10. Manna issue 93 - God Guides Our Steps (Part 2) 神帶領我們的腳步 (第二回)
Editor’s note:
In the first part of this article (Manna 92),
four youths shared their experiences of God’s guidance
as they took their first steps into adulthood
—in the years before, during, and after university.
Through reflecting on the direction of their lives,
they were shown the state of their faith
and learned to trust and draw near to God
even when things were not going to plan.
In such formative moments,
our relationship with our heavenly Father is shaped,
and we forge an independent faith.
In this second installment,
we feature three more testimonies of
how our choices can impact our faith
and how we should commit our plans to the Lord and His will,
for He directs our steps
(Prov 16:9).
編者註：
在本文的第一回部分（Manna 嗎哪 92 期）中，
有四位青年分享神帶領的體驗，
當他們邁出成年的第一步，
—在進入大學之前、就讀期間和畢業之後的幾年。
通過反省自己的人生方向，
他們揭露了自已的信仰狀態
並且學會信靠主和親近神，
即使事情沒有按計劃進行。
在這樣的成長時刻，
我們與天父的關係已成型，
我們建立了獨立的信仰。
在本刊第二期中，
我們還有另外三個見證，
談到我們的選擇會如何影響自已的信仰，
以及我們應該如何將自已的計劃交託給主和祂的旨意，
因為他會指引我們的腳步
（箴 16：9）。
Seek First the Kingdom of God 先求神國
Sarah Tan Hui Shyn—Singapore 新加坡
Hallelujah, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ,
I testify about my time studying abroad and learning to seek God first.
哈利路亞，奉主耶穌基督的名，，
我見證自已國外留學期間，及學會先尋求神。
After completing high school in 2015,
I decided to further my studies in Canberra, Australia,
where the foundation studies program is only one year long,
compared to the two-year pre-university college course in Singapore.
This meant I could begin my tertiary education
and enter university a year earlier.
Many church members questioned my decision to study in Canberra
because there is no local True Jesus Church (TJC).
While I understood their concerns,
I did not give them much thought.
I knew attending church services was important
but did not think it was that important.
I felt that each person’s faith was their personal relationship with God,
so sixteen-year-old me did not see the need for a physical church.
I naively thought that my faith would grow stronger in such a situation.
2015 年高中畢業後，
我決定去澳洲坎培拉深造，
那裡的大學基礎學程的時間只有一年，
與新加坡相比，是兩年制的大學先修課程。
這代表了，我可以開始自已的高等教育，
並且提前一年進入大學。
許多教會信徒質疑我去坎培拉學習的決定，
因為當地並沒有真耶穌教會（TJC）。
雖然我理解他們的擔憂，
我沒有多想他們。
我知道參加教會聚會很重要，
但並沒有認為，這件事有那麼重要。
我覺得，每個人的信仰都是他們自已與神的個人關係，
所以 16 歲的我不認為有去實體教會的必要。
我天真地以為，在這樣的情況下，我的信心會更加堅定。
When I first arrived in Canberra, everything went smoothly.
I prayed, did my daily devotions,
and reserved the Sabbath for God.
Life did not feel as hard as people had warned me.
剛到坎培拉的時候，一切都很順利。
我禱告，做我每天的靈修，
為神遵守安息日。
生活並不像別人警告我的那樣艱難。
However, as time passed,
I realized I was falling behind in my routine.
My daily prayers grew shorter,
I put less effort into worship, and I started falling asleep
while listening to sermons.
I knew something was wrong
and that I would risk losing God
if I did not do something to rectify this problem.
Coincidentally, during that period,
I heard a sermon reminding us
that our faith in God should be progressive.
One’s faith is never stagnant
—it is either progressing or declining.
然而，隨著時間的流逝，
我意識到自已沒有跟上日常的習慣。
每天的禱告越來越短，
我聚會時投入更少的精力，
聽講道的時候，我開始打瞌睡了。
我知道有問題了，
我正冒著失去神的風險，
若我不做些什麼事來修正這個問題。
巧合的是，在那段時間裡，
我聽到講道提醒我們，
我們對神的信仰應該是前進的。
一個人的信心永遠不要停滯下來
—不是前進就是落退。
Because of this message,
I started praying more and changed the way I worshipped.
Instead of listening to sermons while lying on my bed,
which made me sleepy, I sat at the table.
