13. Manna issue 92 - God Guides Our Steps 神引領我們的步伐
Love Lifted Me 愛拯救我
Lin Xin Chen—Singapore 新加坡 Lin Xin Chen
In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, I testify.
奉主耶穌基督聖名，作見証。
I am a second-generation True Jesus Church believer,
so I grew up in the church.
Since young,
I diligently attended church services and religious education (RE) classes.
However, this faith was not personal as I was just blindly following my mother to church.
我是第二代真耶穌教會的信徒，
所以我在教會長大。
從小，
我勤奮參加了教會聚會和宗教教育（RE）課程。
然而，這種信仰並不是個人的信仰，因為我只是盲目跟隨母親去教會。
The Decline 軟弱
My faith gradually declined when I was in secondary school.
I continued this mindless routine of going to church only on Sabbaths
and leaving straight after attending RE class.
There were times when I could not even remember the sermon title.
As I grew older, I became more self-conscious at church
—I felt lonely and afraid to mix with my peers.
I worried about what people would think of me.
I could not comprehend why it was so difficult to make friends in church
when I had so many good friends outside.
I eventually stopped attending RE classes for about three years
and did not join church camps or Bible seminars.
Over the years, many church brethren encouraged me to be more active in church,
but to no avail.
My heart was hardened, and I felt this faith was quite meaningless.
中學時，我的信仰逐漸軟弱。
我繼續這種無腦只去安息日聚會的生活習慣，
並在參加宗教教育課程後，直接離開。
有時，我甚至不記得講道的標題。
隨著年齡的增長，我在教會變得更加自我中心，
—我感到孤獨，害怕與同齡人交流。
我擔心人們會怎麼看我。
我無法理解，為什麼在教會裡交朋友這麼難，
而我在外面卻有這麼多的好朋友。
我最終停止參加宗教教育課程大約三年，
並停止參加教會研習營或聖經研討會。
多年來，有許多教會弟兄鼓勵我在教會能更加主動，
但是卻無濟於事。
我的心很剛硬，我覺得這種信仰毫無意義。
I picked up some bad habits from my non-church friends during this period.
They were good people, but their behaviors were very worldly
—they cracked dirty jokes without a second thought and listened to profanity-filled music.
Under these influences, using vulgar words and hand gestures became habitual.
As I grew increasingly attached to my friends,
I grew increasingly distant from God.
在此期間，我從非信主的朋友那裡，養成了一些壞習慣。
他們都是好人，但他們的行為非常世俗
—他們不假思索就能說出下流的笑話，聽著充滿褻瀆歌詞的音樂。
在這些影響下，使用粗俗的詞語和手勢就成為了習慣。
隨著我越加依賴朋友，
我越加遠離神。
At home, I neither read the Bible nor sang hymns.
I only prayed once a day, and the prayer would last less than a minute.
When I was too tired, I would utter one line, such as:
"Dear God, please help me to sleep well. Amen.
" I was lost in my faith, just as the hymn Love Lifted Me[1] describes:
在家裡，我既不讀聖經，也不會唱讚美詩。
我每天只祈禱一次，禱告時間則持續不到一分鐘。
當我太累的時候，我會說一句話，例如：
“親愛的神，請幫助我睡個好眠。阿們。
“我在自已的信仰中迷失，正如讚美詩愛拯救我[1，343]所描述的：
I was sinking deep in sin,
Far from the peaceful shore,
Very deeply stained within,
Sinking to rise no more.
我深陷溺罪海中，
遠離了安全，
罪惡壓迫極深重，
心靈痛苦失望。
(中文讚美詩 343首)
Although I attended Sabbath church services,
I was constantly engaged with the world.
I was physically in church, but my heart was not receptive to God’s word.
I was aware that my actions were displeasing in God’s eyes,
but I was under the bondage of sin and did not know how to change.
雖然我參加了安息日教會聚會，
我一直都與世界接觸。
我雖身在教會裡，但我的內心不能接受神的話語。
我知道，在神的眼中，自已的行為不討神喜悅，
但我處於罪的捆綁之下，不知道要如何改變。
Unsurprisingly, I did not wish to attend the Students Theological Training Course (STTC),
an annual three-week seminar for students aged fourteen to sixteen.
I came up with various excuses not to join when I was fourteen and fifteen.
In 2016, the church brethren were even more persistent and persuasive,
but I did not relent.
However, after being encouraged by a local church deaconess,
my mum registered me for the course without my consent.
Little did I know it would be a complete life-changer.
勿庸置疑，我不會想參加學生神學訓練班（STTC），
是十四至十六歲學生，參加的三週年度研討會。
我十四、十五歲時，想出了各種不參加的藉口。
2016年的時候，教會弟兄甚至更加堅持說服，
但我沒有讓步。
然而，在當地一位教會女執事的鼓勵下，
我媽媽未經我同意，為我報名參加課程。
我幾乎不知道，這將徹底改變生活。
The Turning Point 轉捩點
My first year of STTC was the turning point of my faith.
I was forced to attend, and I had to be there for twenty-one days, like it or not.
So I thought that I should devote myself to God and start working on my faith.
For the first few days, I felt out of place and uncomfortable.
It was torturous because I had no friends and was not used to this “holy life.”
However, as I returned to square one and started learning about God’s word again,
it felt like I was beginning to know God for the first time in my sixteen years of life.
我在學生神學訓練班 STTC 的第一年，是我信仰的轉折點。
我被迫參加，我必須待在那裡二十一天，不管喜不喜歡。
所以我想，我應該全心投獻給神，開始為信仰而努力。
在最初的幾天裡，我感到格格不入，很不自在。
這種情況很痛苦，因為我沒有朋友，很不習慣過這種“聖潔的生活”。
然而，當我回到起點，又開始學習神的話語時，
感覺就像我十六歲以來，才第一次開始認識神。
God was slowly working within me.
I reflected on my behavior and started to pray for God’s forgiveness.
I begged Him to have mercy on me, for I was ignorant and knew little about Him.
I felt so ashamed that I had sinned so greatly, and I could no longer face Him.
I began to re-examine my faith, realizing how terribly I had fared thus far.
I knew that I needed to pray for the Holy Spirit,
but this felt foreign to me because I had not done it for at least three years.
神在我裡面慢慢改造。
我反省自己的行為，開始祈求神的饒恕。
我求祂憐憫我，因為我無知，對神知之甚少。
我為自己這麼大大犯罪而感到羞愧，再也無法面對祂。
我開始重新審視自己的信仰，明白到目前為止，我的表現是多麼糟糕。
我知道自已需要祈求聖靈，
但這對我來說感覺很陌生，因為我至少三年沒有這樣做了。
As I prayed, I asked God
—the One I had been taught to worship since young
—who He is.
Through the Basic Bible Doctrine classes,
I realized that I needed to be like God
and have His attributes such as holiness, humility, and love
(1 Pet 1:15–16; Jas 4:10; 1 Jn 4:7).
I resolved to change for the better.
I apologized to God for not keeping my faith
and for falling into the temptation of sin and the worldly influence of my friends.
I became aware of the weaknesses of the flesh that were beyond my control.
當我祈禱時，我求問神，
—從小我就被教導要敬拜的那位神
-祂到底是誰。
通過基本聖經教義的課程，
我明白，自已需要像神一樣
並有神的特質，如聖潔、謙卑和慈愛
（彼前 1：15-16；雅 4：10；約壹 4：7）。
我決心改過自新。
我為沒有持守信仰而向神道謙，
以及陷入罪惡的誘惑，和我朋友的世俗影響。
我開始意識到，自已無法控制的肉體的軟弱。
As the days passed, and the more I thought about my sins, the more my heart ached.
I regretted taking God’s name in vain and crediting all glory to myself.
For example, I was doing relatively well in my studies
and felt gratified that my hard work paid off.
I did not understand why I had to give God credit.
I justified my mindset by pointing out that I still had to study for the test
—if I had not worked hard, would I have done well?
However, what a preacher said in class really struck me.
