10. Manna issue 89 - Youth_Work While There is Time 青年：趁時日無多努力工作
Jordan Kwok—Newcastle, UK 英國紐卡索 Jordan Kwok
Hallelujah!
Thank the Lord for His immense love and grace toward His children.
May His name be proclaimed among the nations, and may His glory be magnified.
哈利路亞！
感謝主對祂兒女廣大浩瀚的慈愛和恩典。
願祂的名在萬民中傳揚，願祂的榮耀彰顯。
The Bible tells us that God disciplines, chastens and refines His children,
those whom He loves dearly
(Heb 12:7; Rev 3:19a).
He allows us to go through trials to lead us to repentance
so that we can become holy;
to purge us of our impurities so that we may become offerings in righteousness;
and to test us to see if we are indeed faithful to Him
(Rev 3:19b; Heb 12:10; Mal 3:3; Zech 13:9).
Only through suffering can we enter the kingdom of God,
and only through persecution can we live a godly life in Christ Jesus
(Acts 14:22; 2 Tim 3:12).
聖經告訴我們，神懲罰、管教、熬煉祂的兒女，
因為他們是神所深愛的人
（來 12:7；啟 3:19a）。
他讓我們經歷試煉，引領我們悔改
使我們成為聖潔；
淨化我們的不潔，使我們成為公義的獻祭；
並考驗我們，看看我們是否真的忠於祂
（啟 3:19b；來 12:10；瑪 3:3；亞 13:9）。
只有經歷苦難，我們才能進入神國，
只有體驗到逼迫，我們才能在基督耶穌裡，過著敬虔的生活
（徒 14:22；提後 3:12）。
However, we should not be dismayed,
because if we can withstand these tests of faith by drawing strength from Jesus our Lord and King,
then our robes will be washed and made white in the blood of the Lamb.
Then we can dwell before the throne of God,
to serve in His temple day and night, and receive eternal blessings.
The hope of our Christian faith will finally be realized
(Rev 7:14–17)!
然而，我們不應該灰心，
因為如果我們能夠，從我們主君王耶穌那裡得到力量，承受住這些信心的考驗，
那時我們的袍子就會得以洗淨，以羔羊的血洗得潔白。
那樣我們就可以住在神的寶座前，
日夜在他的聖殿中服事，並獲得永恆的福氣。
我們基督教信仰的盼望最後將會實現
（啟示錄 7：14-17）！
I would like to testify of God’s love and abidance during a recent test of faith concerning my health.
Not only did God reaffirm and strengthen my faith in Him through this trial,
but He also taught me to value opportunities to serve
and draw close to Him while there is still time.
我想要見證神的慈愛和同在，因為最近一次我有關於健康的信心試煉。
通過這次試煉，神不僅再次印証，並加強我對祂的信心，
而且祂也教導我，珍惜服事主的機會，
趁還有時間，可以多多親近祂。
A TEST OF FAITH 信心的考驗
In February 2019, during a routine check-up
with my general practitioner (GP) for minor ongoing health issues,
some abnormalities were found in my blood test results.
The levels of various cells and other substances were out of the normal range,
and my blood pressure was unusually high
(160/100, when it should be below 120/80).
A subsequent urine test revealed further problems
—protein and blood leakage.
The doctor asked for my symptoms,
including those he had already been monitoring.
We came up with a long list:
chronic coughing, chest pains, lower abdominal pains,
night sweats, passing of urine five to ten times a night,
coughing or vomiting blood, loss of appetite,
and drastic weight loss
(around one stone, or six kilograms.)
2019年2月，一次例行身體檢查時，
與我的普通科醫生 (GP) 一起討論追蹤一些持續存在輕微的健康問題，
我的驗血結果發現有一些異常。
各種細胞和其他物質的水平超出了正常範圍，
我的血壓異常飆高
（160/100，平時它應該低於 120/80 的）。
接著尿液檢驗，發現了進一步的問題
——蛋白質和血液滲漏。
醫生詢問我的症狀，
包括那些他已經監視的部位。
我們想出了一個長串的清單：
慢性咳嗽、胸痛、下腹痛、
夜盜汗，每晚小便五到十次，
咳嗽或吐血，食慾不振，
和大幅體重減輕
（大約一個石頭重，或約六公斤。）
After further analysis and consultation with specialists,
my GP informed me that I had reduced kidney function,
comparable to that of a seventy-seven-year-old.
