COLOURS OF LIFE
Dina Mananquil-Delfino
“The Voice”, a new Australian talent show is attracting viewers. We are proud of our very own Jerson Trinidad and Yshrael Pascual for stepping up.
Every day, many voices demand our attention- family, friends, work, community, social media, even strangers at times. In the office, where I work part-time as an associate business analyst, my day is busy with emails and meetings; at church, where I work as an employed part-time pastoral associate, the need of others to be listened to, takes precedence over my admin work.
In year 2000, there was a voice that I needed to hear more distinctly. When the Lord called me to serve Him and concentrate less on worldly affairs, He took me into wilderness where I could not hear any other voice except His. I was given the opportunity for new life. And I am truly grateful that I did- the transformed life I now enjoy is priceless.
A few months ago, I initially resisted the call to change my work path. In the office, I have a cut-out from a school’s fund-raising “Jesus calls: Come Follow Me.” I read this verse often, but it had never made an impact until that day when I saw an announcement for a pastoral associate at church in Narre Warren. At first I ignored the voice, reasoning out with the Lord, that I was comfortable with my work choice. I was already serving Him as a volunteer. But there was some restlessness within. In obedience I submitted my résumé and the rest is history. As I now reflect- was this not an answered prayer? My vision was always to serve the Lord deeper, to have a safe environment where I can offer counselling to those in need, and to help enlarge the church. It has always been my passion to do pastoral work. It was actually 10 years in the making and the Lord gave it to me at the right time.
Every moment we need to pray for the gift of discernment to the Holy Spirit to enable us to listen only to those voices that will help us become a better person- that voice that asks us to forgive, to be merciful, to slow down, to look after our self, to be wise, prudent, self-controlled, to put our life in order, to do the right thing, to listen more intently to that loving, gentle voice that reminds us we are precious to God. Our human nature and the devil will detract us to listen to noises, but if we have accepted Jesus as our good shepherd, we know his Voice. God’s voice will come in many ways- through His Word, other people, or circumstances. The still small voice within is a loud indicator too.
“But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” (John 14:26).
For comments or feedback, email evamarie09@bigpond.com.
