Belief and Faith

Why are you here in SFC? Why Serve God? What does it mean to serve God? Any activity of man according to God’s plan is service to Him like good deeds done to others, loving our neighbor, serving the community.

I have viewed that serving God is the way I think and my attitude towards things.

Did you ever get discouraged in serving God, to the point that you feel like quitting serving the community? I have! I am guilty! I got tired and weak or what others call “spiritually burned out”. There are even times people around me criticize my efforts in serving which made me ask myself - Am I worthy to serve God?

God answers my questions time and again, through the help of my brothers and sisters in SFC here in Oman.

I have forgotten that He gave his only Son to wash away our sins. His answer to me is God’s love! For God so loved the world that He will die for me, for us! I have seen His love through my parents who are  coordinators, through my household, brothers and sisters in SFC Oman, and even through the missionaries who visit us here. We may be few in numbers but I do believe that we are bonded by God’s love and His protection. We may have our differences but our heart’s love for God is the same. There have been many trials along the way but we are still here, there are times that we want to give up but God will always find ways to pick us up! SFC Oman is just so blessed!

 

In my service, I have realized that we must search our hearts and make sure that what we do, we do them with correct intentions. It is easy to fool others, and even ourselves, into thinking we are ‘godly’ through “performing good works”. However, God is more interested in why we do things than what we are doing. He wants to see a heart that serves Him and grateful of what He has given us. Sometimes, I feel tired and I don’t know how I could serve God/SFC while doing my work at the same time! There are times that I just want to have a rest. But still, I say yes to any service! It is because of my love for my God and the love for my second family - Singles for Christ. God wants to see a heart that desires to honor and cherish Him passionately. God wants to see a heart that is focus on Him and not ourselves; to see people come to faith in Christ and mature in their faith. The attitude and desire behind our actions is critical to being an effective and fruitful worker for God. Learn to seek God! Let God make a way! Have faith in Him!

 

What is faith without action? The Bible says “it’s dead.” So if we want to prosper, we need to express our faith through action. Allow God to strengthen us so that we can be ready to serve and invest in others. That includes allowing God to stretch and mature us through developing our relationship with Him and those around us, as we also take time to relax and ‘recharge our batteries’….to enjoy the hobbies that God has equipped us to enjoy. A balanced life is critical to being an effective vessel for God to use. As important as studying God’s words and doing works for Him is having time out to enjoy what God has given us in relationships, passions, and interests. Connect! Connect with your family, with your loved ones and the community. Make adjustment! Time management is the key!

Why am I here in SFC Oman?

That is to serve GOD because of two things: BELIEF and FAITH.

          The belief to GOD’s goodness & greatness.

          My FAITH that nothing is impossible with HIM. My FAITH that HE will fulfill his promises to us.

Thus, despite of discouragements from other forces (temptation, spiritual dryness/ burnout), still I SERVE GOD.

by Jeff Silvestre, SFC Oman