Mentoring with S

I was frustrated.

I realised that the voice recording failed after spending time with a mentor.

I knew that the deep revelations grasped is more important than trying to capture all factual knowledge recorded. The failed recording proved to be a test. Now, I am convinced that deep insights were deposited despite failing to capture the well-crafted statements by 'Wu-Guai'. An engineer can never beat a lawyer!

Here's me digesting these insights:

1. Isa 40:27-31. 3 truths: God knows. God cares. God is in control.

2. The definition of efficacy provides a useful framework to evaluate and make choices. "doing the right thing at the right time in the right way with the right motive to produce the right result". Some things may be right but not at the right time or done with the right motive. Order matters here. Also, the timing aspect is where many of us are challenged.

2. We access our situations and weigh our choices with much pragmatism. Often, it's not the eventual result, but how we are moulded that matters most to God. God is in control of every outcome and He works everything out for the good of those who love him. The way we respond to situations and considerations we use in our choices reflect what's within us. A husband who says to his wife 'You bring out the worst in me' is absolutely right! When God aligns our inner posture according to His perfect will, often the former external weightings will change too.

3. Balance. The importance for balance is stressed by many. However, does it always mean having the pivot at the center? If there is imbalance to start with, the pivot should start at the other end and not at the center.

4. Obedience. The heart is deceitful above all else. There is the possibility that our motive for obedience is to put us in a place to want something from God. God cannot be fooled. Our basis for obedience has to arise from a desire to worship God and honor Him for all that He has done.

Where are the best lessons?

It's weird.

We learn best through difficult times.

It's another paradox as to how the road of suffering often bears bitter-sweet experiences. Bitter while walking through it, but sweet at the end of each lesson.

These difficult journeys could take the form of challenging family/work situations, personal times of depression or wilderness and consequences of sin, to name a few.

They amplify the limitations of human efforts, harsh realities of the world we live in and our own sinfulness. Amazingly, we are led to a place of beauty if we atune rightly. It's a highway towards God's grace, comfort and power when we find our bearing. Paul boldly declared that God's power was made perfect in his weaknesses. Praise arising from such valley experiences can be more wholesome than elsewhere. Being fully convinced of God's love and the cross helps tear down defenses and take our first step on this highway.

Yet often we base our analysis and thoughts on finding the best and easiest way. Is this efficacious? In the midst of difficult situations or crossroads, we look for a solution. Actually, it's not answers, but GOD we need.