“ASK AND YOU WILL RECEIVE” (Part 1)
God will always give us good things. Our job is to understand what is good so that we know what to ask for. The natural mind cannot understand this. But, when we offer ourselves as “a living sacrifice” and are transformed by the renewing of our minds, then we “will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will”. Then, asking for what we need in faith, we will have all we need for life, godliness, and fullness of joy.
Pastor Digna Viernes is one of the IT missionaries serving in South Korea with her children. It all started when the Lord came knocking at her door when everything was working out well for her. She was at the peak of financial success when she heard from the Lord that she would lose everything she had. Soon after that, the business and the money she had tucked in were gone. She and her family experienced great loss and bankruptcy. Regardless of what happened, she still saw that the Lord was with her. She became more aware of God’s presence in that moment of having less because He was more than enough.
When the Lord called her to be a missionary, Pastor Digna wasn’t on board with the idea immediately. However, God kept calling her and she finally gave her “yes” to Him. She saw how God was leading her to be a missionary and she was connected to International Teams Philippines, a mission-sending organization. As she heard the testimonies of IT missionaries and the miracles God did in their lives in the mission field, Pastor Digna was so excited to share about God and wanted to experience the same thing that the other IT missionaries had. She couldn’t contain her excitement after her Access 1 Training, and she had the opportunity to go to South Korea for a short-term mission trip. She realized that all she had to do was to take a step of faith and God opened doors for her. It was the start of what God had in mind for her – the divine connections which He had prepared for Pastor Digna’s return to South Korea someday. After staying in South Korea for almost three months, Pastor Digna returned to the Philippines.
As she returned to the Philippines, she desired to join Access 2 Training in Malaysia. While she was preparing for that, she prayed with her whole heart “Lord, I want to experience the things that the other missionaries had experienced, and please show me that You are true and real in my life.” She had money but she didn’t want to use her resources and she wanted God to provide if it is His will for her to go. She admitted that she still had some doubts, but she decided to take a step of faith. She had to pray and fast in their church for 11 days and she was fervently praying that she could go to Malaysia. The departure date for the Access 2 Training in Malaysia was just right around the corner, however, she still didn’t have her plane ticket. She went to the IT office as a step of faith even though there was no assurance that she could join the trip to Malaysia. Then on her way, someone texted her and booked her ticket for Malaysia! Pastor Digna was so amazed at the Lord and uttered “Lord, You are real and a living God!” A part of her still couldn’t believe it but the following day, the ticket itinerary was sent to her and she was so overwhelmed.
As the day of her departure approached, she didn’t have enough pocket money, but then again, she moved forward. When Pastor Digna arrived in Malaysia, she experienced everything she desired. God's provision and spiritual blessings were overflowing. She was extremely overwhelmed with her experiences and she couldn’t contain her joy to have found the purpose God has for her in her life. Her trip to Malaysia was such a great success and she had an expectant heart about what God will do in her life as she follows Him. She went back to the Philippines and that’s when God revealed to her where to go next.
The story doesn’t end here. God opened more doors for her and her family as He called them to go and leave what’s comfortable. You will see how God fulfills His promises to His children. Therefore, no matter how bad things are or what you're going through right now, you have to stay in the faith. Remember that God is greater than the highs and lows and whatever you experience, God is there for you.
Praise God, whose might is like no other, and whose faithfulness surrounds Him. Praise Him that righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne, and that steadfast love and faithfulness go before Him!
Psalm 40:16
"But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who long for your saving help always say, “The Lord is great!”
(Written by: Venus Jablo)