Paraphrasing Psalm 127:1–2, he said,
“If God doesn’t allow it to happen, it wouldn’t happen.”
This is a simple concept, but my pride had blinded me.
I realized that things might not have gone so smoothly if not for God’s will and guidance.
God is displeased when man magnifies himself.
So I begged for the Lord’s forgiveness.
At that point, I felt a great urgency to receive the Holy Spirit as soon as possible.
隨著日子一天天過去，我越想到有罪，內心就越沉痛。
我後悔妄稱神的名，把所有的榮耀都歸於自己。
例如，我的學習成績相對較好，
並且感到欣慰，自已的努力有了回報。
我不明白，自已為什麼要把功勞歸給神。
我指出，自已仍要努力學習準備考試，證明自已的心態是正確的，
—如果我沒有努力，我會有好成績嗎？
然而，課堂上傳道說的話，讓我印象深刻。
他解釋了詩篇 127 篇 1-2節，說：
“如果神不允許事情發生，它就不會發生。”
這是一個很簡單的概念，但我的驕傲使我蒙蔽了雙眼。
我意識到，若不是神的旨意和引導，事情不可能那麼順利。
當人自誇時，神就不會喜悅。
所以我祈求主的饒恕。
那個時候，我有一種要盡快得到聖靈的迫切感。
I persistently told God that
I really wanted to change for the better and abandon my old self in my prayers.
However, I had no confidence in myself
and was afraid that, after the STTC,
I would return to my old ways and depart even further from church.
Hence, I truly needed the Holy Spirit to live within me to help me change.
I knew that I am but flesh
and, thus, I had many faults that I felt powerless to overcome.
I told Him that I was willing to lay down my pride and weaknesses before Him.
I truly yearned for the Holy Spirit through fasting and prayer.
我一直告訴神，
我真的很想要變得更好，並且在禱告中拋棄舊的自我。
然而，我對自己沒有信心，
並且擔心學生神學訓練班 STTC 之後，
我會走回老路，脫離教會更遠。
因此，我真的需要聖靈，長住於內心來幫助我改變。
我知道自已只不過是肉體，
因此，我有很多過錯，自已覺得無力克服。
我告訴祂，我願意在祂面前，放下自已的驕傲和軟弱。
通過禁食祈禱，我真的很渴望聖靈。
Though I prayed earnestly, I felt no improvements in my prayer.
I was growing weary.
I questioned God and started to doubt
whether He was listening to my prayers.
However, part of me knew that God was testing my faith,
to see if I was strong enough to persist.
I thought, If I can’t even persevere now,
how is God going to give me the Holy Spirit?
In every prayer after that, I anticipated
that God would give me the Holy Spirit in that very prayer.
I reminded myself not to doubt God but trust that He would give me the promised Holy Spirit.
雖然我迫切祈禱，但我覺得禱告並沒有任何進步。
我感覺越來越疲倦了。
我質疑神，並開始懷疑，
他到底有沒有垂聽我的禱告。
然而，我一部分知道，神正在考驗我的信心，
看看我是否有足夠的力量堅持下去。
我想，如果自已現在連堅持都做不到，
神要怎麼把聖靈給我呢？
在那之後的每一次祈禱中，我都很期待，
神會在當次禱告中，賜給我聖靈。
我提醒自己不要質疑神，要相信祂會給我應許的聖靈。
God's Acceptance 神的接納
Thank God that I was the first person in that STTC to receive the Holy Spirit.
Upon confirmation by the preachers,
I felt extreme joy in my heart.
God had heard my pleading cries and answered my prayers.
I could barely sleep that night,
knowing that God had not given up on me,
that He was willing to accept me once again.
感謝神，我是學生學生神學訓練班 STTC ，第一個得到聖靈的人。
經由傳道確認之後，
我內心感到無比的喜悅。
神聽到了我的懇求，回應了我的祈禱。
那天晚上我幾乎睡不著，
知道神沒有拋棄我，
他願意再次接納我。
After this experience, I could better understand Paul's message when he writes:
“Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief”
(1 Tim 1:15b).
I truly felt the joy and workings of God transforming my life.
15基督耶穌降世，為要拯救罪人。在罪人中我是個罪魁。
(提前 1：15b)
Five years later, I am actively serving in church.
When I tell others my story,
they cannot believe how rebellious I was in secondary school.
I am a completely different person now.
In hindsight, if I had not attended the STTC,
perhaps I would not be in God’s house today.
Thank God for the brethren who stood by me and encouraged me repeatedly
even though I turned them away time after time.
Indeed, when nothing seemed to help,
it was the love of God that touched and lifted me.
五年後，我一直積極服事教會。
當我告訴別人自已故事的時候，
他們無法相信，我中學時有多麼的叛逆。
現在我是一個完全不同的人。
事後看來，如果我沒有參加學生神學訓練班 STTC，
也許我今天不會留在神的家裡。
感謝神一直有待在我身邊不斷鼓勵我的弟兄姐妹，
即使我一次又一次的拒絕他們。
確實，當幾乎沒有任何幫助的時候，
只有神的愛，感動並拯救我。
My encouragement is this: God has turned me,
such a great sinner, back to Him.
So, as long as we do not give up on ourselves,
God will not give up on us.
Is there anything within us holding us back from obeying God’s word,
or preventing Him from entering our hearts?
If we have received the Holy Spirit,
have we allowed Him to transform us?
Let us continue to hold on to God and His promise.
我的勉勵是這樣的：神改變了我，
這麼重大的罪人，能回到祂的身邊。
所以，只要我們不放棄自己，
神就不會放棄我們。
我們心裡有沒有什麼東西，阻礙我們遵從神的話語呢，
還是阻止祂進入我們的內心呢？
如果我們已經得到了聖靈，
我們有沒有讓祂改變我們呢？
讓我們繼續抓住神和祂的應許。
May all glory be given to God!
Amen.
願一切榮耀都歸予神！
Be Rooted and Grow: Understanding God’s Plan 紮根成長：明白神的計劃
Jonathon Ho—Elgin, UK 英國澳魯景 Jonathon Ho
Hallelujah, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, I testify.
May all glory be unto His name, and may He be glorified through my testimony.
哈利路亞，奉主耶穌基督的名作見證。
願一切榮耀歸於祂的聖名，願他因著我的見證而得到榮耀。
As a youth in today’s society, it is difficult to be submissive.
Many in the wider world are disobeying authority, protesting,
and becoming more vocal in their opinions.
In the church, outside influences like these may stir us up
and entice us to follow the same path of resistance.
作為當今社會的年輕人，很難順服。
廣闊的世界中，有許多人不服從權柄，抗議，
並且更加大聲表達他們的意見。
在教會裡，像這樣的外部影響，可能會激起我們
並引誘我們走同樣的抵抗之路。
But we have to remember:
submission to God and authority keeps us rooted
and allows us to grow in the way God expects us to.
Submission to our parents is of utmost importance
because God commands us to do so
(Col 3:20).
Submission to authorities ensures that we do not stray
and corrupt ourselves morally
(Rom 13:2).
但我們必須記住：
順服神和權柄使我們站立得穩，
並讓我們以神期望我們的方式成長。
順服我們的父母是最重要的，
因為神命令我們當如此行
（西 3：20）。
順服權柄確保我們不會走歪，
在道德上敗壞自己
（羅 13：2）。
God has blessed me through many stages of my life,
but two episodes in my faith journey stand out as the most meaningful.
They serve as a great reminder for me to remain submissive
and rooted in God, to grow in faith.
神在我生命很多階段，都祝福了我，
但在我的信仰之旅中，有兩段時期是最富有意義的。
他們很好地提醒我，要保持順服，
紮根於神，在信仰中成長。
EXAMPLE 1: MY FIRST JOB 範例一：我的第一份工作
Coming out of university, I searched religiously for a job.
It was important to my parents and me that I find employment.
Fortunately, within a year,
I was blessed to find a job nearby in my field of study.
I could stay at home to assist in the family business and the local church work.
