In our lives, regardless of the size of the situation, we often encounter challenges or obstacles that we need to overcome studying, working, getting married, starting a family, dealing with illness, buying a home, or migrating. I believe that many brothers and sisters have experienced a lot in recent years. When you share these experiences, have you ever been asked, “Where does your courage come from?”
In my last pastoral sharing, I mentioned “Facing Your Inner Self” (2024-05-18, 19). This time, I also want everyone to acknowledge that “We All Have Weaknesses.” Perhaps moving to the UK was influenced by external circumstances that strengthened our courage to migrate, but after coming to the UK, our inner weaknesses may start to emerge.
In recent years, many people from Hong Kong have relocated to the UK, including many Christians. They chose to leave their birthplace and move to a country where they may have never lived before. This decision requires a significant sacrifice and courage. It’s not just a matter of quoting a Bible verse like “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9) to muster the courage to leave one’s homeland. Although the reasons for leaving might be broadly similar, each person is unique, with individual experiences and challenges. Sometimes, we feel weak, but we push on for the sake of our family and life, fearing that acknowledging our weaknesses might cause us to stumble and never get up again. So, have you ever reflected, “Where does my courage come from?” I’m sure you have your own answers.
Even though we are not Joshua, and we may not hear God directly saying, “Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid…”; when we reflect on our past experiences, we might sense that “the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”
We are called to be strong and courageous, not to be afraid, which means having the courage to face our own weaknesses. Only by courageously entrusting ourselves to the God who never forsakes us can we see Him leading us through challenges and obstacles.
Additionally, in the church, we have brothers and sisters walking alongside us. If you are part of a fellowship or small group, you can share the difficulties or challenges your face, praying and supporting each other. Even though the road may be tough, we believe that God is with us, and we have brothers and sisters walking alongside us.
May God keep us!
Rev. Louis Yeung