This routine continued for the rest of the year,
and I thank God that He preserved me and kept me safe in His arms.
因為有這條訊息，
我開始更多禱告，並改變自已的敬拜方式。
相反的，不在躺在床上聽講道，
這會讓我昏昏欲睡，我坐在桌子旁。
這個日常習慣一直保持到接下來幾年的時間，
我感謝神，他保守了我，讓我安全躺在祂的懷裡。
Just as I was completing my foundation studies,
a thought suddenly struck me:
why did I choose to study in a place with no church nearby?
Looking back, it made no sense.
I was risking my spiritual well-being.
I wanted to study law, which is not some niche degree.
I no longer saw the advantages of studying in Canberra.
I spoke to my dad about this,
and we concluded that I should study in a city with a local TJC.
就在我完成基礎學程時，
我突然有一種想法：
為什麼我選擇了附近沒有教會的地方讀書？
回過頭來看，完全沒有任何意義。
我冒著傷害靈命的風險。
我想要學習法律，這不是什麼特定領域的學位。
我不再看重坎培拉讀書的優勢。
我向父親談到這件事，
我們得出結論，我應該在一個當地有 TJC 真耶穌教會的城市學習。
I prayed over this matter but soon started getting cold feet.
I disliked the idea of starting over again
—getting to know new people and adjusting to a new environment.
After all, I had already been in Canberra for a year.
I did not want to leave my friends who had gone through thick and thin with me.
我為了這件事禱告，但很快就開始退縮了。
我不喜歡重新再開始的想法
—要認識新朋友，適應新的環境。
畢竟，我已經待在款培拉一年了。
我不想離開自已的朋友，他們和我已經一同共渡風雨。
I had to decide quickly, but I was very conflicted.
During that time, a particular Bible verse stood out to me
during my daily devotions.
Matthew 6:33:
“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness,
and all these things shall be added to you.”
我必需迅速做決定，但我覺得很矛盾。
在那段時間裡，在我每天的靈修時，
有一段特別的聖經經節讓我印象深刻。
馬太福音六章 33節：
“33你們要先求他的國和他的義，
這些東西都要加給你們了。”
This verse was the deciding factor.
Although I was apprehensive about my unknown future,
I rested on God's promise.
I believed He would arrange and settle everything for me
because I sought Him first.
這節經文就是決定性的因素。
雖然我擔心自己未知的未來，
我依靠神的應許。
我相信，祂會為我安排和解決一切的事，
因為我先尋求祂。
In retrospect, this was the first decision I made where I put God first.
回想起來，這是我第一次下決定，把神放在第一位。
Thank God, my decision to move to Melbourne was the right one.
God blessed and guided me in settling down in a new environment,
allowing me to worship Him in church.
My year in Canberra helped shape my relationship with God
and taught me how precious it is to be in His church.
However, moving to Melbourne
showed me the value of fellowship with brothers and sisters
and the importance of having spiritual companions.
I now understand why Paul missed his fellow brethren
—I experienced the Melbourne members' warmth, love, and kindness,
for which I thank God.
We pray, play, and push each other to better ourselves in our walk of faith.
I thank God for allowing me
to serve in the choir, hymnal worship, and the evangelism team.
I learned much and grew spiritually.
感謝神，我決定搬到墨爾本是正確的。
神祝福並帶領我在新的環境安頓下來，
讓我能在教會裡敬拜祂。
我在坎培拉的那一年，形塑了我與神的關係，
並教會我，能在祂的教會裡是有多麼寶貴。
然而，搬到墨爾本，
向我展現了與兄弟姐妹團契的價值，
以及擁有屬靈同伴的重要性。
現在我明白，保羅為什麼那麼想念他的弟兄了，
—我體驗到墨爾本信徒的溫暖、愛心、善良，
為此我要感謝神。
我們一起祈禱、玩耍，並且彼此互相激勵，讓我們在信仰之路上變得更美好。
我感謝神允許我，
在詩班裡事奉、用讚美詩敬拜神，並且加入福音開拓的團隊服事神。
我學到了很多東西，並且屬靈上得到成長。
God also blessed me physically.
My initial fears of starting over in a foreign place were unfounded,
as God cared for all my needs.
I stayed in a brand-new hostel on a beautiful campus,
which I selected online despite having little information.
Of all the hostels available, it turned out to be the best
—it was in the most accessible location.