大學畢業後，我虔誠地尋找工作。
找到工作對我和父母來說，都很重要。
幸運的是，於一年之內，
我得到祝福，在自已的研究領域，於附近找到一份工作。
我可以留在家裡，協助家族企業和當地教會的聖工。
All seemed well for the first few weeks as I settled in.
Since the work was not difficult or time-consuming,
I spent most of my time on the internet.
I thought this would be fine,
since I always completed my assigned tasks first.
One day, I was called into the manager’s office
where he proceeded to print out every single page of my internet history.
I was shocked to realize that I was now involved in disciplinary proceedings
because of my low productivity.
A second meeting quickly followed
when my attempts to improve were deemed unsatisfactory.
The following day, I was still reeling from these events
when the manager came into the office,
ordered me to collect my belongings, and marched me out of the building.
The walk back home was painfully hard and tearful.
I had never felt so humiliated.
It was like watching a scene straight from a movie
—I could hardly believe this was happening to me.
My mind was plagued with the feeling of failure
and thoughts of how disappointed my parents would be.
在我安頓下來的最初幾週，一切似乎都很美好。
由於這項工作並不困難，或耗費時間，
我大部分時間都花在網路上。
我以為這樣還好，
因為我總是先完成指派的任務。
有一天，我被叫到經理的辦公室，
他開始列印出我網路瀏覽歷史紀錄的每一頁。
我震驚地意識到，現在我正經歷紀律處分的程序，
因為我的工作低生產力。
當我改進的嘗試，被認為令人不滿意的時候，
接著第二次會議緊隨其後。
第二天，我仍然受到這些事情混亂的影響，
當經理走進了辦公室時，
命令我收拾私人物品，然後送我走出大樓。
走回家的路，感覺非常艱辛，讓人傷心淚流滿面。
我從未感到如此受屈辱。
這就像直接觀賞電影片段一樣，
—我簡直不敢相信，這會發生在我身上。
我的內心因為失敗的感覺，而感到痛苦，
並且想到我父母會多麼的失望。
Understanding My Mistake 明白自已的錯誤
After this event, I became resentful towards God.
He had blessed me with the job I wanted,
but then it was taken away abruptly, and in the most humiliating fashion.
It was so easy to blame God and ask Him,
“Why have You done this to me?”
or “What did I do to deserve this?”
這件事之後，我對神產生了怨恨。
他祝福我得到自已想要的工作，
但後來，它突然被取走了，而且以最羞辱的方式。
很容易，我們就責怪神，並質問祂，
“你為什麼要這樣對我？”
或是“我做了什麼事，導致得到這種後果？”
Upon reflection, it was clear where I went wrong.
I was blessed beyond my comprehension but I forgot one thing: God.
Complacency is a dangerous thing.
It provides a false sense of security and opens us up to being easily misled.
We overlook God’s blessings and forget to thank Him for His guidance
—we even begin to think that everything we have achieved was through our own doing.
I thank God that this mindset only lasted a short while.
If I had been rooted firmly,
then I would have remembered God’s providence
and given Him the glory and praise that He deserved daily.
經過反省，很明顯我有哪裡出錯了。
我的祝福超出了自已的認知，但我忘記了一件事：神。
自滿是一件危險的事情。
它帶來了一種虛假的安全感，讓我們很容易被誤導。
我們忽略了神的祝福，忘記感謝祂的引領，
—我們甚至開始認為，自已取得的一切成就，都是通過自已的能力。
我感謝神，這種心態出現，只持續了短暫的時間。
如果我已經紮根穩固，
那麼就會記得是神的預備，
並將每日神應得的榮耀和讚美歸給祂。
Admittedly, I was dismissed because I was at fault.
I took my position for granted and expected an easy ride.
This carefree and complacent attitude was not what God wanted me to have.
It led to my managers becoming suspicious of me,
creating a toxic work environment
where people spoke about me and decided that I was taking advantage of them.
Shamefully, by taking their generosity for granted,
I lost their trust and confidence.
無可否認的是，我會被解僱，是因為自已犯錯。
我認為自已的職位是理所當然，並想要過著輕鬆的生活。
這種沒有憂慮和自得意滿的態度，不是神要我擁有的。
這導致我的經理開始懷疑我，
創造了有害的工作環境
那時人們談論我，並認為我正在利用他們。
很丟臉的是，因為把他們的好心視為理所當然，
我失去了他們的信任和肯定。
Even though this job was a blessing from God,
it did not mean He would overlook my actions.
I was reminded that God would address any adverse consequences of my behavior.
The most important lesson for me was to accept His chastisement.
雖然這份工作是神所賞賜的，
這並不代表了，祂會忽視我的行為。
我得到警告，神會處理我行為的任何不良後果。
對我來說，最重要的一課就是得到祂的懲罰。
EXAMPLE 2: BEING INTRODUCED TO A SISTER 範例二：婚介一位姐妹
More recently, I was approached by a preacher
who wanted to introduce me to a sister for marriage.
I never actively went out to seek a sister,
so I thanked God for His providence and for blessing me with this opportunity.
最近，一位傳道找到我
他想把我介紹給一個姐妹結婚。
我從未主動出去尋找姐妹，
所以我感謝神的預備，並祝福我得到這個機會。
When I relayed the news to my parents, they were overjoyed.
They are not the type to outwardly show their pleasure and approval much,
but I knew they were pleased and joyful through their words and gentle demeanor.
They always encouraged me to pray about this matter
and shared what they expected of a potential spouse
—that she would be a True Jesus Church member from the UK.
These conditions were met.
當我把這個消息轉述給父母的時候，他們很高興。
他們不是那種會在外表上，明顯表現出很喜悅和高度肯定的人，
但我因為他們的言語和溫和的行為舉止，就知道他們很高興又快樂。
他們總是鼓勵我為這件事禱告，
並分享他們對未來可能配偶的期望，
—她一定會是來自英國真耶穌教會的信徒。
而這些條件都達成了。
Throughout the relationship,
I constantly held on to the thought that God had provided me this opportunity,
so I should do my best not to waste it.
However, things did not go to plan, and within a year,
we ended our relationship amicably, with no hard feelings.
在這整個關係中，
我一直堅持認為，神給我預備了這個機會，
所以我應該盡力，不要浪費它。
然而事情並沒有按著計劃進行，一年之內，
我們溫和的結束了我們的關係，沒有難過的感覺。
Questioning God 質疑神
I have never been a person to experience feelings of depression and down-heartedness
—I have always tried to maintain a positive mindset
and not allow negative feelings to show through.
But this time I questioned God.
Shamefully, I asked God in prayer:
“Why have You allowed this to happen?
I have followed Your way
and always ensured I respected and cherished this opportunity You have given me.
I have prayed for this to work out, so why has it come to this?”
I was confused: since God had guided me throughout my life,
why had He allowed this to happen?
我從來不是一個有經歷過憂鬱和心灰意冷的人
—我一直很努力保持正面積極的心態，
並從不允許負面情緒表現出來。
但這一次我質疑了神。
感覺很丟臉，我在禱告中求問神：
“你為什麼會允許這種事發生呢？
我一直遵行了你的道理，
並且始終確保，我有尊重並珍惜你給我的這個機會。
我一直禱告能讓這件事情成功，為什麼這件事進行到這個情況？”
我很困惑：既然神會在我的一生中，一直帶領著我，
為什麼祂會允許讓這件事發生呢？
What My Parents Instilled in Me 父母灌輸在我身上的特質
My parents are quiet in nature,
and I am thankful they are always calm.
They exhibit peace and gentleness in what they say,
never chastising or humiliating me for what I have done.
They always give me the same encouragement whenever I face setbacks:
“God will guide you; keep praying to Him!”
我的父母性格很安靜，
我也很感激，他們總是表現的很冷靜。
他們說話的時候，表現的平靜溫和，
重來沒有因為我的所作所為，而懲罰羞辱我。
每當我遇到挫折的時候，他們總是給我同樣的鼓勵：
“神會引導你； 繼續向他祈禱！”
It sounds generic, and they say it often, but that does not dilute the sentiment.
