Guided by Destiny: A Journey of Faith and Purpose
Growing up in the countryside, I quickly learned life’s harshness after my father passed away early. I ended up working as a bicycle shop apprentice in my teens, a job that, despite its modest pay, helped support my family and me. One night, a sudden, unexplainable bladder pain saved me from a fatal accident; a military truck crashed into our shop, killing the apprentice who slept in my bed. This incident left me pondering my fate and the invisible hand that guided me away from death’s door.
I married into the True Jesus Church family, drawn by their love and care, and was baptized at 30. After reading the Bible afterwards, I had an epiphany that God had chosen me long before; if not for the urge that got me out of bed that night, I would have shared my colleague’s fate in silence. This selection was God’s doing, not human decision, as God chose me even from my mother’s womb (Galatians 1:15).
In Christianity, it’s said that recognizing you’re walking in God’s destiny is crucial. But understanding whether our steps are led by us, or God can often feel like wandering through a fog. Like Joseph interpreting Pharaoh’s dreams (Genesis 41:32), God’s plans swiftly unfold, impacting not just historical events but personal lives too. “God’s ways are higher than our ways,” the Bible teaches us, suggesting that divine “highness” differs vastly from human highs, which can easily lead to downfall in times of change (Isaiah 55:9).
God’s ordination and human decisions intersect intriguingly. While God gives us the freedom to choose, our lives unfold within His broader narrative, requiring us to discern and align our decisions with His will. This interplay between divine predestination and human agency highlights the profound truth that, although we navigate our paths, we do so under God’s sovereign guidance.
Reflecting on my journey, I see it as a testament to God’s grace and purpose. From narrowly escaping death to finding my faith, every step has been a lesson in understanding and embracing God’s destiny for me. Despite the challenges, I’ve learned to listen for God’s guiding voice, reminding me, “This is the way; walk in it” (Isaiah 30:21).
As a Christian, I’m called to navigate life’s complexities, not as a predetermined journey but as a dynamic path aligned with God’s will. Whether facing trials or making decisions, I’m reminded that my life is not just my own but part of a greater divine plan, designed to reflect His glory and love. What hinders our view of God—wealth, desires, or life’s pursuits? God’s destiny leads us, and though the Christian path is not easy, facing dangers for the Gospel’s sake, we are not alone; God guides us. Walking in God’s ways lets us see the most beautiful spiritual landscapes and witness His glory.
We warmly invite you to come to the True Jesus Church’s bi-annual Evangelical Service and Spiritual Convocation. See details below.
18-21 April, 2024 Evangelical Service and Spiritual Convocation
Thursday, 18 April, 2024 6:50PM to 8:10PM
Friday and Saturday, 19-20 April, 2023 9:00AM to 8:10PM
Sunday, 21 April, 2024 9:00AM to 1:00PM
Complimentary lunch and dinner will be served.
Please find our church location below:
True Jesus Church
4N550 Church Road
Bensenville, IL 60106
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For online streaming, please click here.
For regular service hours, please click here.
Email us at ilovejesus@tjc-chicago.org