God gave me three good campus friends.
He also blessed me academically
and provided me with several job offers in Singapore
even while I was still studying in Melbourne.
神也在肉體上祝福了我。
我最初對國外重新開始的恐懼，一點都沒有出現，
因為神照顧了我所有的需要。
我住在美麗校園的嶄新宿舍，
雖然沒有什麼訊息，但我還是在網路上選擇這間學校。
在所有還有空位的宿舍中，結果它是最好的，
—它位於最容易到達的地方。
神給了我三個學校裡的好朋友。
祂也祝福我的學業，
並為我準備了幾份新加坡的工作機會，
即使我人還在墨爾本讀書。
That said, my greatest takeaway from my five years in Australia
was the spiritual blessings.
God taught me to be accountable for my faith
and to be alert and of sober mind,
for the devil prowls around, waiting for the opportunity to devour us
(1 Pet 5:8).
By making adjustments to our life (whether big or small),
God will help us draw near Him if we resolve to put in the effort.
We can truly experience God’s grace and blessings by seeking God first.
也就是說，我從澳洲五年中得到的最大收穫，
是屬靈的祝福。
神教導我要為自已的信仰負責，
保持警醒和冷靜的頭腦，
因為魔鬼遍地遊行，趁機尋找可吞吃的人
（彼前 5：8）。
藉由調整自的生活（無論或大或小），
如果我們下定決心努力，神就會幫助我們親近祂。
先尋求神，我們才能真正體驗神的恩典和祝福。
In life, whenever we are faced with choices,
let us be brave and rest on His promise
—that if we seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness,
He will surely provide
(Mt 6:33).
生活中，每當我們面臨選擇時，
讓我們勇敢起來，信靠祂的應許
—如果我們先尋求神國和神義，
祂一定會預備
（太 6：33）。
God’s Perfect Arrangement: My Journey to University 神的完美安排：我的大學之旅
Jemima Hsu—London, UK 英國倫敦
In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ,
I testify about how God guided me into university.
Looking back, I can see His hand throughout the application process.
For those waiting for university acceptance offers or exam results,
I hope my sharing gives some reassurance
during this nerve-wracking step into adulthood.
For the rest of us
—whether we are long past university or a long way from it
—I hope this reminds us that,
while we may face uncertainty about our future,
there is no need to worry because our heavenly Father is in absolute control.
奉主耶穌基督的名，
我見證神如何引導我進入大學。
回首過去，我可以看見整個申請過程有祂的手。
對那些等待大學錄取通知書，或是考試結果的人，，
希望自已的分享能提供一些安慰，
在這邁向成年，令人煩惱的一步中。
對於我們其他人而言，
—無論我們是否已經大學畢業很久了，還是離大學有很長的路要走，
—我希望可以提醒我們，
雖然我們可能面臨未來沒有把握，
但無需擔心，因為我們的天父有絕對的控制權。
I wanted to study biomedical engineering,
a niche subject not available at many universities.
At the same time, I wanted to stay near the church.
I knew I would find it extremely difficult to keep up my faith otherwise.
I decided to apply to universities in three cities:
Edinburgh, where I would have my family and religious education class
(despite only general engineering courses being available locally);
Glasgow, which has a True Jesus Church (TJC) place of worship
and is within weekend traveling distance from Edinburgh;
and London, where I knew there were faithful and active youths in church.
我想學習生物醫學工程，
正許多大學都沒有的小眾利基學科。
同時，我想住在教會附近。
我知道，若是其他的情況，自已會發現很難堅持信仰。
我決定申請三個城市的大學：
愛丁堡，那裡我會有家庭和宗教教育課程，
（雖然當地只提供一般的工程課程）；
格拉斯哥，那裡有真耶穌教會 (TJC) 聚會所，
並且是周末從愛丁堡出發旅行的距離之內；
和倫敦，我知道那裡有教會裡忠實而活躍的青年。
In Scotland, students apply to a maximum of five university courses
during the final year of high school, starting in October.
I made my five choices and sent off my application in early December 2018.
Many received their offers within a week or even on the same day.
Those still waiting would become anxious and unsettled.
University applications came up in almost every conversation.
I have an active imagination and often dwell on the worst-case scenario.
But this time, I felt calmer than my classmates
—although I was worried, I knew everything was in God’s hands.