It rings true on so many levels.
這聽起來很平常，而他們經常這麼說，但這並不能淡化這種情緒。
它運用在很多層面上，都是真實可靠的。
We often think we know what is best for us, and when our plans fall through,
we become annoyed and even angry at God.
It becomes harder to accept
when we understand that these were blessings from God in the first place.
It is tempting to conveniently blame God.
我們常常認為，我們知道什麼對自已最有利，當我們的計劃落空時，
就會憂煩，甚至惱怒神。
當我們明白，一開始這些祝福是從神而來，
就更難接受了。
很容易就會責怪神。
However, my parents have instilled this heart of faith in me:
always remember that God has a plan for us
—difficulties and disappointments included.
They have shown concern for my faith through the family altar, frequent encouragements, and prayers.
They have prayed often to God that I remain rooted in my faith.
然而，我父母給我灌輸了這種信念：
永遠記住，神有為我們準備計劃，
—包括不論是困難或是失望。
他們常常通過家庭祭壇、持續鼓勵和祈禱，表達了對我信仰的關心。
他們常常向神禱告，希望我能保守信仰。
Similar to my first experience,
I became complacent in being matched with a sister.
I took this relationship for granted,
and it was wrong of me to think that everything before me was set.
It takes prayers and submission to God for things to work out, and I lacked this mindset.
Once again, I lacked humility and submission to God,
possibly the deciding factor in the relationship ending.
與我第一次體驗相似，
我開始沾沾自喜，因為能與一位姐妹適配。
我把這段關係，認為是理所當然的，
我認為自已面前的一切都是設定好的，這種想法就是錯的。
事情需要靠著禱告，順服神才能成功，而我缺乏這種心態。
再一次，我缺乏對神的謙卑和順服，
可能就是情感關係結束的決定性因素。
The Challenge That Paul Faced 保羅面對的困難
My struggles remind me of the thorn in Paul’s flesh (2 Cor 12:7).
Even as a strong servant of God,
Paul was still susceptible to weaknesses and challenges.
He needed to plead for God’s help.
Three times Paul prayed, but did God take this “messenger of Satan” away?
No.
Instead, God reminded him:
我的痛苦，讓我想起了保羅的肉體有一根刺（林後 12：7）。
即使作為神的剛強僕人，
保羅仍然容易受到軟弱困難的影響。
他需要祈求神的幫助。
保羅三次禱告，但神有沒有把這個“撒但的使者”趕走呢？
沒有。
相反的，神還提醒他：
“My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.”
(2 Cor 12:9a)
“9他對我說：我的恩典夠你用的，因為我的能力是在人的軟弱上顯得完全。”
(林後 12：9a)
Paul realized that his strength and faith would be perfected in these moments of weakness.
God could have granted Paul’s request
to remove his thorn and allowed him to go on his journey pain-free.
But enduring the pain and overcoming the obstacle was far more beneficial to Paul’s faith.
Paul could have become dismayed and angry with God;
he could have left the ministry to spite God.
However, Paul remained resolute in his faith.
He understood what these sufferings were for.
保羅明白，他的力量和信心會在這些軟弱的時刻得以完全。
神本可以答應保羅的祈求，
除去他身上的刺，讓他沒有痛苦繼續旅程。
但忍受痛苦，並克服障礙，對保羅的信心更有益處。
保羅有可能會對神感到沮喪憤怒。
他有可以離開事工而怨恨神。
然而，保羅的信仰仍是堅定不移。
他明白這些苦難是為了什麼目的。
When we follow God, we may believe that we are strong in our faith.
We may believe that we are firmly rooted and able to grow.
However, when our faith is challenged or when we encounter struggles,
that is when we can truly see how firm our faith is and where our weaknesses lie.
當我們跟隨神的時候，可能會認為自已的信仰很堅強的。
我們可能會認為，自已已經穩固紮根，並且能夠有所成長。
然而，當我們的信心受到挑戰，或是遇到困難的時候，
那時才是，我們真正看清自已信仰堅定的程度，以及發現自已那裡有弱點。
Paul’s mindset completely changed,
from misunderstanding to a complete understanding of why he faced these challenges.
Rather than criticizing God for not responding in the way that he expected,
Paul understood that God’s response was the perfect way to remind him
that God would strengthen him in those difficult times.
They were to strengthen him even further.
保羅的心態徹底改變了，
從有誤會到完全理解，他為什麼面臨到這些困難。
沒有批評神，為何神並沒有以他所期望的方式回應，
保羅明白，神的回應是提醒他的完美方式，
神會在那些困難時期，加添給他力量。
他們是用來進一步加強他的力量。
APPLYING THIS TO MY LIFE 運用於自已的生命中
Reflecting on these two experiences,
I understand why God put me through these situations.
Complacency had seeped into my life and given me a false sense of security.
My service and attitude were lacking,
and God took a back seat while I went on with my life
and took His blessings for granted.
God has His particular way of reminding us about our faith
and how we should constantly seek and please Him.
He uses different methods to remind us if we stray or anger Him,
whether it be a gentle reminder or a brutal wake-up call.
回顧了這兩次的經驗，
我明白為什麼神讓我經歷這些情況。
自滿已經滲透充滿了我的生活，給了我一種虛妄的安全感。
我的服事和心態有所欠缺，
當我繼續自已生活的時候，卻讓神退居次要的地位，
並以為祂的祝福是理所當然的。
神有祂自已特別的方式，來提醒我們關於自已信仰的問題，
以及我們應該如何繼續尋求祂，並討神喜悅。
他使用不同的方法來提醒我們，如果我們迷路了，或是激怒了祂，
無論是一種溫柔的提醒，還是一種殘酷的警鐘。
In those difficult times, blaming God is the easiest option.
I have witnessed youths becoming angered, dismayed, or disillusioned with God
because of what they have been through.
They question God’s motives and plans, seeking an answer to their sufferings,
but overlooking precisely the reason why they are going through such trials:
God wants them to turn to Him for help
and to warn them not to neglect His grace and mercy.
He also wants them to submit to Him to find joy and understanding in the trials
when difficulties arise.
It is when we are weak that we are strengthened.
在那些困難的時候，責怪神是種最簡單的選擇。
我目睹了許多年輕人，對神變得憤怒，沮喪，不抱任何幻想，
因為他們所經歷的情況。
他們質疑了神的動機和計劃，尋找他們受到苦難的答案，
但真正忽略了，他們會經歷這些考驗的原因：
神希望他們向神，來尋求幫助，
神想要警告他們，不要忽視祂的恩典和憐憫。
當有困難出現的時候，
祂也希望他們能順服神，在考驗中能找到喜樂和了解。
只有當我們軟弱的時候，我們才有機會變得剛強。
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you,
says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil,
to give you a future and a hope.
(Jer 29:11)
11耶和華說：我知道我向你們所懷的意念是賜平安的意念，
不是降災禍的意念，
要叫你們末後有指望。
(耶 29：11)
This verse serves as a good reminder
that God is not playing around with us
when challenges arise or things do not go our way.
He does not find pleasure in our downfall;
rather, He is pleased
when we realize our wrongs
and turn to Him for strength and guidance.
這節經文是一個很好的提醒，
當有挑戰的出現，事情不能我們所願的時候，
神不是和我們在開玩笑。
祂並不喜歡我們遇到失敗；
相反的，當我們明白自己的錯誤，
並轉向祂尋求力量和引導的時候，
祂就會很高興。
For myself, God is reminding me
that when I am lost or feel challenged,
this is the time to turn to Him.
Rather than becoming disgruntled,
we should, like Paul, find strength in our weakness, submit to God,
and stir up our zeal to draw closer to Him.
That way, we become further rooted in God and can appreciate His blessings.
We will want to do more for Him when He is constantly by our side.
