Rudolf Steinerskolen i Bergen, Bergen

So much to thank God for 2023:

(1) Mama Ham had her surgery, it went well, she is recovering well.

(2) Our Ah Ma's Penang house finally able to be sold off...at least got it done in my father's generation, instead of being a burden to the next.

(3) Small Ham and I did the Tour Du Mont Blanc hike...hiking begins in France, we hike into Italy, Switzerland and back into France again. Spend a couple of days in Switzerland as well.

(4) I did not feel like a winner, but with Miss Chew's departure, I still stands.

(5) Oh my gosh...I thought I would have given up way earlier...but I am still around and survive it through...hahaha...

(6) With the 2 Promo Communication strongest Team Members having left us...I thank God, with Samuel's suggestion...brought in back Hanis...and with a new transition to a new agency - Thank You God - we pulled through the CNY Book 1 Output...

THANK YOU GOD, PRAISE TO THE LORD, BLESS YOU GOD! AMEN! 

Rubbestadnes yrkesskole, Bømlo

I do not have to chase for Fame, I do not have to chase for Glory, I do not have to chase for Greatness...God will provide...even though The Witch have condemned me behind my back; in front of the Leadership Team and my fellow peers...I Believe, I Trust that God have His shield over me. Amen.

The SRD colleague updated me...hahaha... 

Rogne videregående skole, Voss

For months...everyone in the office have seen how The Chief have hammered me on a daily basis...Miss Chew, Samuel & Mr. Horton's Secretary themselves witness those ugly moments as well...it does break my confidence and begin to doubt and questioning myself...then...I also saw Samuel's flaws as well...I always thought Samuel was far greater than me...oh wow... 

Osterøy videregående skole, Osterøy

The old G13 under DFI - brought out the best in me...this new G13 under the Cina Apek management; bring out the worst in me...

I am doing Trade Planning...then as a pair of safe hands...I don't know how to do Marketing...I was trust into it...I am inexperienced...compare to Miss Chew...it have been one hell of a roller coaster ride...I am still learning lots...I am still clueless on how to start, where to start...I am still having road blocks...and guess what...6 team members left...and 2 of them are the most senior, capable and competent...Miss Chew also tendered, yes Miss Chew is of the seniors but not that capable & competent in my opinion...hahaha...

It seems like things are spiral out of control...but I know that God is in control. Things are not falling apart...God is ensuring that it is falling into the right places...God is making a way for me...God is cleaning the house...Amen!   

Os videregående skole, Os

The betrayal really bothered me...I cannot remember who reaches out to who first...but I was in a Teams Call with Aidan...having conversations with Aidan didn't help either...I feel betrayed...Aidan did not console me...instead telling me that I have hold the forte for as long as I can...is already buying enough time for the team to look for another alternative...I feel being used like that...it did not help me...I was grieving... 

Os Gymnas, Os

Sigh...The Chief continue to push us for the department organization chart...so, I leave it in the good hands of both Samuel & Mr. Horton's Secretary...I was upset...both of them switch allegiance to Miss Chew...and doing different things...I really felt betrayed...right in my face...I got up...left the room feeling upset...Mr. Horton's Secretary (maybe have read the mood in the room) said that this organization chart will not be approved by The Chief anyway...

The Chief indeed did not approve...Miss Chew did not say anything...I felt that the 3 of them have been colluding together...and Miss Chew may have felt like a winner at that point of time, because the 2 key people decided to switch sides...leaving me helpless...

Thereafter...Samuel, Mr. Horton's Secretary and I re-group and have a piece of conversation about it...Samuel apologized...me too...

But I know, things will never be the same again...

Odda videregående skole, Odda

I think this is how it all begins...I was away...Samuel & Mr. Horton's Secretary betrayed me...Miss Chew just walk through in...

Samuel shared during the Hat Yai Study Trip...Samuel took pity of Miss Chew as Miss Chew was always alone...thus, Samuel will invite Miss Chew to join them...Samuel mention that Samuel still have the fear and phobia of Miss Chew...but Samuel also mention that Samuel accept the fact that Miss Chew is the Head...see...they will not acknowledge me...

