Treasure and Pearls- 23/8/09

Perhaps i should start with this song by Marc James.

Today when we looked at the passage of the parable of hidden treasure and the pearl ( Matthew 13:44-46), a lot of thoughts and emotions were stirred up in my heart. Brad emphasised the point- are we willing to give up EVERYTHING, not something, but EVERYTHING for Him? As many of you know apart from making Jesus famous , I have a goal, a dream, a vision in becoming a successful food scientist. For many years my eyes were fixed onto the goal, doing everything I could to make sure my dream will turn into reality.

"I'm giving You my dreams laying down my rights

I'm giving up my pride
For the promise of new life"

This was the promise I made to God back in March 2008, during my baptism service. It was so hard for me to sing those lyrics, but I knew I had to give Him my dream for the promise of new life. Back in 2007 when university application started, I wouldn't have imagined in picking Biology nor Imperial as my first choice university. Food science was what I want to do, and Surrey was where i want to go. Wrestling with God in giving Him my dream was heart aching, tiring and perhaps, little prideful too in thinking I could win at the end. God knew my eyes were fixed onto my dream, not on Him. God knew this was the one thing I would not let go. God knew my everything, was this. I have found the great pearl a long time ago, but God knew I am not willing to sell everything I had for this pearl. Of course, I lost in the wrestling after a couple of months. Not because God forced me to, but I knew this was hindering me from being closer to God. Giving Him my dream, at that point, was everything to me. But this is not a one-off lesson; as life goes on giving Him everything will become harder and harder. Replacing my dream with His was difficult, but it is all worth it for the treasure of heaven. Nothing, absolutely nothing, can compare to the value to this pearl I have found.

Trusting in Him,

Bonkie :)