He was very concerned and pushed me to undergo more tests,
such as an X-ray, CT scan, and ultrasound.
I was reluctant because of my fear of needles and medical procedures.
However, the doctor strongly recommended that
I undergo these tests
and warned that I could have chronic kidney disease or even kidney cancer.
Further testing would enable him to ascertain the right diagnosis and treatment.
經過專家的進一步分析和諮詢，
普通科醫生告訴我，我的腎功能下降了，
就好像是一個七十七歲的老人。
他很擔心，催我去接受更多檢查，
例如 X 光、電腦斷層掃描和超聲波。
我很不情願，因為我害怕針頭和醫療過程。
但是醫生強烈建議，
要我接受了這些檢驗，
並警告說，我可能患有慢性腎臟病，甚至有腎癌。
進一步的檢驗，將能夠使他確定正確的診斷和療法。
FINDING PEACE IN GOD 主裡有平安
It was surreal to hear that, at the age of twenty-seven,
I could potentially have cancer.
However, I thanked God then that my heart felt great peace.
After prayer, I did not doubt that
God would be beside me every step of the way
and that His beautiful will was behind everything.
The Holy Spirit caused me to recall God’s word:
那時 27 歲，我聽到這樣的消息，真的感到很不真實，
我可能患有癌症。
然而，我當時很感謝神，讓我的內心感到非常平靜。
禱告之後，我絲毫沒有懷疑，
每一步我走的路，神都會在我身邊，
而祂美好的旨志，會存在一切事情的背後。
聖靈使我想起神的話：
For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor;
yet what I shall choose I cannot tell.
For I am hard-pressed between the two,
having a desire to depart and be with Christ,
which is far better.
(Phil 1:21–23)
21因我活著就是基督，我死了就有益處。
22但我在肉身活著，若成就我工夫的果子，我就不知道該挑選甚麼。
23我正在兩難之間，情願離世與基督同在，因為這是好得無比的。
(腓 1：21-23)
When Paul wrote this passage,
he desired to depart and return to Jesus.
However, he accepted that if it were God's will for Paul to remain,
he would continue serving the brethren,
growing with them in the joy of faith
(Phil 1:24–26).
Both options were beautiful.
This passage reminded me that there could only be two wonderful outcomes from my situation.
If I pass away, I could return to God
and finally realize my hope as a Christian;
if I remain, I could continue serving God in this world for however long He wanted.
當保羅寫下這段經節的時候，
他很想離世，並回到耶穌身邊。
然而，如果神的旨意是讓保羅存活下來，他就會接受，
他會繼續服事眾弟兄，
在信仰的喜樂中，與他們一起成長
（腓 1：24-26）。
這兩種選擇都很美好。
這段經節提醒我，我的情況將只會有兩個美好的結果。
如果我死了，就可以回到神身邊
最終實現我作為基督徒的盼望；
如果我存活下來，就會照著神所想要，可以繼續在這個世界服事神。
The Book of Job describes God as the Creator,
the Almighty, the King of the heavens and the earth,
and the One who governs all things.
約伯記將神描述為造物主，
全能者，天地之王，
以及掌管萬物的主。
Who among all these does not know
That the hand of the LORD has done this,
In whose hand is the life of every living thing,
And the breath of all mankind?
(Job 12:9–10)
9看這一切，誰不知道是耶和華的手做成的呢？
10凡活物的生命和人類的氣息都在他手中。
(伯 12：9-10)
Indeed, if we believe that God is the Creator,
then we would acknowledge that our lives are in His hands.
If our lives are within His control,
then why do we have to worry?
God created the universe;
to guide and comfort us in our times of difficulty is not a big task for Him.
事實上，如果我們相信神是造物主，
那麼我們就會承認，自已的生命是在他的掌握之中。
若我們的生命是在他的掌控之中，
那我們為何要擔心呢？
神創造了宇宙；
在我們困難的時候，引導和安慰我們，對他來說，這並不是一項艱鉅的任務。
Other than recalling God’s word and the testimonies of others,
I could only attribute the peace I felt to God Himself.