Norheimsund videregående skole, Kvam

Hahaha...this was totally unexpected...while Samuel betrayed me...Mr. Horton's Secretary may have a hand in it too...it was The Millennial who is by my side...not sure is it because The Millennial don't want Miss Chew to lead the team back...

The Millennial actually question Mr. Horton's Secretary - why loop in Miss Chew on all of the email correspondence...Miss Chew is not the Head...suddenly, I feel so thankful...   

Nordahl Grieg videregående skole, Bergen

Of course, The Millennial went and updated Aidan...Aidan WatsApp me and guided me on how should I gain authority and control back from Miss Chew...I find Miss Chew very selfish...it is for Miss Chew's self...never for the team... 

Nettgymnas.no, Voss

And in one of the WatsApp - this Samuel updated, that both Samuel & Mr. Horton's Secretary is standing by Miss Chew...supporting Miss Chew...on one of the case that involves the Millennial; while I was away...

The Millennial got into a rift with Miss Chew...Miss Chew told The Millennial off...

Lønborg videregående skole, Bergen

I came back from my TMB hike...I was horrified - that Samuel was a traitor...

While I was away...this Samuel drop an email to The Chief's Secretary...asking The Chief's Secretary to extend all of the meeting invites to Miss Chew...what the...

I don't know what Samuel is up to...definitely stirring up again...maybe Samuel really likes to be scolded like a dog...with no dignity...is that the kind of leadership that Samuel wants? 

Langhaugen videregående skole, Bergen

Samuel sat with Miss Chew...I observed in every discussions, meetings...

Laksevåg videregående skole, Bergen

...this make my heart skip a beat...don't know where this Heidi heard the news from...Heidi heard that I resigned...I suspected...is because...Miss Chew is easing back into the Marketing Department by The Chief...appointed to lead the Revenue portfolio...I also think it's a good thing...relief me also...so many things that The Chief is asking of me...I also cannot cope...so having an extra pair of hands; even though is Miss Chew's is better than nothing...I know that I didn't take on the opportunity to step up...thus either giving Miss Chew the opportunity to slip into my territory or giving The Chief; the reason to replace me soon...sigh...so I guess in a way as Miss Chew's title is graded as the General Manager...naturally, logically...Miss Chew takes the lead back...    

Kyrre skole, Bergen

...kind of reassuring though...hearing from one of the Promo Communication Executive that it is a less stressful working atmosphere now...if Miss Chew really does leads us back or from the beginning...with all of Miss Chew's screaming, unkind words and sarcastic tone...it will be very stressful indeed...
 

Kvinnherad videregående skole, Kvinnherad

THANK YOU GOD, PRAISE TO THE LORD, BLESS YOU GOD! 

Before I head off to hike Tour Du Mont Blanc - The Chief told me not to resign...hahaha...I guess...I still have a job when I come back...a lot of things can happen in 3 weeks time with Miss Chew back in the picture...with Samuel & Mr. Horton's Secretary will not acknowledge me...I don't know what will happen when I come back... 

Kongshaug Upper Secondary School of Music, Os

...I remembered that Christopher shared with me before...that the new owners like me...but which one is it...there are 3 Kingdoms here...hahaha...Christopher also mention that the new owners also speak highly of me...hmmm...what was their content then...or did Christopher make the entire thing up? I certainly don't feel special anymore...hahaha...  

Knarvik videregående skole, Lindås

Ergh...this is not good...Miss Chew's CRM management have been scrapped off...the new owners do not plan to overhaul the current POM system at the moment...so, meaning that Miss Chew will be easing back into the Marketing Department...and now the team will have a more heavier head count cost...1 General Manager...3 Trade Planning Managers...2 Assistant Managers... 

Intensivgymnaset, Bergen

And I also remembered...Samuel's stirring for the fourth time...in the Strike 2 meeting...Samuel is so happy that during a group discussion - Miss Chew is in the same group with us...  