In my prayers, I asked God to lead me where He wanted me to go,
to help me humbly accept His will and have faith that He knew best.
Thank God I received my first two university place offers
(my fourth and fifth choices)
within a week.
在蘇格蘭，在高中的最後一年，從 10 月開始，
學生最多可以申請五門大學課程。
我選了五門課，並於 2018 年 12 月初寄出了我的申請書。
許多人一周內就收到了錄取通知書，甚至同一天就收到回覆。
那些還在等待的人，就會變得焦慮不安。
幾乎每次聊天都會提到大學申請。
我的想像力很豐富，經常會考慮到最壞的情況。
但是這一次，我比同學們更冷靜，
—雖然我很擔心，但我知道一切都在神的手中。
在我的禱告中，我祈求神帶領我，去祂希望我去的地方，
幫助我謙卑接受祂的旨意，並相信祂最了解一切。
感謝神，一周之內，
我收到前兩所大學的錄取通知書，
（我的第四和第五個選擇）。
It was not until mid-January
that I received an interview invitation for my first-choice course
at a highly competitive university.
As the interview approached,
I became increasingly nervous
because I had not heard from the remaining two universities
(my second and third choices).
However, a week and a half before the interview,
I received an offer from my third-choice university
and an offer from my second-choice university four days later
—and to my surprise,
the latter offer was made without having to attend an interview.
This was God’s gracious timing
—He gave me this reassurance just before my all-important interview.
It boosted my confidence
because I knew I had two backup offers I would gladly accept.
直到一月中旬，
我才收到我首選課程的面試邀請，
是一所競爭激烈的大學。
隨著面試的時間接近，
我變得越來越緊張，
因為我沒有收到其餘兩所大學的消息，
（我第二和第三的選擇）。
然而，面試前一個半星期，
我收到我第三志願大學的錄取通知書，
四天後，我又收到第二志願大學的錄取通知書，
—令我驚訝的是，
後者第二志願是不用參加面試的。
這是神思典的時機
—就在我最重要的面試之前，祂給了我這種安慰。
這件事增強了我的信心
因為我知道，自已有兩個備用邀約，自已都很樂意接受。
Before my interview, I prayed in silence
and reflected on the grace that God had already shown to me.
During the interview, I answered the questions confidently,
even though I was not always sure I was correct.
However, when I spoke to the other candidates after the interview,
I was convinced that my interview had gone terribly in comparison.
My fellow applicants came from all over the world,
and I felt they were more knowledgeable than I.
I doubted that I would receive an offer.
面試前，我默禱
並反省神已經賞賜我的恩典。
面試過程期間，我自信回答了問題，
儘管我並不一定全部確定自己是對的。
然而，我面試後與其他甄試者交談時，
相比之下，我認為自已的面試進行得非常糟糕。
我的申請對手來自世界各地，
我覺得他們比我更有見識。
我懷疑自已是否會收到錄取通知書。
We were told that the offers would be released one month later.
During this period of waiting,
I asked God to guide me to trust His will
and to help me accept His decision no matter the outcome.
When the university contacted me,
I was already half-convinced
that I would not receive an offer.
However, at 10 p.m., I received an offer
on the condition of achieving three A grades at Advanced Higher
(Scottish high school exams taken in the final year).
我們被告知，約莫要將在一個月後才會發布。
在這段等待的時間裡，
我求神引導我信靠祂的旨意，
並幫助我接受祂的決定，無論有什麼結果。
當大學聯繫我的時候，
我已經半信半疑了，
相信自已不會收到錄取通知。
然而，晚上10點，我收到了錄取通知，
以高中高級證書取得三個 A 成績的條件
（蘇格蘭高中最後一年才進行考試）。
When the Advanced Higher results approached,
I was confident that I had performed well enough in two of my three subjects
but not in my Mechanics exam.
The requirement for an A grade was seventy percent.
Although a church sister told me
Advanced Higher grade boundaries were often lowered by a few percentage points,
I did not think it would be enough.
當高中高級證書成績發佈臨近時，
我很有信心，自已的三個科目中，有兩個科目中表現得非常好，
但感覺我的力學考試卻不是考得很好。
得到A級的要求是完成百分之七十。
雖然有一位教會姊妹告訴我，
高中高級證書成績的分界，通常會降低幾個百分點，
而我認為這還不夠。
On results day, I was at the Youth Theological Training Course (YTTC) in Leicester TJC.
