COLOURS OF LIFE
By Dina-Mananquil Delfino
I am rather alarmed how much time I spend on personal grooming. And yet I know that this physical body that I “glorify” will not last – it will fade and die one day. Every day a new wrinkle sets in and more health concerns are added to the list. While this aspect of the self is deteriorating, our spiritual life- the more permanent part should be growing.
With the opening of the 20th century, a revival broke forth- the waves of Pentecost have spread, seeming to bring into light what the prophet Joel spoke about, “in the last days, I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh”.
I am a recipient of such a spiritual homecoming. In year 2000, during a baptism in the Holy Spirit at a Life in the Spirit seminar, my life was turned around. The Lord set me aside for one year through illness and plunged me to a wilderness period that was painful, dry, confronting but profoundly meaningful. I experienced a deep desire to change my life for the better.
In Matthew 9:14-17, Jesus speaks of the old and new garment, the old and new wineskin. We all have a personal interpretation, but for me it meant that grace cannot be poured onto old life. Transformation has to take place. I realise that with Jesus Christ I am no longer subject to human wisdom, but to God. I need to alter my way of thinking and affections, being careful not to allow worldly pursuits to waste my mental and emotional energy. And this renewing is constant, steady and purposeful. Sometimes it comes in leaps and bounds, at times, very slow, that nothing seems to be happening. Even when I thought I had it made, sudden changes can eventuate. He plucked me out from serving socio-civic organisations to church ministries. He shifted me from serving a large, vibrant community in Narre Warren to a small, simple group in Pakenham. At work, He moved me into a role I know nothing about!
At times, the journey is intense and intricate. But Jesus Himself said, “Pick up your cross and come follow me.” In faith, I know that if I ask for the Father’s mercy, the healing hand of Jesus and the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they come in very mystical way. I am so humbled by these spiritually-enriching experiences but am constantly cautioned that these wonderful gifts are not to produce pride or elitism, but to foster relationships of love, peace, healing and a free-flowing stream of forgiveness.
What a tremendous change I have undergone! When many years ago my bag was full grooming items and New Age charms, I now have my Bible as travelling companion. It is interesting to observe people’s reactions to it- some are curious if I am perhaps an evangelical minister; others are interested, while a few are scared. I remember one man who was so disturbed by its presence that he squirmed in disgust all the way in our train journey. My gift of discernment called for Psalm 91. After praying, I felt the peaceful mantle of our Blessed Mother and protective sparkles of angels. The Bible calls for conversion and to those who are not ready, it is indeed a book that is confronting. But for those of us who have discovered its gems, it is a book that shines with lasting treasures.
Other books are given for information. The Bible is given for transformation.