Hop videregående skole, Ask

Haiz...this Samuel is stirring again...the third time...Samuel actually ask me...for the Hat Yai study trip...why I did not extend the invites to Miss Chew...instead, I offer it to the Promo Communication Assistant Manager...Mr. Horton's Secretary answered for me...that Miss Chew should be automatically be called up by The Chief...I offered to the Promo Communication Assistant Manager is base on seniority...as Miss Chew's position in the Marketing Department remains vague...

Fine...I admit, I am not doing a good job here...I am clueless...I certainly don't know how to lead this team going forward...I am weak, I am incompetent, I am not capable, I don't know how to motivate the team...nor do I know how to inspire the team...I am bad in projecting myself as a leader...I have no charisma...I am not convincing enough...I am not knowledgeable in the area of Marketing...I can't influence nor persuade...every day is a torture...I don't feel like going to work...I hate being in the workplace...I still cares on what people think of me...no doubt that I have stated several times - its ok to hand over the position or let Miss Chew to lead us back...but it's hard for me to swallow...I want to come out from this wilderness...haiz...  

Pressing Pause To Pray

When we make prayer a first resort instead of a last, we invite God's direction, wisdom and blessing. 

Finish Strong

Don't become weary. Don't give up. God will provide what you need to finish strong.

Help me keep going on this journey, Father. I want to finish strong so You get the glory for my life and journey.   

Longing For A Home

Don't hesitate. Talk to God as much as you like. He won't mind. He delights in our hearts. In Him you'll find a home.

Help me, God, not to hold back in talking with You when I've got something on my heart. Thank You for Your listening ear.  

Growing In Faith

Sometimes it's easy to praise the victories and triumphs in our lives without similarly acknowledging that growth in our character comes through time and struggle. 

James instructs us to consider pure joy when we face trials of many kinds. But what could possibly be delightful about trials? 

God will sometimes allows us to go through challenges and hardships so that we can be molded into who He's called us to be. He waits in anticipation for us to come out of the trials of life mature and complete, not lacking anything. By staying grounded in Jesus, we can preserve through any challenge, growing stronger and ultimately allowing the fruit of the spirit to blossom in our lives. His wisdom gives us the nourishment we need to truly flourish each and every day.

Dear Heavenly Father, sometimes the trials I face seem unbearable. Please give me the strength to preserve, and help me as I grow in faith and develop into the fruit-bearing believer that You've called me to be.  

Pulled To Safety

Maybe today you feel opposition around you.

Reflect on how God has helped you in the past, and then praise Him and ask Him to do it again!

Thank Him especially for rescuing you by bringing you into His Kingdom.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for coming to my aid so many times. Help me to know I can face any battle with You by my side. 

His Peace

For several months, I coped with intense workplace politics and intrigues. Worrying is second nature to me, so I was surprised to find myself at peace. Instead of feeling anxious, I was able to respond with a calm mind and heart. I knew that this peace could come only from God.

In contrast, there was another period in my life when everything was going well - and yet I felt a deep unrest in my heart. I knew it was because I was trusting my own abilities instead of trusting God and His leading. Looking back, I've realized that true peace - isn't defined by our circumstances, but by our trust in Him.

God's peace comes to us when our minds are steadfast. In Hebrew, the word steadfast means to lean upon. As we lean on Him, we'll experience His calming presence. We can trust in God, remembering that He'll humble the proud and wicked and smooth the paths of those who love Him.

When I experienced peace in a season of difficulty rather than ease, I discovered that God's peace isn't an absence of conflict, but a profound sense of security even in distress. It's a peace that surpasses human understanding and guards our hearts and minds in the midst of the most difficult of circumstances. 

Thank You for the perfect peace that comes to me when I choose to trust you.   

Hjeltnes Gardener School, Ulvik

Samuel's 2nd stir...Samuel felt that Miss Chew will be invited to attend the Hat Yai's study trip...