I thank God
—I had learned from past trials that to truly rely on God’s strength and faithfulness, I must pray.
I knew in my heart of hearts that I was incredibly weak
—weak in faith, weak in prayer, and weak in my reliance on Jesus.
In that moment of uncertainty, only Jesus could help me.
Through prayer and fasting, my doubts were erased
and I felt the overwhelming sense that God was beside me.
I was once again reminded of God’s love for me,
that I was His child, and that no matter what happened,
all things worked together for good to those who loved God
(Rom 8:28).
Despite my unbelief and my weakness,
I resolved to rely on Him for strength and not succumb to this trial.
除了回想神的話語，及別人的見證之外，
我只能把自已感受的平安，歸功於神而已。
我感謝神，
—從過去的試煉中，我學到，要真正依靠神的力量和信實，所以我必須禱告。
我內心深處知道，自已非常軟弱，
—信心很軟弱，禱告很軟弱，依靠耶穌的的心也很軟弱。
在那種不確定的時刻，只有耶穌能幫助我。
通過禱告禁食，我的疑慮消除了，
我有一種壓倒性的感覺，那就是神就在我身邊。
我再次想起神對我的愛，
我是祂的子女，無論發生什麼事，
萬事互相效力，叫愛神的人得益處
（羅 8:28）。
儘管我的不信和軟弱，
我下定決心要依靠神得到力量，而不是屈服於這次的試煉。
ENCOURAGED BY BROTHERLY LOVE 弟兄姐妹慈愛的鼓舞
On March 6, 2019, I went to my local hospital for scans and tests.
Though the doctors could not reveal much,
I was constantly reminded of God’s abidance during this period.
Physically, it felt like I was walking through this alone,
but I knew in my heart and mind I had the prayers and companionship of my brethren, family, and wife.
2019 年 3 月 6 日，我去本地醫院進行掃描檢查。
雖然醫生不能透露太多訊息，
在此期間，我不斷地想起神的同在。
肉體上，感覺就像我一個人獨自走過，
但我內心知道，我有祈禱，以及弟兄家庭和妻子的陪伴。
Thank God, several brothers and sisters encouraged and prayed with me.
God indeed provides everything we need in every trial.
Not only has He given us His word, His Spirit, His abidance, and His love,
but He has also provided for us His church.
The church is a remarkable thing: not only a collective of people redeemed by Christ’s blood,
but also a family with a united heart and goal to seek the Lord Jesus.
We all face our tests and trials,
but we go through suffering for the edification of others.
感謝神，有幾位弟兄姊妹鼓勵，和我一起禱告。
神在每次試煉中，都真的預備了我們所需的一切。
祂不只賜給我們，祂的話語、聖靈、同在和慈愛，
但祂也為我們預備了教會。
教會的存在是很了不起的：不僅有一群被基督寶血救贖的人，
同時也成為同心的家庭，有共同目標要尋求主耶穌。
我們各自都面臨著許多不同的考驗和試煉，
但我們所經歷苦難，是為了可以造就別人。
At the same time, there is nothing new under the sun
—everything we face has happened to someone else before us.
No matter how young or old we are,
there is always something to learn from our brethren.
And so, there will always be companionship and support during our difficult times.
However, whether or not we accept encouragement from others is a different matter
—it can be a test of humility within our hearts.
Are we going to go through our trials by ourselves, by our own strength?
Or will we rely on God and His church to overcome our weakness?
同時，太陽底下無新鮮事，
—我們現在所面對的一切，都已經發生在之前別人身上了。
不管我們有多年輕，或多老長，
總會有一些東西，可以向我們的弟兄來學習。
也因如此，在我們困難的時期，總會有陪伴和支持。
然而，我們是否可以接受別人的鼓勵，則是另外一回事，
—這可能成為我們內心謙卑的考驗。
難道我們要靠自己、靠自己的力量，來走過試煉嗎？
還是我們會依靠神和教會，來克服自已的軟弱呢？
The encouragement and prayers of brethren reaffirmed that,
indeed, there is love in God’s church,
as well as the sense of mutual care and mutual faith.
One new insight that I gained was that some,
especially our close friends and family, worry much more about us than we do.
Not only should we accept encouragement in times of trouble,
but we need to have the courage to comfort those who love us.