對我而言，神在提醒我，
當我迷失，或感到困難的時候，
就是這個時候要轉向神。
與其這時表現的很不服氣，
我們應該要像保羅一樣，在自已的軟弱中尋找力量，順服神，
並激起我們的熱心，能與神更加親近。
這麼一來，我們就更加深入紮根於神，並能感謝神的祝福。
當祂一直陪在我們身邊的時候，我們就會想為祂做更多的事情。
We may not always understand why something is happening,
but we must accept God’s plan instead of grumbling.
I truly thank God that He has rooted me firmly to understand His will
and why He sometimes puts me through challenging times.
He has blessed me beyond my expectations.
我們可能不是總能，明白為什麼會發生某些事情，
但我們必須接受神的計劃，而不是抱怨。
我真的感謝神，讓我堅定紮根，能明白他的旨意，
以及為什麼他有時候，會讓我遇到充滿困難的時期。
他對我的祝福，超出了我的期望。
Refinement Is Key for Us as Youths 精煉對我們青年很重要
Because we must undergo this refining process
(1 Pet 1:6–7),
we know that we will face difficulties at various points in our lives.
Although this seems daunting,
we can come to this understanding:
God will guide us if we turn to Him
(Mk 11:22–23).
When we turn to Him for help,
we realize just how vulnerable we are.
We realize we are so weak without Him.
因為我們必須經過這個精煉過程，
（彼前 1：6-7），
我們知道，自已會於生活的各個階段，面臨困難。
雖然這看起來令人覺得很可怕，
我們可以得出這樣的理解：
如果我們轉向神，祂就會引導我們
（可 11：22-23）。
當我們向祂求助的時候，
我們才會明白，自已到底是有多麼脆弱。
我們意識到，沒有祂的幫助，我們有多麼的軟弱。
A preacher once said:
“In times of suffering, turn your head to God.”
We must constantly remember that God does not seek to make our lives difficult.
We bring difficulties on ourselves through our disobedience and willfulness,
when we go against God.
I have learned the hard way that being firmly rooted in God is imperative for youths.
Strive to root ourselves in the truth firmly,
and He will surely allow us to flourish
(1 Pet 2:2).
Become always submissive to Him,
and our fervor in God will never wane.
一位傳道曾經說過：
“在困難的時候，把你的頭轉向神。”
我們必須時刻記住，神並不是想讓我們的生活變得艱難。
當我們與神作對的時候
因為自已的不順服和任性，而給自己帶來了困難。
我經過了痛苦艱難的學習，才學會要堅定紮根於神，對年輕人來說是必要的。
自已堅定努力紮根真理，
祂就一定會讓我們蓬勃發展
（彼前 2：2）。
轉變成永遠順服神，
我們對神的熱情永遠不會減少。
May all glory be unto His name. Amen!
願一切榮耀歸予祂的聖名。阿們！
Put God Above Our Goals 把神放在我們目標之上
Eve Chin—London, UK 英國倫敦 Eve Chin
In 2014, I came to the United Kingdom from Malaysia to pursue higher education.
I felt immense pressure to excel and make my family proud.
Like many Asian parents, my father invested a lot of money in my education
so I could obtain good qualifications.
Naturally, I felt the need to do my absolute best,
but this sense of duty to please my parents
caused excessive stress along the way and hindered my relationship with God.
Over time, however,
I learned that academic and physical achievements should not be my main focus.
No matter how hard I try, it is God who gives success
(Ps 127:1).
He has the power to give and to take away.
And just as Jesus promised,
when I learned to seek first the kingdom of God,
He took care of all my physical needs
(Mt 6:33).
2014年，我從馬來西亞來到英國，接受高等教育。
因為要進步，並讓我的家人驕傲，讓我感到了巨大的壓力。
像許多的亞洲父母一樣，我父親在我的教育上，投入了大量金錢，
所以我才可以獲得良好的資格。
自然而然，我覺得有必要盡我所能，
但有這種責任感來取悅父母，
一路而來造成了過度的壓力，阻礙了我與神的關係。
然而，隨著時間的推移，
我了解到，學術和肉體的成就，不應該是我的主要焦點。
無論我多麼努力，都是神賞賜的成功
（詩 127：1）。
祂有能力給予和取走。
正如耶穌所應許的，
當我學會了先尋求神國神義，
祂照顧我所有的身體需求
（太 6：33）。
BUILDING MY FAITH IN A FOREIGN COUNTRY 在國外建立自已的信仰
I decided to study at the University of Reading,
which is within traveling distance of the True Jesus Church in Central London,
since studying in London itself was too expensive.
I studied hard and tried my best to keep the Sabbath in my first year.
To me, this meant attending at least one church service on Saturday.
Even though I was born into the True Jesus Church,
there was a considerable gap between my biblical knowledge
and how I lived out God’s word in practical terms.
Although they did not state it directly,
the church youth tried to help me keep the full Sabbath
by persistently inviting me to sleep over at church on Friday and Saturday nights.
It is apt that my welcome gift from the London youths was a framed photo with the Bible verse:
我決定去雷丁大學學習，
那裡距離倫敦市中心的真耶穌教會會堂，僅有幾步之遙，
因為在倫敦學習這件事，本身就很花費金錢。
我很努力學習，並盡我所能在第一年遵守安息日。
對我來說，這代表了，周六時至少要參加一場教會聚會。
即使我出生在真耶穌教會，
我的聖經知識，以及我如何實際活出上神的話語，
都有相當大的落差。
雖然他們沒有直接說明，
但是教會青年試圖幫我遵守完整的安息聖日，
通過持續邀請我在周五和周六晚上，在教會過夜。
剛好從倫敦青年那裡收到的歡迎禮物，是一張聖經經節的裱框照片：
“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness,
and all these things shall be added to you.”
(Mt 6:33)
33你們要先求他的國和他的義，
這些東西都要加給你們了。
(太 6：33)
Jesus said we need not worry about what we will eat or what we will wear;
we should not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow has its own worries.
Today’s worth of trouble is enough
(Mt 6:31, 34).
The anxieties of life are never-ending.
Indeed, we can plan, but if God is not willing,
things will not go as we intended
(Jas 4:13–15).
So rather than worrying endlessly about the future,
we should seek first the things above.
Seek God’s word, righteousness, and kingdom;
then He will take care of our needs.
耶穌說我們不必擔心吃什麼，穿什麼；
我們不應該為明天憂慮，因為明天自有有它的憂慮。
一天的難處一天當就夠了。
（太 6：31, 34）。
生活的煩惱永無止息。
的確，我們可以計劃，但如果神不願意，
事情不會像我們想要的那樣發展
（雅 4：13-15）。
所以與其無休止的擔心未來，
我們應該先尋求天國的事情。
尋求神的話語、公義、國度；
然後祂會照顧我們的需要。
Therefore, during my university years,
I learned to let go of my worries, put God first in my life, and trust in Him.
因此，大學期間，
我學會了放下憂慮，把神放在自已生命的首位，並信靠祂。
STRUGGLES BETWEEN ACADEMIC PURSUIT AND GOD 學業與神之間的掙紮
Thank God, my foundation year and the first year of my Bachelor’s degree went smoothly.
I studied diligently but gradually started putting God first
and observing the full Sabbath day.
However, the second year was more difficult.
The amount of coursework and exams doubled,
and so did my stress levels.
What if I could only manage a pass?
How could I let my father spend so much money for such a disappointing result?
What if I end up with a low-paying job and cannot earn enough to repay my father?
Furthermore, paying for weekly train tickets down to London added to my financial worries.
感謝神，我的大學基礎班和學士的第一年，進展順利。
我努力學習，但逐漸開始把神放在第一位，
並遵守完整的安息日。
然而，第二年更加困難。
課程作業和考試的數量成倍增長，
我受壓力程度也是如此。
如果我只能勉強有一科過關，那要怎麼辦？
我怎麼能夠讓我父親花這麼多錢之後，來得到這麼令人失望的結果？
如果我最後只得到一份低薪工作，卻無法賺到足夠的錢來回報父親怎麼辦？
此外，每週要支付去倫敦的火車票，也增加了我財務上的擔憂。
Sometimes, I would find peace through prayer;
at other times, I could not handle the pressure.
