I can remember so many times when I just have the urge to make a quick decision to buy/have/see/do something; yet so often I regret having made that rash decision. I tried taking things into my own hands and my own timing. Having learnt my lesson I formulated by belief-- that if God wants you to do/have/achieve something, as long as you fully submit to His will, you will do/have/achieve no matter what the time frame may be. This may be days, weeks, months, even years before something happens. Nevertheless, it is this timing that God give us the best!
Today, I was privileged enough to experience His awesome planning once again! Though not yet a too important decision, I know that God guided me through my Digital Single Lens Reflex (DSLR) Camera purchase.
The Model
I have always wanted to buy a DSLR-- I felt that the cameras we have at home were too crap. I felt that I needed more horsepower to take awesome photos. And so, with my Dad being anti-Nikon and my limited tutoring-earned cash, I easily set my eyes on the Canon Entry-Pro-Amateur 600D.
I was quick to make my decision was in fact about to buy it. About that time, my family was watching Dr Charles Stanley's series on God's planning; talking about how His plan is always the best one and that we should seek His will in any circumstance no matter how great or small. So naturally, I felt that God must have had this camera model in His will for me- since I've researched it's specification so thoroughly and confirmed how it suited my needs. I prayed that God confirm (in His timing) that this camera is the one that I sought for and that such confirmation be made that I will be able to purchase this camera as a really cheap bundle. It wasn't an impossible ask since my cousin got the same bundle a few weeks beforehand. So I waited.
Two years have passed. I still prayed intermittently for such a sign but it was through this period of waiting that I learnt so much more about photography. My interest in this hobby progressed and since I was stuck with a less advance camera at home, I was forced, so to speak, to learn how to take good pictures with a seemingly basic camera. That soon changed as I progressed in my photographical studies through Youtube videos and various blogs. I finally understood important functions that my camera had that I did not notice before- as I was complaining how lackluster the device was. In a sense, I grew in what I know about photography and cameras-- enriching myself with knowledge that I would not have bothered to ascertain if it were not for the wait.
Like all forms of technology, the Canon DSLR range had a few more candidates that were released in the two years of waiting-- the pro-enthusiast 60D and the 600D's sucessor, the 650D. With my now-mature knowledge, I discovered exactly what I really wanted in the two years; and oh! What a wonderful thing that God didn't answer my prayer back then! Should I have just went ahead and bought the camera I would've regretted quite a bit; especially since the grip on the 600D is so small for my large hands-- something that the 60D (which I now own) can provide comfortably. And so, I finally settled on the 60D.
Thank God!
So, reflecting on this series of event, sometimes God will make us wait for an exceptionally long time. May be hours, days, months years, decades-- but I when I think back, waiting was the best path to take. It may be that God wants us to understand something more, or maybe He wants to draw our attention to an aspect about what we are waiting for and/or something about ourselves that we have yet to grasp. But in the end, God really knows what is best for us and sometimes, playing the waiting game - despite how much we can despise it sometimes- is really God's best plan for us.
But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:30-31
Friday, 15 February 2013
Saturday, 2 February 2013
Devotion Blog 3 -- When We Feel Inferior
Ephesians 2:10
New American Standard Bible (NASB)
10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.
Looking back, I can count so many instances when I just see someone do a certain thing so much better than I and this feeling of inferiority just washes over me... occasionally, a splash of jealousy appears. When I'm aware of this, I try my hardest in my mind to convince myself that I don't need to compare myself to others; yet, oftentimes it's not very effective.
It's something that I really need to work on-- to know that I am His workmanship, that I am what He created me for and there is no need to look at others to measure one's own worth. I think sometimes it's my pride that gets in the way; I see someone better and I immediately feel inferior. It's quite selfish really- since I've put my focus onto myself as oppose to focusing on the grand things that God has prepared for us- using our unique set of aptitudes, skills and abilities. Once we overcome this obstacle how much better have we become- instead of looking ourselves down, we encourage the strengths of others; instead of focusing on our weaknesses, let us rejoice in that God has given us a personalized set of skills!
Dear God,
Thank you once again for this fine devotion. I confess that I frequently overlook the work that you have put in me to walk your will; and have felt inferior when compared to others. God, please help me so that I will remember that you are always crafting me to become your masterpiece- that I only need to keep my eyes focused on You, God, and on nothing else. May I walk in Your Will and may You utilize my skill set that you have given me; but don't let me boast in my abilities but that I may bring glory, honour and praise to You. In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen!