Sharing how we have been encouraged by God’s word,
our faithfulness towards God will bring comfort to those around us.
弟兄姐妹的鼓勵代禱，再次確認這件事，
是的，神的教會裡真的有愛，
同時，也會有相互關心和相互信任的感覺。
我獲得的一個新領悟就是，有一些人，
尤其是我們的親密朋友和家人，他們比我們更擔心我們。
不僅我們在患難中，要能夠接受鼓勵，
而且我們需要有勇氣，去安慰那些愛我們的人。
彼此分享，我們是如何被神的話語所感動，
我們對神的虔誠就會給周圍的人帶來安慰。
GOD’S GRACE IS SUFFICIENT 神的恩典充充足足
On March 21, I met a consultant nephrologist
at the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle for some discussions, analysis, and further routine tests.
My symptoms had yet to subside,
and my blood and urine test results were as before.
This consultant echoed much of what my GP said,
but the way he delivered his message was quite alarming.
However, as he spoke, I felt as though the Lord, my Shepherd, was walking me
through the valley of the shadow of death
(Ps 23:4).
God indeed comforts us in our times of difficulty.
He is always there, and He lives inside our hearts.
Whether or not we recognize and submit to this is a different matter.
We must realize that we indeed are weak
—we cannot walk through this valley by our own means.
But with God in front of us, what do we have to fear?
Do we fear evil?
Or do we fear God?
3 月 21 日，我遇到了一位腎臟科諮詢醫生，
我們在紐卡索，弗里曼醫院，進行一些討論、分析和進一步的常規檢查。
我的症狀還沒有消退，
我的血液和尿液檢驗結果和以前一樣。
這位諮詢醫生的回應，大部份和我的全科醫生所說的內容相同，
然而，他所傳達信息的方式，卻令人擔憂。
然而，當他說話的時候，就感覺好像主耶穌我的牧人與我同行
穿過了死蔭的幽谷
（詩 23:4）。
神確實在我們困難的時候給予安慰。
他一直都同在，就住在我們的心裡。
不論我們是否認知這種情況，並順從神的帶領，這是另外一回事。
我們必須明白，自已確實很軟弱，
—我們不能用自己的方式來穿越死蔭幽谷。
但若是有神就在我們面前，我們有什麼好怕的呢？
我們是害怕邪惡呢？
或者我們是敬畏神呢？
After reviewing my test results,
the consultant booked me in for an urgent kidney biopsy to be done within two weeks
and handed my case over to a more senior consultant.
My biopsy was booked for April 5.
Since I have a fear of needles,
the thought of having a huge needle going into my back was frightening.
As the date of my procedure loomed closer,
I prayed for God to comfort my heart.
Once again, God reminded me of His word:
“My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness”
(2 Cor 12:9a).
In this passage, Paul describes imploring God to remove the thorn in his flesh
(2 Cor 12:7–10);
I was going to have a "thorn" in my flesh too!
But what is most comforting is God’s reply to Paul.
No matter what role we play in church,
or our financial and career status in society,
we are only human, full of weaknesses.
Paul boasts about his weakness.
In our bodies of flesh, we will inevitably face difficulties
like illness, pain, and suffering
—but God's grace transcends all.
Nothing is outside of God's control.
Though we may suffer physical and even spiritual harm, God’s grace is sufficient.
God can turn these hardships into opportunities for us to grow spiritually
(Rom 5:3-4),
enabling us to depend on Him all the more, just as Paul did
(2 Cor 12:9–10).
評估了我的檢測結果之後，
諮詢醫師為我預約了兩週內進行緊急腎臟切片檢查，
並將我的案子交給了一位更資深的醫師。
切片檢查預約日是 4 月 5 日。
因為我怕打針，
我會想到有一根巨大的針刺進背部，就很可怕。
隨著我的手術日期越來越近，
我祈求神安慰我的心。
神再一次用祂的話提醒我：
“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）。
在這段經文中，保羅描述了，懇求神除去他肉體上的刺
(林後 12:7-10);
我的肉體中，也將會有“刺”了！
但最令人欣慰的，是神對保羅的回答。
無論我們在教會扮演什麼角色，
或是我們在社會財務和職業的狀況為何，
我們只是人類，有很多弱點。
保羅誇耀自己的軟弱。
在我們肉身上，難免會遇到很多困難
像是有疾病、疼痛和苦難，
—但神的恩典勝過一切。
沒有任何事，是超出神的掌控之外的。
雖然我們肉體可能會遭受傷害，甚至精神上有創傷，但神的恩典是充足的。
神會把這些困難，轉變成我們靈性成長的機會
(羅 5:3-4),
使我們更倚靠祂，正如保羅的行為一樣
（林前 12：9-10）。
Praise God, the biopsy went smoothly,
and both the nurse and the consultant helped me to overcome my fear of needles.
