Be not afraidOnly Believe

I met a long-lost friend who once said to me, “You have got an arrogant look.” Thinking back, that arrogant look must have come from a proud heart. Having lost my dad at ten, and being schooled in the theory of evolution, I was driven to be self-dependent and proud, thinking there was no God.

All seemed well till 28 January 2000, my worldly pride came crashing down. That day, our only child and son, 8-year old Vance, suffered a ruptured blood vessel in his brain. The doctors could not find the source of bleeding. Under induced coma, they made an opening on the right side of his skull to reduce the pressure in the brain and inserted 3 drainage tubes from the top of his skull. His survival rate was said to be only 30%.

That night, in the ICU, the doctor said to me, “Recovery may not be possible but there are miracles in life as there is a God.” He shared with us from the Bible, the book of Job.

Driven to desperation, my wife suggested that we call her close friend’s mum, a

Mdm Lim, to pray for Vance. We were then unbelievers. Mdm Lim was 85 years old, a fervent Christian, converted under Dr John Sung’s preaching. She asked,

“Do you believe in Jesus?” In our state of hopelessness, we surrendered to God and henceforth found a true friend - Jesus Christ. Mdm Lim said to us, “Be not afraid, only believe” (Mark 5:36b).

The uncontrolled bleeding in the brain did much damage. Vance’s condition deteriorated by the 3rd week, and both his pupils were non-reactive to light. The brain scan showed that his brain stem was dying and doctors told us that his chance of survival was nil. We gave consent for Vance’s organs to be used to help needy children. A Methodist pastor agreed to conduct the funeral. But Mdm Lim never ceased to minister Mark 5:36b and taught us to commit everything to God in prayer. Our cry to God was desperate. God in mercy allowed Vance to live on.

I asked the neurosurgeon what the long term prognosis was. He only said, “Your son has come back from the dead. Isn’t that good?”

The brain, as described by the neurosurgeon, is like a “marshmallow” with many blood vessels. It had never occurred to me how this “marshmallow-like” brain can perform all the complex activities that we normally do. It then dawned on me how great our Creator is, as the Psalmist said, “for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are Thy works” (Psalm 139:14b).

By the amazing grace and mercy of God, Vance was raised from his impending death. More amazing was that we had found in Jesus Christ – our Lord and Saviour, and a faithful Friend. Praise the Lord!

After six months, Vance left the hospital but with multiple disabilities. In June 2000, Vance was baptised and is growing in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. As we desired for His Word to help us through our difficulties, we thank God that He led us to a Bible study, and to a church where God’s Word is faithfully preached. It has been a humbling experience walking with the Lord and knowing that He is always there for us, our unfailing Friend.

The past 14 years has been an amazing journey of the most holy faith – to know our Lord Jesus Christ and to experience His leading through our many many trials. Circumstances can be overwhelming but I am strengthened by His Word in Isaiah 41:10, “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” Indeed He has been so faithful and true. Praise our Lord.

With his multiple disabilities, the days ahead for Vance can be trying and seemingly hopeless with regards to things of this earth but we have learnt to surrender our cares unto Him, lean on His daily grace and mercies, continue to trust Him, be very thankful for everything that comes our way and look forward to the blessed hope in Him.

If you are a believer, and are going through some kind of crisis in life, do not be discouraged but look unto Jesus Christ, the author and finisher of our faith. He will deliver you from your trial

and strengthen your faith just as He has done for us. Our trial, He says, is light affliction “but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory” (2 Corinthians 4:17), so let us comfort one another with the comfort He has given us and strive to be a living testimony of the wondrous works that Jesus has done in our lives, even the work of salvation. 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 (Romans 8:28). To God be the glory.

Dear readers

“The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God” (Psalm 14:1a). I had been that fool in the past, blinded by the god of this world and was stuck in the horrible pit of sins for many years until the near death incident of my son. The incident shocked me out of my complacency. More importantly, it has led me to understand the heinous nature of sin, which will eventually end with eternal death in the lake of fire, if one is to die in sin. God sent Jesus Christ, His

only begotten Son to die on the cross for your sins and mine. God accepted Christ’s death for your sins by raising Jesus Christ from the dead on the third day after He died. He too can forgive you of all your sins as He did for me and my family.

Thank God for the timely awakening that through the incident, we came to know Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour, through whom all our sins are forgiven and we have victory over the sting of death. He has helped us, in all these years, through many difficult circumstances.

Are you too going through some difficult circumstances in life, being weighed down by their burdens and having no rest? Come unto Jesus, our Wonderful Friend, and cast your cares upon Him. He loves you and will give you rest. Whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have eternal life (John 3:15). Do not procrastinate for life is indeed fragile and uncertain and can be very short-lived.

By His grace,Lim Ah Sang

If you would like to receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour, please say the following prayer from your heart:

O God my Heavenly Father, I confess that I am a sinner and if I die in my sins I know that I will go to Hell.

Through the many trials, You have shown me that You are a merciful and gracious God. I believe that Jesus Christ your only begotten Son died on the cross, was buried, and rose from the dead for the forgiveness of my sins.

Thank You Lord for Your gift and assurance of eternal life. Please help me live this new life to please You.

In Jesus’ name I give thanks and pray. Amen!

Please contact:

Calvary Pandan B-P Church201 Pandan Gardens S(609337)

Email: enquiry@calvarypandan.sgWebsite: calvarypandan.sg Tel: 6560 3885

Sunday Morning Worship at 10:30amSunset Gospel Hour at 6:00pm