When I learned I got three A grades,
the brethren at Leicester thanked God for me.
They knew how nervous I had been.
When I got home, I discovered that I got sixty-five percent in Mechanics,
and that the grade-A boundary had been lowered to exactly sixty-five percent.
My mother and I realized
that my precarious borderline result was not coincidental but arranged by God.
As she pointed out, it told me two things.
公佈結果那天，我在里斯特真耶穌教會，參加青年神訓班 (YTTC)。
當我得知自已獲得三個 A 的成績時，
里斯特的弟兄為我感謝神。
他們知道我有多緊張。
當我回到家的時候，我發現自已的力學得到百分之六十五的成績，
而且 A 級成績的標準已經降到正好 65%。
我和媽媽才意識到，
我危險成績邊緣的結果不是巧合，而是神安排的。
正如她所指出的，這告訴我兩件事。
Firstly, God wanted me to attend this particular university in London.
Initially, I was worried about moving so far away.
Yet if this was not God’s will,
my result only had to be one percentage point below the grade boundary
for things to be very different.
It is only by God’s arrangement that everything turns out so perfectly.
Also, the last two annual student spiritual convocations I had attended
before university applications had been in London.
God knew that I would need some familiarity
and reassurance to move four hundred miles away from home to London.
I had been praying for God’s guidance from the start of my application process.
Who was I to now question His decision when He had clarified my direction?
首先，神要我進入倫敦的這所大學。
起初，我很擔心搬到這麼遠的地方。
然而，如果這不是神的旨意，
我成績的結果只需要有一個百分點，低於成績等級的分界線，
事情的發展就大不相同了。
一切都只是神的安排，才如此完美。
而且，我最後兩次參加的年度學生靈恩會，
在大學申請之前都一直在倫敦舉辨。
神知道我需要有一些熟悉感，
並放心從家裡搬到四百英里外的倫敦。
從申請過程開始，我一直都在祈求神的帶領。
當他澄清了我的方向時，現在我有什麼資格質疑祂的決定呢？
Secondly, God wanted to teach me to be humble.
Without God’s arrangement,
I would never have made it into my first-choice university.
Therefore, this was God’s grace, not a result of my abilities or hard work.
其次，神要教會我謙卑。
若沒有神的安排，
我永遠不會成功進入第一志願的大學。
因此，這是神的恩典，而不是自已能力或努力的結果。
As I enter my final year of university,
I have to constantly remind myself
that I am not here by my own ability but by God’s grace.
Looking back at everything that led up to the move,
it is evident that God’s hand was present throughout.
I hope my story offers those about to enter university some hope
and comfort at a challenging time in life.
Whether you are considering university or not,
I hope you can see God’s guiding hand in my testimony
and reflect upon God’s blessings in your life.
We may not know what will come tomorrow, but the future is in God’s hands.
當我進入大學最後一年的時候，
我要時刻提醒自己，
我不是靠自己的能力來到這裡，而是靠神的恩典。
回顧來到這裡發生的一切事，
很明顯，神的手從頭到尾引導貫穿其中。
希望自已的故事，能給即將進入大學的學生，
以及生活面臨挑戰時刻的人，能獲得一些希望和安慰。
無論你是否想不想上大學，
希望你能在我的見證中，看到神的帶領之手，
並反思神給你生命中的祝福。
我們可能不知道，明天會發生什麼，但未來掌握在神的手中。
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.
(Prov 3:5–6)
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
（箴 3：5-6）
God’s Timing and Providence Are Perfect 神的時間和預備是完美的
Louise Chan—Edinburgh, UK 英國愛丁堡
The transition from student to working life can be daunting.
We may question:
Will I get a job?
How long will the search take?
What if there is no suitable role for me?
With an obscured career path ahead,
it is natural to feel anxious about the future.
In these moments, our human emotions may take the lead,
making it difficult to put our complete trust in God.
從學生生活到職場生活的轉變，可能令人望而生畏。
我們可能會質疑：
自已找得到工作嗎？
搜尋需要花掉多長的時間？
假如沒有適合我角色的工作該怎麼辦？
前途一片迷茫，
對未來感到焦慮是很自然的。
在這些時刻，我們人類的感情可能會起主導的作用，
使我們很難完全相信神。
In the Bible, Joseph had a rough start in his early life.