It's something that I really need to work on-- to know that I am His workmanship, that I am what He created me for and there is no need to look at others to measure one's own worth. I think sometimes it's my pride that gets in the way; I see someone better and I immediately feel inferior. It's quite selfish really- since I've put my focus onto myself as oppose to focusing on the grand things that God has prepared for us- using our unique set of aptitudes, skills and abilities. Once we overcome this obstacle how much better have we become- instead of looking ourselves down, we encourage the strengths of others; instead of focusing on our weaknesses, let us rejoice in that God has given us a personalized set of skills!
Dear God,
Thank you once again for this fine devotion. I confess that I frequently overlook the work that you have put in me to walk your will; and have felt inferior when compared to others. God, please help me so that I will remember that you are always crafting me to become your masterpiece- that I only need to keep my eyes focused on You, God, and on nothing else. May I walk in Your Will and may You utilize my skill set that you have given me; but don't let me boast in my abilities but that I may bring glory, honour and praise to You. In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen!
Devotion Blog 2 -- Taking Risks
Acts 9:1-20
It's something I still struggle with-- taking that leap of faith, not knowing the complete picture, completely relying on God. I don't think I've ever been in such an explicit situation as Ananias was- that involved taking a risk that could have cost him his life. But I can imagine that when I encounter such a challenge, it would be a real test of faith as to whether I can go "Ok God, I know this what you want me to do, I don't like the odds, but here we go!" And I guess that's really what this risk taking thing is all about- it's about God giving us this opportunity to know for real, how strong is our relationship with Him. Every time we take a risky move, knowing that it is God's will, we fully rely on Him and when we succeed, we have experienced firsthand, God's ultimate planning and our trust and faith in Him grows.
Dear God,
Thank you for this devotion. Although I have not yet experienced this so strongly, I pray that I be given such an opportunity to advance my relationship with you-- so that my faith in You grows. I know that You will never let me down when such situations arise. May Your Name be praised forever. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
It's something I still struggle with-- taking that leap of faith, not knowing the complete picture, completely relying on God. I don't think I've ever been in such an explicit situation as Ananias was- that involved taking a risk that could have cost him his life. But I can imagine that when I encounter such a challenge, it would be a real test of faith as to whether I can go "Ok God, I know this what you want me to do, I don't like the odds, but here we go!" And I guess that's really what this risk taking thing is all about- it's about God giving us this opportunity to know for real, how strong is our relationship with Him. Every time we take a risky move, knowing that it is God's will, we fully rely on Him and when we succeed, we have experienced firsthand, God's ultimate planning and our trust and faith in Him grows.
Dear God,
Thank you for this devotion. Although I have not yet experienced this so strongly, I pray that I be given such an opportunity to advance my relationship with you-- so that my faith in You grows. I know that You will never let me down when such situations arise. May Your Name be praised forever. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Friday, 1 February 2013
A Month in Hong Kong -- Day 8 to 12
Over the last week, I moved to paternal Grandma's place in To Kwa Wan. Although location-wise, transport is not as convenient-- i.e. less bus routes and no access to MTR in comparison to Kowloon Bay-- I found that TKW had a lot more choice when it comes to food. And hence, with my enthusiastic grandma, we traversed all over TKW and the adjacent Kowloon City in search of fine street/restaurant cuisine. I really should've kept some form of journal since I have forgotten most the restaurant names... I have horrible memory when it comes to Chinese names. Anyway, one thing that I've learnt in my food adventures is that the cost NEVER reflects the taste. Especially in Hong Kong- where the cook of a local street noodle shop could be an absolute master when it comes to making soup noodles with wonton, as I've found out.
One thing that I've joked about a lot over the last few days is how whenever I see the menu, the prices of the dishes (in most restaurants) are exactly the same as those in Australia. Just with one minor exception being that the prices are in Hong Kong dollars... not Australian dollars... So having eaten so much, I've barely used over $80 Australian dollars over the week (yumcha was about $27 AUD-- and we ordered A LOT) since most meals cost less than $5 AUD.
Anyway, without rambling on and transforming this post into a thesis, click the links below to check out what I did over the last week :)
[Still writing the articles]
Day 10 - Disneyland
Day 11 - Tai Po
Day 12 - Central and Causeway Bay
One thing that I've joked about a lot over the last few days is how whenever I see the menu, the prices of the dishes (in most restaurants) are exactly the same as those in Australia. Just with one minor exception being that the prices are in Hong Kong dollars... not Australian dollars... So having eaten so much, I've barely used over $80 Australian dollars over the week (yumcha was about $27 AUD-- and we ordered A LOT) since most meals cost less than $5 AUD.
Anyway, without rambling on and transforming this post into a thesis, click the links below to check out what I did over the last week :)
[Still writing the articles]
Day 10 - Disneyland
Day 11 - Tai Po
Day 12 - Central and Causeway Bay
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