A sister suggested that,
since I may be allowed to play my music in the theatre,
listening to hymns during the procedure might help.
However, everything happened relatively quickly.
If you ever have to undergo a biopsy, it may sound scary,
but it is not as bad as you think.
After some bed rest, my blood pressure was still raised (around 160/100),
but all my other vitals were stable,
so, thankfully, I was discharged that evening.
讚美神，切片檢查進行的很順利，
護士和諮詢醫生都幫助我克服了對針頭的恐懼。
一位姐妹建議說，
因為我可能會被允許，在醫院裡播放自已喜愛的音樂，
在手術過程中，聽讚美詩可能會有所幫助。
然而，一切都發生得非常快。
如果你不得不接受切片檢查，聽起來可能很可怕，
但它並不像你想像的那麼糟糕。
病床休息之後，我的血壓仍然升高（血壓大約 160/100），
但我所有其他的生命徵兆都很穩定，
所以，非常感謝，那天晚上我就出院了。
Consultation on the biopsy results was on April 17.
Although the possibility of cancer was still there,
my wife and I were comforted by the fact that the hospital did not contact us earlier
—had the signs pointed in that direction,
my case would have escalated faster.
Nevertheless, we were ready for any outcome, without expectations.
The senior consultant told me the news:
I have a chronic autoimmune kidney disease,
where my immune system attacks my kidneys,
resulting in reduced kidney function.
Not only this, but my body was severely deficient in vital vitamins and minerals,
which explained many of the symptoms I was experiencing.
Thank God, had my high blood pressure not been diagnosed,
my condition would have gone undiscovered, exposing my kidneys to high risk.
The doctor prescribed me some medication to treat the kidney disease,
and some supplements to address the other symptoms.
God’s grace indeed is sufficient.
切片檢查的診斷諮詢是約在 4 月 17 日。
雖然癌症的可能性還是有的，
但因為醫院沒有提前聯繫我們，這讓我和妻子感到比較欣慰，
—有些許徵兆指向癌症的方向，
我的病例就會很快升級。
儘管如此，我們已經做好了準備，要接受任何結果，沒有任何期待。
資深諮詢醫生告訴我這個消息：
我有慢性自身免疫性腎臟病，
我的免疫系統會攻擊腎臟，
導致腎功能下降。
不僅如此，我的身體還嚴重缺乏重要的維生素和礦物質，
這解釋了許多我身上出現的症狀。
感謝神，若沒有讓我被診斷出高血壓，
我的病情就不會被提早發現，會讓我的腎臟產生很多高風險的情況。
醫生給我開了一些治療腎病的藥，
和一些補充藥品來消除其他的症狀。
神的恩典確實很夠用。
WORK WHILE IT IS STILL DAY 趁著白日努力作工
What I learned through this whole experience is that life is short.
If the diagnosis had been cancer,
then my life expectancy would have shortened.
This is what we must realize today.
The Bible reminds us that our lives are nothing but a vapor,
like a passing shadow, and withering grass
(Jas 4:14; Ps 144:4; 1 Pet 1:24).
We are on earth for but a moment.
我從整個過程的經歷中學到的是，生命很短暫。
如果診斷的結果是癌症，
那麼我的預期壽命就會縮短。
這是我們今天必須明白的事。
聖經提醒我們，我們的生命不過是一團雲霧，
就像略過的影子，枯萎的小草
（雅 4:14；詩 144:4；彼前 1:24）。
我們存在於地上不過片刻。
The beloved hymn, Work for the Night is Coming,[1] relays a strong message:
work while it is day, because when the night comes a man can no longer work.
