A Lesson in Trusting God's Providence
May 2003

Let me begin by sharing the following two portions of scripture that have been so applicable to the experience I have just gone through:

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose” - Rom 8:28

“And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.  Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” -  2 Cor 12:9

I would like to share on how God is so gracious and merciful to me and my family for carrying us through this trial of life.  We hope that this sharing will bring glory to His Name and encouragement to His people.

The event happened sometime in May 2002 and we would like to recall how God’s guiding hand had seen us through.  We had a stormy Board Meeting concerning many issues of the Company.  At the end of the meeting, I was issued the ultimate mandate and challenge.  That was to turn the Company around, or else things will be turned around.  I left the meeting baffled and shattered, not knowing what the future will have in store for the Company and my family.  But by God’s grace, I picked up the broken pieces and moved on.

I had to execute the mission impossible and restore the ailing Company back to health.  The cut and thrust operation involved the painful downsizing of staff by retrenchment, belt tightening in all conceivable areas and being on one’s toes for the rest of the year.  It was the darkest period of my career that was peppered with uncertainties, fears and tremendous pressure. It was during that period of despondency that the Lord sent brethren who gave me Godly advice to put my trust in Him.  I must add that having an NBC group helps a lot because it forms a support group to lift up each other in dark times like this.  I began to recall how Eccl 4:9 – 12 become so practical and applicable in our walk with fellow brethren in Christ.  The true test of who are your friends and foes is in such a time.

By God’s grace the Company was nursed back to profitability after two consecutive years of haemorrhaging. What was wiped out over the two years was recovered back. Like in any bruising battle, there is winner, but there will also be casualties.  The critical operation executed acts like a double-edge sword - it cuts both ways. Although the Company ultimately weathered through the storm and emerged healthier and strong, we lost some of the committed staff who by reasons known to them decided to part ways.

This experience has taught me a life lesson to trust not in men, chariots and horses, but trust in God’s providence.  It set us thinking through our life priority and what is needful for our existence and walk with God.

Although we are out of the woods at the moment, we can never know what is going to happen next in this time of great economic uncertainties.  But one thing we do know is for certain.  That the Lord’s return is soon and we need to re-order our lives in expectation of His glorious return.

I know that many brethren could have gone through or are in the process of going through such turbulent times like what we have experienced.  May this little testimony be an assurance to us all that if God is in control, then nothing will go out of control.

Amen.

Your unworthy fellow brother in Christ.