From a secular perspective, he was cursed with bad luck:
from being sold as a slave to being falsely accused and imprisoned.
His future was uncertain, but God had a higher purpose for him.
Our life journey may not pan out as we envision,
and we may not understand why things seem to be going downhill,
but we must remember that God has His plan and timing for us all.
在聖經中，約瑟的早年生活並不順利。
從世俗的觀點來看，他被惡運詛咒了：
從被賣為奴隸，到被誣告入獄。
他的前途未卜，但神對他有更高的旨意。
我們人生的旅程可能不會像自已想像的那樣順利，
我們可能不明白，為什麼事情似乎都在走下坡路，
但我們必須記住，神對我們所有人都有祂的計劃和時間安排。
Furthermore, God often uses events and the environment around us
to teach us what we ought to learn.
Through the experience of searching for my first full-time job,
I learned to trust God, to have patience,
and to have the humility to submit to His will.
此外，神經常使用我們周圍的事件和環境，
教導我們應該學習的事情。
經由尋找第一份全職工作的經驗，
我學會了信靠神，有耐心，
並且謙卑順服祂的旨意。
ENCOUNTERING OBSTACLES 遭遇阻礙
After graduating in the summer of 2018,
my search for a job in graphic design lasted many months
but only led to some temporary part-time roles.
These were great for gaining experience,
but I yearned for long-term work.
I was also ambitious and desired to move away from home,
where there were more extensive opportunities to excel in my career.
However, things would take a downward turn whenever they started to look promising.
2018 年暑假畢業之後，
我尋找平面設計工作的時間，持續了好幾個月，
但只是找到一些臨時兼職的工作。
這些對於獲得經驗非常有用，
但我渴望長期工作。
我也雄心勃勃，想要離開家，
在其他的地方，會有更多機會讓我的職業生涯可以脫穎而出。
然而，當事情開始看起來有希望的時候，事情就會發生轉變。
In the spring of 2019,
I was accepted onto a competitive internship away from home.
I was thrilled with this opportunity.
Since this was what I wanted,
I assumed it was also God's will for me.
By summer, I had settled into a new city
and was looking forward to the new role.
But my contract was canceled abruptly after a week due to issues in the company.
I found this difficult to accept
and began to question:
if this was God's will,
why did He give, only to take it away so easily?
2019 年的春天，
我得到錄取去到遠離家鄉很競爭的實習機會。
我很高興有這個機會。
因為這是我想要的工作，
我認為這也是神給我的旨意。
到了夏天，我已經定居在一個新的城市，
並且對於新的工作充滿期待。
但由於公司有問題，我的合約一周後就突然被取消了。
我發現這件事很難接受，
並且就開始質疑：
如果這是神的旨意，
為什麼他給予了，卻又輕易的拿走？
Nevertheless, I returned to the job search.
The longer the wait, the more discouraged I became,
even to the point of considering a complete career change.
I began to doubt myself and my skills.
Deep down, I started to doubt God and His love for me.
My doubtful heart made attending services and fellowships feel like a chore,
and my service to God was performed reluctantly.
儘管如此，我還是回到了找工作的階段。
找工作等得越久，我就更加氣餒，
甚至到了考慮徹底改變職業的地步。
我開始懷疑自己和自已的技能。
在內心深處，我開始懷疑神和祂給我的愛。
我懷疑的心，讓參加聚會和團契活動變成了一件苦差事，
我事奉神變得很不情願。
After a few months, I started working part-time in the retail industry.
However, I had to resign three months into the job
because I had an accident outside of work
—I fractured and dislocated my ankle, requiring surgery.
In the moments on the way to and inside the cold operating theater,
I realized that no one would be able to help me in this situation
—no family, no friends, not even the orthopedic surgeon
—if anything went wrong.
I only had God to rely on.
From this turning point,
I resolved to put more effort into prayer, reading the Bible,
and rebuilding a trusting relationship with God during my recovery,
which lasted four months.
幾個月之後，我開始在零售行業兼職。
然而，工作三個月後我不得不在辭職，
因為我在職場外出了意外，
—我的腳踝骨折脫臼，需要進行手術。
在前去冰冷的手術室的路上，及進入里面的瞬間，
我才意識到，這種情況下沒有人能夠幫助我，
—沒有家人，沒有朋友，甚至連骨科整形醫生也不行，
—如果出了什麼問題。
我只有神才可以依靠。
從那個轉折點開始，
我決心投入更多的精力放在禱告、讀經上，
在康復期間重建自已與神信任的關係，
而這段時間持續了四個月。
In December 2019, I had my first interview for what would become my current job.
