I was rather enthusiastic when I heard about CVCC starting Discipleship Groups (DG). However, after learning about the commitment, I was faced with huge dilemma, as it was set within my most crucial period of this year.
As a final year music student, I was already struggling between meeting deadlines of academic work, practicing at least three to six hours a day for my graduation recital, teaching violin part time, and attending church activities. I asked God, how can I add DG to my hectic schedule?!
As I prayed about this, God assured me that He will make a way for me, and that it was important for me to join DG so that I could experience Him in this crucial season. That was enough to convince me to obey Him, so I joined a DG.
As I went through the Experiencing God material with my group, I noticed that I could apply what I learnt to my situation. It was not easy as I had to make extra effort to do the workbook. However, it was most rewarding as it was these quiet times I spent with God that kept me going.
Two weeks into practicing for my recital, I had severe arm injuries due to over-assertion of my arms, injuring my nerves and muscles so badly I could not practice more than two hours a day. I was in desperation as the time drew near, yet I was far from being prepared. However, through my QT with God, I knew that He is constantly at work, and will see me through. As I meditated upon the Scriptures, and lessons learned in DG, and through prayers from my DG as well as pastors, family and friends, I experienced something that I knew only God could do.
The usual routine was to practice at least three to six hours a day, covering as much as we could from the recital repertoire. However, we ought to recap what we've practiced at least once in every two days to ensure that all we've worked was still up to standard. As I was in such pain, I could only practice 15 minutes before I needed to stop, and after one to two hours of 15 minute practices, my hands would refuse to move, and would be painful, sore and numb. This injury was caused by my disobedience to rest.
Whilst I was practicing for another exam, I wanted to ensure that it would go well, so I used all my strength and might to practice to the fullest of my ability, ignoring the prompting to stop and relax and rely on God. I thought that it was always safer to practice more. Just 15 minutes before this exam, my hands started to feel pain and numbness, signs of overstraining, and needless to say, my exam didn't go as well as I wanted it to be.
From the exam to my recital, I had two weeks. Because of the overstrain, I was forced to heed the prompting of our Lord to rest in Him and have faith that He will take care of me. However, I still had to do my part in doing mental practice and preparation, fasting and praying. It didn't mean that I should stop everything completely. Spending less time practicing also meant more time for God. Though I had little practice, God was there to help me retain everything and my improvement accelerated by leaps and bounds. This was clearly something only He could do for me!
On 18 May 2011, I was able to give a successful recital at the Lee Foundation Theatre. With the support and prayers of my DG members, friends and all the pastors of CVCC and the love of family and other friends, I am proud to boast to the glory of our Father in Heaven that I have graduated with Second Upper Class Honours in my BA(Hons) in Music. Without prayers and most importantly, my growth in intimacy with Jesus, I would never have been able to achieve this!
Written on Thursday, 17 November 2011 11:43 by Administrator