As it was my custom since 2010, I would specially post a hymn on the 3rd may every year.  3rd may had always been a special day in my life.

So far I have shared the following hymns

What A Friend I have In Jesus” – May 3rd 2010
“Thanks to God” – May 3rd 2011
“Day By Day” – May 3rd 2012
“All The Way The Savior Leads Me” – May 3rd 2013
“Guide Me O Thou Great Redeemer” – May 3rd 2014
”Tis So Sweet To Trust In Jesus” – May 3rd 2015
”Hold Thou My hand” – May 3rd 2016
”My Father Watches Over Me” – May 3rd 2017
“I will sing”  – May 3rd 2018
“It is Well WIth My Soul”  – May 3rd 2019
“Through The Night Of Doubt and Sorrow”  – May 3rd 2020

Interestingly, the very first hymn was shared by me in a hotel Room in Kota Kinabalu where I first left home sometime ago. And now this entry is written in Vietnam, perhaps just before I return back to Singapore. Indeed God had really watched over and be with me the entire journey. I remember when my journey started in a prayer I have with God, God told me the same thing as he told Peter at the seaside in John 21.

“Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger,
  you girded yourself and walked where you wished;
  but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands,
  and another will gird you and carry you where you do
  not wish.”- Jesus (Jn 21:18-19)

Now it looks like what is spoken is indeed true. Of course I thank God that I am not being taken as a prisoner or killed like Apostle Peter. But indeed, after that first move I made, all the subsequent moves are places that I know I would not have chosen if I am given a choice to make. 

There are many problems that I encountered, but I also seen how in each of the places i lived in, God allowed me to encounter the same problem with a different magnitude. And in each of the problem encountered, I learn to wait on God and not be anxious. Although I know I’ll be lying if I said I am not at least worried or afraid.  But throughout the journey God had shown me time and time again that he was before me. He is already ahead of me and the problem that’s really hit me are just mere fragments of a worst scenario that would have happened.

Recently my children was asking me what is faith, and I explained, “It is believing that God will help even when nothing had happened yet” 

I think one of the most recent happenings that I thank God for was how he had provided a place that I can lived in that is affordable and within my financial power. It took only 3 days to house hunt and the deal was concluded just before the pandemic. Prior to that we have our own plan in securing a place to stay but we only discovered that it will not work out as planned and we are at a lost. That is when we are asked “How would you be able to handle this? Look where your “trust” in God had landed you to” . But God came through ,directed me to the right seller, and we concluded the house sales in 2 days flat. Of course even owning the property came with many challenges and the situation will have been regarded as far from ideal for many. But I must say that the problem are still manageable and within our ability to handle. God had indeed went ahead of me, destroyed my initial plan as they are not the best, and guided me to the best alternative that is within our ability to handle.

He brought to my mind the story of how God sent Ravens to feed Elijah. For those who understand Jewish dietary law m they will be well aware that Ravens are considered unclean animals as they were scavenger birds. Today if Gods were to send ravens to us to bring us food, will we have the courage to eat it? Yet we see Elijah did not challenge or questions God’s arrangement, but rather he followed and survived the drought that was in the land.

Sometimes the path God will choose to take us may be longer, and may not be the most straight forward path. Just like what I share in this article. The fact is that if the Israelites wanted to enter Canaan from Egypt quickly. God will have taken the Via Maris (AKA “The way of the Philistines” ) It is a known ancient trade route that connects to Canaan by the Mediterranean sea. However this trade route is heavily fortified by the Egyptians and the Israelites will need to go to war often and they may not be prepared for such battles.

Hence Moses recorded in the book of Exodus

 “Then it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the people go,
  that God did not lead them by way of the land of the
  Philistines, although that was near; for God said,
  “Lest perhaps the people change their minds when
   they see war, and return to Egypt.”
   So God led the people around by way of the wilderness
   of the Red Sea. And the children of Israel went up in
  orderly ranks out of the land of Egypt.”- Moses (Ex 13:17-18)

As the result the children of Israel took 2 years to travel to the border of the land of Canaan, stopping for a few months in Mount Sinai to construct the tabernacle. As they journey they have to follow the pillar of cloud and pillar of fire. Interestingly the pillar of cloud covered and shaded the children of Israel from the heat and at night the pillar of fire kept the camp warm. In fact the years I spent moving from place to place kind of resembled the journey in many ways. Over time I learn that Gods plan may not be for us to take the fastest route or something that we think that is good.  God will consider all things and lead us using the route that he think is best. Sometimes the path that God intend for us to take may not be exactly what we wanted or wish for.

But, if we are willing to follow and trust the pillar of cloud and fire, God will keep us sheltered and protected as we move along the difficulties in life. Let us not be mistaken that the journey will be easy with Gods help. The fact of the matter is that the Israelites have  to overcome their difficulties as they move along. They have wars to fight, they have to trust God when they run out of food and water. They have to wake up early collect manna daily and they have their fair burden to bear as they followed the pillar of cloud and fire.

When I was younger I used to like the story of the foot prints and that God will carry us when we cannot handle our difficulties. But it will be unrealistic if we think that God is going to carry us with his arms all the way to heaven. For Jesus already said that we will have tribulations in the world and only those who endures to the end will be save.  

So what is the best way to handle all these difficulties? I believe this hymn that I would like to share will give us a very good answer.

Count Your Blessings (Lyrics)

When upon life’s billows you are tempest-tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings; name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.

(Chorus)
Count your blessings;
Name them one by one.
Count your blessings;
See what God hath done.
Count your blessings;
Name them one by one.
Count your many blessings;
See what God hath done.

Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings; ev’ry doubt will fly,
And you will be singing as the days go by.

(Chorus)

When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you his wealth untold.
Count your many blessings; money cannot buy
Your reward in heaven nor your home on high.

(Chorus)

So amid the conflict, whether great or small,
Do not be discouraged; God is over all.
Count your many blessings; angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.

(Chorus)