However, this position was subsequently put on indefinite hold
because of the pandemic.
Nothing was panning out as I had hoped.
My job search had stretched on for over one and a half years.
Thankfully, these circumstances created valuable space for self-examination.
I realized that I had been impatient in my search.
Through this journey, God wanted to teach me patience.
2019 年 12 月，我得到了自已現在工作的第一次面試。
然而，接著這一位置就被無限期擱置，
因為發生了疫情。
一切的事情都沒有像我希望的那樣，能得到成功。
我的求職工作就持續了超過了一年半以上。
感謝神的是，這些情形為我自已創造了寶貴的反省空間。
我意識到，自已找工作的時候，一直都很不耐煩。
通過這段旅程，神想要教會我耐心。
PATIENCE IS KEY 耐心才是重點
As I waited for my interview results,
I prayed and chose to leave the outcome in God's hand.
I resolved to wait on God to see if He would grant me this job.
If not, I would wait for another opportunity.
The job offer was eventually confirmed to start in April 2020,
five long months after the initial interview.
Today, there may be things that we are waiting for
—be it a new job or a new chapter of our lives
—but the time that God has appointed will be just right
because He makes everything beautiful in its time
(Eccl 3:11).
等待面試結果的時候，
我祈禱，並且選擇將結果交在神的手中。
我決心等候神，來看看祂是否會給我這份工作。
如不是，我就會等待另一個機會。
這個工作機會最終得到確認，將於 2020 年 4 月開始，
是初次面試後漫長的五個月。
今日，或許我們有期待的事情，
—無論是一份新工作，還是我們生活的新篇章，
—但神所指定的時間，一切都恰到好處，
因為11神造萬物，各按其時成為美好
（傳 3：11）。
CLOTHED WITH HUMILITY 披上謙卑
Upon deeper reflection,
I realized I lacked the humility to submit to God's planned path.
I was strong-willed and had a proud heart,
as I had aimed to start my career in a high-flying role.
God understood the condition of my faith,
and so prevented me from starting a full-time job immediately.
He ensured I did not become puffed up
and gave me the time to work on my faith.
God did not allow me to do the internship
because He knew I could not take the pressures of a competitive environment.
He gave me enough time to reflect and to learn humility.
Even though my current role was not what I had expected,
it is the most suitable position for me in many ways
while also giving me the flexibility to do church work.
By submitting to His will,
I learned that His providence is perfect.
All things are done not by our own will,
but by God's will:
“If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that”
(Jas 4:15b).
經過更深的反省之後，
我意識到，自已缺乏順從神計劃道路的謙卑。
我有頑固的意志，和一顆驕傲的心，
因為我設定目標，要高高在上的開始自已的職業生涯。
神了解我信心的情狀，
因此阻止我立即開始一份全職的工作。
祂確保我沒有變得很自負，
並給我一切時間，可以為自已的信仰而努力。
神沒有讓我進行實習工作，
因為祂知道，自已無法承受競爭環境的壓力。
他給了我足夠的時間，來反省和學習謙卑。
儘管我現在的工作不是自已所期望的，
從很多方面來說，這份工作對我而言，都是最合適的職位，
同時也給了我進行教會工作的靈活性。
因著順服祂的旨意，
我學會了，祂的旨意是完美的。
能夠一帆風順，並不是依照自已的想法，
但出於神的旨意：
“15主若願意，我們就可以活著，也可以做這事，或做那事”
（雅 4：15b）。
TRUSTING IN GOD 信靠神
As time passed, I watched God’s will unfold and soon saw the bigger picture.
I realized I did not trust in God entirely.
Now, I believe it was His will for me to stay in Edinburgh for work.
Being at home, I was available when my family needed me the most,
especially when my grandad was hospitalized
and eventually called to rest in the Lord.
Though we may not see the reason behind certain events,
we must remember that God's thoughts toward us are of peace and not evil,
to give us a future and hope
(Jer 29:11).
Gradually,
my trust in God was strengthened,
as I understood Him more through His word.
Attending services and fellowships became a joy again.