In those moments, I felt suffocated and found no relief.
For the sake of studying, I spent less time in church.
There were a few occasions when I did not attend Sabbath services.
I preferred using my time to study or do coursework with my peers.
Spending more time with my university friends seemed to make perfect sense
because we had the same goal to do well academically.
However, strangely, my grades dropped that year.
If my university had not reviewed our course and adjusted the pass rate,
I would have failed one of my modules.
有時候，我會禱告尋求平安；
其他時候，我又無法承受壓力。
那那樣的時刻，我感覺好像窒息，無法得到解脫。
為了學習的原故，我用在教會的時間減少了。
甚至有好幾次，我沒有去參加安息日聚會。
我比較喜歡利用我的時間和同學，一起學習或做課程作業。
用更多時間與大學的朋友在一起，似乎完全理所當然，
因為我們有相同的目標，想要學業上取得好成績。
然而，很奇怪的是，那一年我的成績掉下來了。
如果我的大學沒有重新檢視我們的課程，並調整合格率的話，
我可以會有其中一門課程當掉。
Why did my results not reflect my effort?
I was frustrated, and I felt the world was unfair.
What more could I do?
That was when I started to reflect deeply on my Christian life.
為什麼我得到的結果，並沒有反應出我的努力呢？
我很沮喪，覺得這個世界很不公平。
我還能做什麼努力呢？
那時，就是我開始深刻反省自已的基督徒生活的時候。
And further, my son, be admonished by these.
Of making many books there is no end,
and much study is wearisome to the flesh.
Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter:
Fear God and keep His commandments,
For this is man’s all.
(Eccl 12:12–13)
12我兒，還有一層，你當受勸戒：
著書多，沒有窮盡；讀書多，身體疲倦。
13這些事都已聽見了，總意就是：
敬畏神，謹守他的誡命，
這是人所當盡的本分（
或譯：這是眾人的本分）。
(傳 12：12-13)
The Preacher says there is no end to wisdom and studying can weary the flesh.
God tells us that, instead of pursuing endless knowledge,
we should focus on fearing Him and keeping His commandments.
傳道者說，智慧永無止境，學習會使肉體疲倦。
神告訴我們，與其追求無盡的知識，
我們應該專注於敬畏神和遵守祂的誡命。
Thank God that
He gave me a summer internship in London that year despite my shortcomings.
I was away from university, my university peers, and friends for two months.
I could attend Wednesday youth fellowships
and had no excuse for missing the Sabbath
or Sunday church activities.
Day in, day out, I spent my time wisely for God.
感謝神，
儘管我有缺點，那年祂還是給了我在倫敦的暑期實習機會。
我有兩個月離開大學、大學同學和朋友。
我可以參加週三的青年團契，
並且沒有藉口錯過安息日，
或週日的教會活動。
日復一日，我明智地為神運用時間。
RECEIVING THE HOLY SPIRIT 得到聖靈
Before my summer internship ended,
we had a fellowship with brothers and sisters
who had just returned from the Youth Theological Training Course.
One brother shared how he had received the Holy Spirit during the three weeks.
Initially, when the preacher confirmed
that he had received the Holy Spirit,
the brother would not accept it
because he did not feel anything in his prayer
and did not feel his tongue roll.
Based on testimonies he had heard,
he was expecting an extraordinary experience,
like fire or a bright light shining from heaven.
The preacher later approached him twice to confirm that he had received the Holy Spirit,
yet the brother did not believe.
The preacher rebuked him and encouraged the brother
to pray with him to ask God’s forgiveness for his unbelief.
He felt his tongue roll in that prayer and was finally convinced
that he had received the Holy Spirit.
暑期實習結束之前，
我們與兄弟姐妹正好有團契活動，
他們剛剛好從青年神學訓練班回來。
有一位弟兄分享，他如何在這三個星期裡，得到了聖靈。
最初，當傳道証實，
他領受聖靈的時候，
這位弟兄無法接受，
因為他的禱告沒有任何感覺，
並且沒有感到自已的舌頭會跳動。
根據他以前聽到的見證，
他期待得到非常特殊的體驗，
像是有天上照下來的火焰或亮光。
傳道後來兩次去找他，証實他已經得到了聖靈，
然而這位弟兄卻不相信。
傳道人責備他，鼓勵這位弟兄，
與他一起祈禱，祈求上帝饒恕他的不信。
在那個祈禱中，他感覺到自己舌頭的滾動，最終深信，
他已經得到了聖靈。
I was ashamed when I heard this testimony.
I had been praying for the Holy Spirit for so long.
Perhaps, deep down, I, too, was unbelieving.
當我聽到這個見證的時候，自已感到很慚愧。
我一直以來已經為求聖靈，禱告了很久。
也許，在內心深處，我也是沒有信心的。
Before the youths parted ways, we prayed in the chapel.
I kept the testimony in my heart and cried out to God to forgive my unbelieving heart.
I sincerely apologized to God and told Him
that I did not know what else to do apart from crying out to Him.
I asked Him to forgive me, teach me, and guide me.
Suddenly, I felt my tongue rolling.
I knew that God had given me His Holy Spirit.
I could not stop crying; I was overjoyed.
Everything made sense to me,
and I understood that God is the Almighty God.
He is omniscient and everlasting.
It was then that I realized, without the Holy Spirit’s guidance,
it is impossible to understand the things of God
(Jn 16:13; 1 Cor 2:11).
That Sabbath, the preacher confirmed
that I had received the Holy Spirit.
Praise God!
在各位青年分道揚鑣之前，我們在會堂裡禱告。
我心裡記住這個見證，向神呼求赦免我不信的心。
我真誠地向神道歉，並告訴祂，
除了向祂呼求之外，自已不知道還能做些什麼事。
我求祂原諒我，教導我，引導我。
突然間，我感覺到自已的舌頭開始跳動。
我知道神已將祂的聖靈賜給我。
我忍不住一直哭； 那時我欣喜若狂。
我終於明白了一切，
我明白神是全能的真神。
他是無所不知的，永永遠遠。
直到那時我才意識到，若沒有聖靈的引導，
就不可能明白神的事
（約 16：13；林前 2：11）。
那個安息日，傳道證實，
我已經得到了聖靈。
感謝讚美神！
GOD’S MERCY AND GRACE WHEN YOU SEEK HIM FIRST 先求神國神義時，神的憐憫和恩典
In the final year of my course,
I tried to adjust my life to live out my faith.
This time around, I had the help of the Holy Spirit.
Thank God, the academic stress was a lot easier to bear.
I was more willing to travel to the church in London
to spend time with God
and partake in Sunday prayer sessions, church activities, and youth fellowships.
Through continual prayers and encouragement from the brethren,
I could focus on the things above rather than my worldly goals.
在我課程的最後一年，
我試著調整自已的生活，能表現出自已的信仰。
這一次，我有聖靈的幫助。
感謝神，學業壓力大幅減輕了許多。
我更願意長述旅行前往倫敦的教會，
花時間與神相處，
參加週日的禱告會、教會活動和青年團契。
通過不斷的祈禱和弟兄姐妹的鼓勵，
我可以專心集中於天國的事情，而不是我的世俗目標。
He who walks with wise men will be wise,
But the companion of fools will be destroyed.
(Prov 13:20)
20與智慧人同行的，必得智慧；
和愚昧人作伴的，必受虧損。
(箴 13：20)
If we spend more time with our brethren
—be it in fellowship, conversation over tea,
or even shopping trips
—we give God more opportunities to work among us.
We have more chances to engage in godly conversations.
如果我們花更多的時間與弟兄姐妹在一起，
—無論是團契，還是喝茶聊天，
甚至一起購物之行，
—我們給神有更多在我們中間作工的機會。
我們有更多的機會進行敬虔的對話。
In the eyes of my university friends,
I may have seemed foolish
because I no longer spent as much time studying or networking.
While our education and career are important,
I realized that these matters should not come before our faith.
