Jason Yuen, 2017, Singapore
Embarking on the School of Theology was a prompting I felt from the Lord in my heart back in 2015. I was actually feeling stagnant in my teaching career. To be honest, I did not have the faith to give up my job altogether as I had just gotten married and still had to provide for my family. So I kept putting it off and telling the Lord that I would enrol the following year instead. However, 2016 turned into a year of transition for my wife and I. Our first child was born and there were many new things to learn and grapple with. 2016 came and went. Then came 2017, and the Lord spoke to me during the first weekend service of the year, “Jason, remember your promise to me in 2015? This shall be the year that you will study in SOT.” There, in God’s presence, I answered the call of God to go to Bible school.
Whenever I read Genesis 22:15-17 of how Abraham chose to sacrifice his only beloved son Isaac, I am reminded about God’s provision for me during my time in SOT. It was not easy letting go of my passion in teaching. Initially, the only choice for me was to resign as my school could not grant me an extended period of unpaid leave. I was in a dilemma and didn’t want to leave my job altogether. I cried out to God many nights and mornings while doing my quiet time. One day, I felt the Lord saying to me, “Jason, are you willing to put aside what’s precious to you and devote the next 7 months of your time to reconnect and dwell with Me? Do you trust that I will be able to provide for all your needs? “With that, I broke down and cried out to God , “God, I’m willing!”
The next day, as I was preparing to submit my resignation letter, my principal called for me and asked me if I loved teaching, and whether did I intend to continue teaching after SOT. I replied “yes” to both her questions. I told her that teaching was my passion. She then proposed that I teach part time; which means my workload and my salary would be halved. With this arrangement, I would be able to teach daily after my SOT lessons ended. This was indeed an ideal situation for me as I wanted to continue in my passion for teaching and attend SOT at the same time. In my heart, I knew this could only be God’s working. In that same week, I received news from SOT that my scholarship had been granted. It was a week of provision, breakthrough and miracles when I decided to let go of what was precious to me, and make room for God! Praise the Lord!
Reflecting on this journey, I am constantly reminded that when our plans and purposes are directed according to the will of God, along with faith and perseverance, He will ensure that we will finish it well; as He is the “author and finisher” of our journey of faith.
As you embark on your own journey of faith, trust that God has your future in His hands. His plans for you are to prosper you and not to harm you; to give you a hope and a future. He will bring you through, and grant you the strength and grace to finish well!