The more I trusted, the more I loved God.
Serving Him became easier;
I did not serve half-heartedly but willingly.
Without love, we will find it challenging to serve,
as it requires us to dedicate time and effort.
When we remember the grace of God in the Bible and our lives,
we will be touched by Him, and this love will compel us to serve
(2 Cor 5:14–15).
After all,
“we know that all things work together for good to those who love God”
(Rom 8:28a),
and He will provide for us when we put our faith and trust in Him.
隨著時光流逝，我看著神的旨意展開，很快就看見了更大的景象。
我意識到自已並沒有完全相信神。
現在我相信，我留在愛丁堡工作是祂的旨意。
在家的時間，當我家人最需要我的時候，我有空，
尤其是我爺爺住院的時候，
並且最終被呼召在主里安息。
雖然我們可能看不到某些事件背後的原因，
我們必須記住，神對我們的想法是出於平安的意念，而不是惡意的，
讓我們得到未來和盼望
（耶 29：11）。
逐漸的，
我信靠神的心得到加強，
因為通過祂的話語，我更了解祂了。
參加聚會和團契活動再次成為了一種快樂。
我越相信神，就越愛神。
事奉神變得更加容易；
我並沒有三心二意的事奉，而是心甘情願的服事神。
若沒有愛，我們就會發現很難服事，
因為事奉需要我們投入時間和精力。
當我們在聖經和自已的生活中，記起神恩典的時候，
我們受到祂的感動，這種愛心會迫使我們去服事，
（林後 5：14-15）。
畢竟，
“28我們曉得萬事都互相效力，叫愛神的人得益處，”
（羅 8：28a），
當我們相信依靠祂時，祂就會為我們預備。
GOD’S GRACE IS SUFFICIENT 神的恩典夠用
Thank God for His wonderful grace:
I was able to start a full-time permanent role
during a nationwide lockdown in the middle of a global pandemic,
a time when the chances of finding work were slim.
Rather than moving several miles away,
I am now blessed to work remotely from home.
Through this experience,
God guided me to where I needed to be.
Indeed, a
“man's heart plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps”
(Prov 16:9).
感謝神奇妙的恩典：
在全球疫情期間全國封城的期間，
我才能夠開始一個全職的固定工作，
在那個時候，要找到工作的機會很渺小。
與其搬到幾英里之外，
現在我得到神的祝福，能夠在家遠程工作。
通過這次的經歷，
神引導我走到自已需要去的地方。
的確，一個人
“9人心籌算自己的道路；惟耶和華指引他的腳步。”
（箴 16：9）。
Our life journeys may take an unexpected detour,
but God remains our guiding light through the rough and smooth,
over hills and valleys.
Even if times become difficult,
we should remember that God gives us bitterness in our lives
so that we can taste the sweetness of His grace.
In the story of Joseph, we know that the Lord was with him despite his difficulties.
And whatever he did,
the Lord showed him mercy and gave him success.
We should be like Joseph
—even when things are not going our way,
we need to trust in God to lead us in His plan for us.
God has a higher purpose for us,
and we need to focus on our relationship with Him.
As we transition to new stages in our lives,
let us remember that everything has its season,
and there is a time for every purpose under heaven
(Eccl 3:1).
Ultimately, the one true God in whom we believe
is the One who created the heavens and the earth.
In Him, we can certainly trust.
我們的人生旅程，可能會走上意想不到的彎路，
但神仍然是我們穿越崎嶇和平坦道路的指路明燈，
越過高山和低谷。
即使日子變得艱難，
我們應該記住，神給我們的生活中添加痛苦，
好讓我們品嚐祂恩典的甘甜。
在約瑟的故事中，我們知道，儘管會遇到困難，但主仍與他同在。
而無論他做任何事，
耶和華會憐憫他，讓他成功。
我們應該要像約瑟一樣，
—即使事情沒有按我們的想法發展，
我們需要信靠神，會帶領我們完成祂為我們設定的計劃。
神要給我們更好的旨意，
我們需要專注於自已與祂的關係。
當我們轉移至人生的新階段時，
我們要記住，萬物都有定期，
天下萬事都有定時
（傳 3：1）。
最終，我們只相信獨一真神，
祂就是創造天地的獨一真神。
在祂懷裡，我們當然可以依靠。
小頁 markvmax@hotmail.com
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