在我的大學朋友的眼中，
我可能看起來很愚蠢，
因為我不再花那麼多時間，來學習或是與人社交。
雖然我們的學業職業都很重要，
我明白了，這些事情的重要性，不應該擺在我們的信仰之前。
[A]s newborn babies, desire the pure milk of the word,
that you may grow thereby.
(1 Pet 2:2)
2就要愛慕那純淨的靈奶，像才生的嬰孩愛慕奶一樣，
叫你們因此漸長，以致得救。
(彼前 2：2)
Rather than yearning for the things of the world,
we should yearn for the word of God as newborns long for pure milk
because God’s word gives life and leads to salvation.
與其嚮往世間的事物，
我們應該像新生兒渴望純淨奶水一樣，渴望神的話語，
因為神的話語賦予生命，並且帶人得到救恩。
Praise the Almighty God that,
of the three years of my degree,
I achieved my highest grade in the final year.
Even though I did not graduate with a first-class distinction
—as was my ambition
—I was completely at peace.
感謝讚美全能的真神，
在我這三年的學習中，
最後一年我得到了自已最高的成績。
即使我沒有以最頂級的成績畢業
—如我的野心想要的一樣
—但我有完全的平安。
Turn away my eyes from looking at worthless things,
And revive me in Your way.
(Ps 119:37)
37求你叫我轉眼不看虛假，
又叫我在你的道中生活。
(詩 119：37)
Often, we do not know that the things stored in our hearts are worthless.
We need to open up to God
to ask Him to guide us and show us what displeases Him.
When He does, we should submit to Him.
If we seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, bit by bit,
He will surely revive us in His way.
He is faithful to those who are faithful to Him
(Deut 7:9).
很多時候，我們並不知道，藏在我們心中的東西一文不值。
我們需要向神敞開心扉，
求神引導我們，讓我們知道什麼事情不得神喜悅。
當神這麼做的時候，我們就應該順服神。
如果我們先一點一點的尋求神國神義，
神一定會以祂的方式使我們再生。
神對於那些忠於他的人，信守誠實
（申 7：9）。
May all glory be unto God’s name. Amen.
願一切榮耀歸予神的聖名。阿們。
Journey of Faith 信仰的旅程
Rachel Lin—Calgary, Canada 加拿大卡加利 Rachel Lin
RAISED IN THE FAITH 信仰振興
As a fourth-generation True Jesus Church believer,
I was baptized as a baby and inherited the faith from my parents.
My family showed me how important God is to them
through their words and their service to God.
From their testimonies of how they turned to the Almighty God
and how He guided them in their lives,
I gained conviction in my faith.
And I, too, developed a personal relationship with God.
作為第四代真耶穌教會信徒，
我從小就受洗，並從父母那裡傳承了信仰。
家人用他們的語言和事奉神，
向我展示了神對他們的重要性。
從他們如何轉向全能真神的見證中，
以及神如何引領他們的生活，
我自己的信仰亦得確認。
我也與神建立了個人的關係。
Our relationship with God is not only based on whether or not we believe.
As we face different challenges and circumstances in life,
our faith grows with us.
For example, Jacob grew up hearing about the works of God
and inherited the same faith and promises as his forefathers
(Heb 11:9).
However, only through his trials did Jacob establish his relationship with God.
God used the adversities Jacob faced
to show him that He is the one true God.
These experiences strengthened Jacob’s faith
and transformed him from a self-centered young man to a humble servant
who understood his place before the Lord.
Likewise, today, the difficulties we face in our lives can deepen our faith.
我們與神的關係，不僅取決於我們是否相信神。
當我們在生活中，面對不同的挑戰和環境時，
我們的信仰亦會一起成長。
例如，雅各從小就聽著神的作為，
並繼承了他的祖先一樣的信仰和應許
（來 11：9）。
然而，只有通過他自已的試驗，雅各才得以建立了他與神的關係。
神使用雅各所面臨的苦難，
向他展示，祂才是獨一的真神。
這些經歷加強了雅各的信心，
把他一個以自我為中心的年輕人，轉變為謙卑的僕人，
他明白在主面前，自已的地位如何。
同樣的，今日，我們生活中面臨的困難，可以加深我們的信仰。
Here, I share two periods of my life
where I, too, felt God guiding me into a fuller understanding of my faith.
於此，我要分享自已生命中的兩個時期，
那時，我也感覺到，神引導我能更加全面性的了解自已的信仰。
PERIOD 1: MOVING AWAY TO STUDY 時期一：外出就學
In 2012, I moved to London for three years of university.
It was my first time living away from home
and attending services at the two churches in London.
Nevertheless, the warmth I received from the London brethren
made me feel very much at home.
During my first year, I stayed at student accommodation.
Due to my shy and reserved nature,
I struggled to form meaningful friendships with my classmates.
As a result, I spent the year with minimal peer interaction.
If it were not for the midweek youth fellowships, Friday night services,
and weekly Sabbath sleepovers at church,
I would have lived a very isolated existence
and would not be as happy as I am today.
2012 年，我搬到倫敦讀大學三年。
這是我第一次離家遠居，
並參加倫敦的兩間教會聚會。
儘管如此，我從倫敦弟兄姐妹那裡得到的溫暖，
讓我有賓至如歸的感覺。
第一年的時候，我住在學生宿舍。
由於我害羞和矜持的性格，
我努力與同學建立有意義的友誼。
結果，我花了一年的時間，卻與同學互動最少。
如果不是有一周中間的青年團契，週五的晚上聚會，
每周安息日教會過夜，
我會過著非常孤立的生活，
也不會像今日這樣如此開心。
Living alone taught me
that our relationship with God depends on the efforts we invest in it.
Back at home, routines had been long established,
and I did not have to work to keep my faith.
However, I had to take responsibility for my own faith at university.
Preserving my faith became a matter of self-discipline.
Although it would have been easy to justify my absence from church,
I did not allow myself
to make excuses for any laziness, poor time management, or lack of motivation.
I made sure to attend all the fellowships and services.
獨居教會了我，
我們與神的關係，取決於我們在其中投入的心力。
若是回到家鄉，早已確立了日常生活習慣，
我不必付出精力來維持自已的信仰。
但是在大學裡，我必須為自己的信仰負責。
維持自已的信仰成為了一種自律的任務。
雖然很容易可以合理化自已不去教會的理由，
我卻沒有放縱自己，
可以為任何懶惰、時間管理不當，或缺乏動機來找藉口。
我盡力能參加所有的團契活動和事奉工作。
Despite my efforts, I still felt distant from God.
The life I led did not reflect that of a child of God.
My attitude towards the Most High God was not of reverence and fear.
My days were spent in a self-centered and imprudent manner.
While we caution ourselves against committing obvious sins
such as fornication, stealing, and murder,
we tend to overlook the supposedly less severe forms of sin,
sometimes to the point that we deem them to be normal.
For example, social media and gaming addictions are forms of idol worship in today’s context.
If we are not alert and discerning,
these sins will lead to the hardening of our hearts
and, ultimately, spiritual death.
Anything that does not follow the word of God will draw us away from Him.
儘管我很努力，但我仍然覺得與神相距甚遠。
我的生活方式，並不能反映出神兒女的生活。
我對至高真神的態度，並沒有敬畏。
我的日子以自我為中心和輕率的方式度過。
雖然我們會警誡自己，不要犯明顯的罪過，
比如姦淫、偷盜和謀殺，
我們往往會輕忽了那些所謂的不太嚴重的罪惡形式，
有時到一種新的地步，而我們認為他們出現是正常的。
例如，社交媒體和遊戲上癮，是當今環境背景下的各種偶像崇拜形式。
如果我們沒有警覺心，有分辨力，
這些罪最終會導致我們的內心剛硬
到最後，導至靈命的死亡。
任何不遵從神話語的事情，都會使我們遠離祂。
Beware, brethren,
lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God;
but exhort one another daily,
while it is called “Today,”
lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.”
