damascus road.
Even Jesus was tempted in the wilderness.
Each of these God seekers had years of preparation leading up to their defining moment. These moments forced them to move beyond what they could see, to a faith that doesn’t walk by sight. God uses such moments to move us from our own paradigm of life – to His; from the comfort of our own boxes – to His. And when He does this, our lives are never the same.
For me personally, it was the month we ran out of money. As if that wasn’t enough, my right-hand man suffered a work-ending stroke the same month. We had a choice, quit or trust. It seemed like the right time to quit; bless the Lord we didn’t.
We all have defining moments that change our lives forever. These defining moments often set the course for the balance of our lives.
You may not have had your defining moment, yet. If not, God is preparing you with many special life experiences: experiences that are building your spiritual muscles and faith. If you’ve had your defining moment, then you are living out your call. Remember, plowing – prayer and relationships. We are all called to a relationship with God; and we are all called to work/worship, which is often where God ushers in our defining moment. There can be more than one defining moment, each pointing you down a path that God foreordained from the foundation of the world. The secret of a great life is often a in our ability to discern the defining moments and give them to Him, understanding that they are part of His discipleship in us, that we may learn to walk in the path that leads us to His ultimate destination.
Once you have had a defining moment, you are never the same. Be on watch, and pray that you have eyes to see and ears to hear when the Master brings a defining moment into your life.
PATRICK LAI and his family have worked in SE Asia for other 37 years. His experience in doing business with Jesus has brought him to understand the meaning of work and worship in the marketplace. He started 14 businesses in four countries, six of which are still operating. Patrick and his wife, May, mentor and coach businesspeople working where there are few or no Christians. Check out Patrick’s latest book, Workship, now available in paperback and e-book.