Jesus conveyed this message in more detail
when He healed a blind man using His saliva and clay.
During this miracle, he said to His disciples:
深受喜愛的讚美詩《趕快工作》[1] 傳達了一個強烈的信息：
當趁著白日工作，因為夜幕降臨，人就不能作工了。
當耶穌用他的唾液和泥土治癒一個盲人的時候，
他以更詳細的方式，傳達了這個信息。
在這個神蹟中，他對門徒說：
“I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day;
the night is coming when no one can work.
As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”
(Jn 9:4–5)
4趁著白日，我們必須做那差我來者的工；黑夜將到，就沒有人能做工了。
5我在世上的時候，是世上的光。
(約 9：4-5)
Today, we must bring our faith back into the context of why we are here.
Our Omniscient God has sent His children into the world,
at various points in space and time, to serve Him and fulfill His will,
and to shine His light into the darkest corners of men’s hearts.
Wherever we are, there are always opportunities to preach and glorify His name.
However, we often become distracted by various worldly cares
—our hearts become infiltrated with desires and idols, luxuries, and comforts.
Through this experience,
God brought my focus back to the one essential thing in life:
God Himself.
今天，我們必須將自已的信仰，帶回到我們為什麼當時進到教會的情況。
我們無所不知的神，已經將自已的兒女送到這個世界，
在各個不同的空間時間，要為神服務，完成祂的旨意，
並把祂的光照進人們心中最黑暗的角落。
無論我們在哪裡，總有機會傳揚和榮耀祂的名。
然而，我們常常會被世俗的各種煩惱分心，
—我們的心為慾望和偶像、奢華和舒適所滲透。
通過這次體驗，
神把我的注意力，重新導回生活中一件最重要的事情上：
神他本身。
While we have the opportunity,
while it is called today
(Heb 3:13),
let us endeavor to love God with all our heart, soul, and strength
(Deut 6:5).
In our hearts of worship,
let us hear His voice and follow Him more diligently
(Jn 10:27).
In our daily lives, let us put Jesus at the forefront of our minds, to consider Him
(Heb 3:1)
and remember all He has done for us.
In our servitude, let us strive to become more faithful and humble
(Mt 25:23; Lk 17:10).
總要趁著還有機會，
總要趁著還有今日，
(來 3:13),
讓我們努力盡心、盡性、盡力愛主你的神
（申 6:5）。
在我們崇拜神的內心中，
讓我們聆聽祂的聲音，更殷勤地跟隨祂。
（約 10:27）。
在我們的日常生活中，讓我們把耶穌放在腦海中的第一位，最先想到祂
（來 3:1）
並記住祂為我們所做的一切。
在我們的事奉中，讓我們努力變得更加忠心和謙卑
（太 25:23；路 17:10）。
Serving God is a grace;
not everyone has the opportunity to serve in the way they want.
Some may yearn with all their hearts to serve God but never get the chance.
So while it is today, let us treasure this grace in which we were called
(Eph 2:8–10).
While we still have the chance,
let us urgently work on our weaknesses,
relying wholly on the Lord’s strength,
as the sons of God
(Rom 8:13–14).
Who knows what tomorrow may bring,
so let us turn our hearts back to God today
(Zech 1:3, Joel 2:13).
事奉神是一種恩典；
並不是每個人都有機會，以他們想要的方式服事神。
有些人可能一心一意渴望事奉神，卻始終沒有機會。
所以趁著還有今日，讓我們珍惜自已蒙召的這份恩典
（弗 2：8-10）。
趁著我們仍然還有機會，
讓我們緊急彌補自已的弱點，
全心依靠神的力量，
成為神的兒子
（羅 8：13-14）。
誰知道明天會發生什麼事，
所以今日我們內心歸向神
（亞 1:3，珥 2:13）。
May all praise, honor, and glory
be given to our heavenly Father, for He is good.
Amen.
願一切讚美、尊榮和榮耀
都歸予我們的天上的父神，因為祂是良善的。
阿門。
[1] By Mrs Harry Coghill (1836–1907). 讚美詩288首，趕快工作 譜詞者
小頁 markvmax@hotmail.com
歡迎主內同靈來信加入翻譯
Manna 嗎哪 56 (1)