(Heb 3:12–13)
12弟兄們，你們要謹慎，
免得你們中間或有人存著不信的惡心，把永生神離棄了。
13總要趁著還有今日，天天彼此相勸，
免得你們中間有人被罪迷惑，心裡就剛硬了。
(來 3：12-13)
Towards the end of my first year,
I reflected on the state of my faith and knew I had to improve.
I did not want my faith to be simply habitual.
I realized that to sustain a meaningful relationship with God,
I had to be more sincere and zealous in my worship.
In the following university years,
I strove to live a God-centered life.
When we genuinely seek God,
He reveals Himself through His word and the Holy Spirit.
I learned many spiritual teachings
and developed a close relationship with God in this period.
在我第一學年快結束的時候，
我反省了自已的信仰狀況，知道我必須有所改進。
我不希望自已的信仰只是單純的習慣性。
我明白，到要維持與神的有意義的關係，
我必須更加虔誠熱心來敬拜祂。
在接下來的大學時間，
我努力過以神為中心的生活方式。
當我們真心尋求神的時候，
神經由祂的話語和聖靈，展現祂自已。
我學到了許多屬靈的教訓，
並在此時期，與神建立了親密的關係。
PERIOD 2: RETURNING HOME 時期二：回歸故鄉
During my three years in London,
I adapted well to the fast-paced city lifestyle
and started actively serving God.
Upon graduation, I returned home
to a quiet town on the edge of the equally quiet city of Sunderland.
Once again, it was a struggle to adjust to the change in environment.
I found myself suddenly without a timetable or direction in life.
Although I found great comfort in being reunited with family
and having fellowship with church members,
I felt empty and confused.
在倫敦的三年之間，
我很順利的適應了快節奏的城市生活方式，
並開始積極地服事神。
畢業後我回到家鄉，
來到安靜的桑德蘭市邊緣的一個同樣安靜的小鎮。
再一次，要適應環境的變化很是費力。
在生活中，我突然發現自己沒有時間表或目標方向。
雖然我在與家人團聚中，得到了大大的生活富足
並能與教會信徒互相交流，
但我卻感到空虛和困惑。
Logically, the next step for me was to find a job,
but I did not know where to start.
Entering the working world was a daunting prospect.
I found myself among thousands of applicants
vying for limited vacancies in the aftermath of the global recession of the late-2000s.
During my search, I was offered a position that required me to work one Sabbath a month.
In my state of desperation,
I considered accepting the offer.
I spent a long time rationalizing the decision.
However, reflecting upon God’s teachings on the Sabbath,
I understood that I must not compromise my faith,
and I turned down the job.
From then on, I firmly refused work that challenged or jeopardized my faithfulness to God’s will,
no matter how tempting.
After a year and a half of unsuccessful job-hunting,
I was discouraged and dejected.
I wondered why God was not giving me a chance.
I felt like a failure to God and those around me.
從邏輯上來說，我的下一步是找一份工作，
但我不知道要從哪裡開始。
進入職場世界，是一個令人生畏的景像。
我發現自己在處於成千上萬的申請人之中，
在 2000 年後期的全球經濟衰退餘波中，競爭有限的職位空缺。
在我搜尋的過程中，我找到了一個職位，要求我每月有一個安息日要工作。
在我絕望的狀態下，
我考慮接受這個工作邀請。
我花了很長時間來合理化這個決定。
然而，回想到神的安息日教導，
我明白了，自已不能妥協信仰，
所以我拒絕了這份工作。
從此之後，我堅定拒絕會考驗或危及我對神旨意虔誠的工作，
無論工作有多麼誘人。
經過一年半的求職失利，
我感到沮喪失意。
我想知道，為什麼神不給我機會。
對神和我周圍的人而言，自已感到失敗。
Nevertheless, God’s blessings remain upon us even in times of despair.
In retrospect,
I realize the two-year break God gave me between graduation and starting work
was a precious time of rest and self-reflection.
While I was preoccupied with job-hunting,
I ended up taking the blessing of quietude and the opportunity to serve for granted.
Now that I am working, I long to return to that period of tranquility.
Without work commitments,
I attended many church events, served in various church seminars,
and even volunteered on a one-month missionary trip to Africa.
These opportunities were God’s gift to me.
I also spent much quiet time with God,
praising Him in word and through hymns.
As I drew nearer to Him, I recognized
that although I have little to offer,
I am still saved by grace through faith
(Eph 2:8–9).
All the world’s riches, fame, and glory are unprofitable
if one does not know God.
然而，即使在絕望的時候，神的祝福仍然臨到我們身上。
回想起來，
我意識到，神於畢業和開始工作之間，給了我兩年的休息時間，
是一段寶貴的休息及自我反省的時光。
正當我忙著找工作的時候，
我到最後，把平靜安穩的祝福和服事神的機會，視為理所當然。
現在我已經開始工作了，但卻渴望回到那段平靜的時期。
當時沒有工作的約束，
我參加了許多的教會活動，參與各種教會研討會的服事工作，
甚至自願參加為期一個月的非洲宣教之旅。
這些機會，都是神給我的禮物。
我也度過了很多安靜的時間，與神相處在一起，
用言詞與讚美詩歌頌讚祂。
當我更加靠近神的時候，我才明白，
雖然我只有一點點可以奉獻，
我仍然因著信仰的恩典而得救
（弗 2：8-9）。
世間所有的財富、名譽和榮耀都沒有好處，
如果一個人不認識神。
Thus says the LORD:
“Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom,
Let not the mighty man glory in his might,
Nor let the rich man glory in his riches;
But let him who glories glory in this,
That he understands and knows Me,
That I am the LORD,
exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth.
For in these I delight,”
says the LORD.
(Jer 9:23–24)
23耶和華如此說：
智慧人不要因他的智慧誇口，
勇士不要因他的勇力誇口，
財主不要因他的財物誇口。
24誇口的卻因他有聰明，認識我是耶和華，
又知道我喜悅在世上施行慈愛、公平，和公義，
以此誇口。
這是耶和華說的。
(耶 9：23-24)
To lead a meaningful life,
one must live for God.
Whatever our earthly pursuits,
our purpose and decisions in life should be centered around God.
要過著有意義的生活，
我們必須為神而活。
無論我們有什麼世俗的追求，
我們生活的目標和決定，應該以神為中心。
To stay rooted in Christ,
we need to prioritize God in our lives.
We must know what we believe in and trust in His promises with all our heart.
Jacob came to acknowledge the Lord as His God and Master
as he overcame various troubles in his life.
To a lesser extent,
I also witnessed the power of God
and felt His guiding hand working in my life as I faced problems.
Through both my university time and job-hunting journey,
God never failed to guide and bless me with many opportunities.
In any new life experience,
whether great or small,
Jesus can teach us a lot about our relationship with Him
if we allow ourselves to be sensitive to His guidance.
The lesson I learned is
that we must be God-fearing children,
always trusting and following Him throughout our life journey.
要紮根在基督裡，
我們需要在自已的生活中優先考慮神。
我們必須知道自已相信的是什麼，並全心全意相信祂的應許。
當雅各經過克服生活中的各種困難之後，
他肯定確認，主耶和華是他的神和救主。
若在較小的程度上，
當我生活中面臨問題時，
我也見證了神的力量，
感受到他帶領之手的工作。
經由我的大學時光和求職旅程，
神總是給我很多機會來引導和祝福我。
無論在任何新奇的生活體驗中，
無論是大事是小事，
耶穌可以教導我們很多事，關於我們與祂的關係
如果我們允許自己能夠很敏感，察覺祂的引導。
我學到的教訓是，
我們必須成為敬畏神的孩子，
在我們整個人生旅程中，始終相信並且跟隨祂。
Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths.
Do not be wise in your own eyes;
Fear the LORD and depart from evil.
(Prov 3:5–7)
5你要專心仰賴耶和華，不可倚靠自己的聰明，
6在你一切所行的事上都要認定他，他必指引你的路。
7不要自以為有智慧；要敬畏耶和華，遠離惡事。
(箴 3：5-7)
[1] By James Rowe (1912).
小頁 markvmax@hotmail.com
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