Don't Give Up!

Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it. -Matthew 7:13-14

I was truly moved with Sis Merla's message awhile ago. She said, "it's hard to obey the will of God because we always want to follow our own way". Then she added, "actually, doing God's will is not that hard. It only becomes hard when you want to go your own way".

Yes, I totally agree that it seems hard because we always insist our own will, doing things our way instead of obeying His will. But if we only learn to obey and die to ourselves it will be smooth and not that hard.

Then she said, "entering the narrow gate is just the beginning. You have to walk through the narrow road before you reach God's kingdom (eternal life). And before you can enter, you must knock first. And only few find this gate."

It's true that there are only few who'll find this narrow gate and there are few among those few finds the gate and have the key, will enter. What is it that holds us back and why we don't want to enter? I really pray that I am one of the few who will enter the gate and walk through the narrow road.

Then she added, " it is narrow road because you have to go through hardships before you reach His kingdom as it is written on Acts 14:22 (strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying, "Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God"). But no matter how hard it is, though there are lot of trials, temptations, and struggles, DON'T GIVE UP!", she said.

Yes, following the Lord Jesus wasn't that easy. There are prizes you need to pay. I've been struggling and into pain for the past 2 weeks, and sometimes I feel like giving up. I've been crying to the Lord because my emotion was too strong for me to fight. But I am so grateful and I thank the Lord for using Sis Merla to tell me not to give up. I may be weak but God is the strength of my heart. I am so blessed despite of all this pain and sorrows I am feeling because my God, and my Savior , and with the help of our leaders, I am truly inspired to continue and press on towards the goal. Yes, as the song goes, there will be a day, where no more tears, no more pain and I will see Jesus and my Creator face to face. I thank God for I am relieved and encouraged. Whenever the enemy reminds me of my pain, God reminds me His message through Sis Merla, "Gayle, don't give up!" What a sweet and strong message. Thank God for the life of Sis Merla. She is truly an inspiration to me as well as Sis Aby and Sis Dhines.

The Dream I Had..

Your face is so familiar as if I know you forever..
When your hand hold mine, I felt the warm despite of your rough palm..
When your arms were around me so tight, seems everything alright..
I never felt protected and secured as I did when you hugged me..

Leaning on your chest was full of peace and joy..
I felt your love and sincerity, that I have never felt before..
I wish you are holding me forever and forever you’re behind me..
Because everything seems perfect when I am with you..

My heart and hand couldn’t stop wanting to hold your hand..
As if I am not complete without you wrapping me so tight..
My soul is longing for you, wanting to be with you forever..
The warmth of your body gives me hope and serenity..

Thank you for that special moment though it’s just a dream..
If it is God’s will then I’ll wait for His time to see you again..
Whoever you are and wherever you are right now..
May the Lord mold you and make you the man He wants you to be..

For now, I have to focus on the things the Lord wants me to do..
Walk and live in a way that pleases Him, in accordance to His will..
I pray that you do the same, walking on the same path I am taking..
Until the Lord leads us back together, to love and serve Him and each other forever..

I Will (No Matter What)

I came up with this poem last September 10, 2008. During that time, I am really struggling spiritually and financially. I was back in the Philippines last June with an empty pocket so I don't know what to do to pursue my heart's desire and that is to be a full-time missionary. I even planned to sell the lot my father gave me just to support my expenses but I it wasn't His time yet. Yes, I am willing to sell all I have for my Precious Yahweh and my Lord Jesus Christ. I am crying every night with my tormented heart. During those times I am having problems supporting my fare and all the expenses though my sister Whay is helping me but most of the time we are short and I am ashamed to borrow each time I go to church so I am tortured mentally and spiritually. I also talked to our eldest sister to sell my property but she refused maybe because she is not agree with my plans. I've been crying every night to the Lord and pouring my heart out and telling Him that I will still obey and follow my calling no matter what happens so I composed this poem. This is really what I feel that day and I thank God for giving me wisdom for writing the poem.

I Will (No Matter What)
Gayle Galang

You are the strength through my struggles
You are the peace through my troubles
You are the joy through my sorrows
You are the hope through my worries

In the midst of the storm, You soar with me
To win my battles, You fight for me
When I lose my way, You walk beside me
When I stumble and fall, You carry me

You always provide for me in times of need
You understand me most and stay at my side
You were always been my very Best-friend
You never condemned me but give me love so kind

Words are not enough to thank You for all You've done
What I am and what I have to You I owe
No matter what it costs and takes I'll still follow
My love and my life I offer to You alone

I will be lost without Your guide
I will be nothing without Your love
Only Your grace is what makes me survive
Your will I'll obey and mine I'll set aside

I truly love You my dear Lord
Losing You in my life I can't afford
Everything is vain without You in my world
Your Word forever in my heart I will trust and hold

And because I waited and continue trusting Him, everything falls into places. Our leaders supported me financially and spiritually of course till the Lord answered my prayer. I am truly blessed for having the sisters in my life. They are truly great leaders and genuine women of God. God had lead me to this church and I am forever grateful for His faithfulness and never-ending love through the sisters and through all things that He is giving me most specially for giving me the strength, courage and all His spiritual blessings. He never failed me and never ceased loving me. He always leads me to the right people who have loved me and supported me, from China, Japan, and now in the Philippines and I am sure in Indonesia too when I get there in His time. I am truly glad to know that my Creator, my God, is giving me His attention. It is really amazing to know that a God like Yahweh is busy working in my life. He is always there for me despite of my short-comings. How can you deny and disobey that kind of God? I pray that I will be faithful to Him till the end of the age. To God be the glory and praise. And of course I am forever grateful too to my Savior, my Rock, my Salvation Jesus Christ. He'd been there for me all the time. He drawn me closer to the Father. He saved me not just the time He gave His life to the cross but He personally saved me each time I am in trouble, specially the time when I came to the point of wanting to die. I was depressed and devastated so I wanted to die and be with Him and with God, so I asked Him to take my life away. He visited me in my dream that same night and He breathe in me and from then on I became stronger and more encouraged and I will never ever forget that experience and all the visions He shown to comfort me and make me whole again whenever I am broken. It is my wish and prayer to be just like Him (Christ-like), to be a true Christian, to be a woman after God's own heart.