So...meaning that Samuel have this so-called political scenario playing in Samuel's mind...how to bring back Miss Chew into the Marketing Team and suppress me is it...

Garnes videregående skole, Bergen

Ish...Samuel seems bolder these days...going against me...very discreetly...Mr. Horton's Secretary still ok thus far...it's only a matter of time; that the both of them will gang up and go against me...and began to side with Miss Chew...

This Samuel...already start stirring the pot...the 1st stir - Samuel declare that - let's welcome Miss Chew back...Miss Chew to lead us is also good...

Fyllingsdalen videregående skole, Bergen

THANK YOU GOD, PRAISE TO THE LORD, BLESS YOU GOD!

Amen & Amen!

Marcus's current baking confectionery company also got rung me up...but my salary threshold is way over qualified...

I got WatsApp Marcus and tease Marcus about it...Marcus is also currently looking for a House Brand buyer too...but this baking confectionery company is also being put up for sales.

Challenging times ahead... 

Fusa videregående skole, Fusa

THANK YOU GOD, PRAISE TO THE LORD, BLESS YOU GOD!

God's confirmation again...Amen!

Second offer came pouring in...from one of the neighborhood grocery store where you can get your local brands and imported brands...they have the least in terms of promotions exposure...but every time when you enter their premises, they never fail in delighting you because you are bound to discover new brands, new items every time you visit their store. Plus, recently they have been acquired by one of the biggest e-hailing company ever...

But...their HR ask me to do a case study...which I do half-heartedly...so, it's obvious they didn't call me for any interview...sigh, I did not make the cut...I should have put more effort into it...this new job may change everything...just IF...

Framnes kristne videregående skole, Kvam

THANK YOU GOD, PRAISE TO THE LORD, BLESS YOU GOD! 

In the midst of all of these uncertainty & insecurities...a current fellow HR colleague who is with our Health & Beauty; G13's sister company (whom I have also known during our days with the French colonial) have ask me whether I am interested in a buyer's job or not...sigh...which I have rejected...if it were the other categories, I would have been very keen...health & beauty...I don't even fit into the category...I look so aunty right now...hahaha... 

Fitjar videregående skole, Fitjar

If there is the first & second appearance of Miss Chew in the important meetings...then I can conclude that Miss Chew will also be attending the Hat Yai study trip as well...therefore, this will be Strike 3.

Unfortunately, for me...I will not be able to join this trip as I will be away for 3 weeks...going on my Tour Du Mont Blanc hike in Europe...sigh...I foresee with me gone for 3 weeks...a lot of things will happen...Miss Chew will takes center stage...Miss Chew will be in the lime light...and I wonder if I still have a job when I get back...  

Austevoll Fishing School, Austevoll

Strike 2 - The Chief calls for a meeting on a Saturday - setting the direction moving forward...and yes; Miss Chew was invited...second appearance...

That's it...I am a gone case...

Nonetheless, in this Saturday meeting - my name was called upon the most...but then again, I feel - is it I am thinking too much...of course, there is no official organization chart out yet...fellow colleagues just assume that I have the lead role because Aidan put out the email, I have always fill in the shoes of Marcus when it comes to trade...Miss Chew just came back from sabbatical...most probably gradually being easing back into the leading role...or do they see me as snatching the position from Miss Chew in the first place...and now the leading role is being handed back to Miss Chew and I am the most short-lived lead ever?

Do I need to give a damn on all of this?   

Fana Gymnas, Bergen

I guess The Chief had a conversation with Miss Chew...probably find Miss Chew to be a steady pair of hands, useful to be around...maybe Samuel is right...Miss Chew's style is very well suited in a China Man company after all...

The Chief actually ask me whether Miss Chew is ok or not...if not ok...then don't waste Miss Chew's time...sigh...I should have killed it of there and then...but I cannot be cruel...The Chief also enquire on Miss Chew's anger issue...I should have add more fuel to the fire there and then...hahaha...

Nonetheless, The Chief is decent & fair...also ask on Miss Chew's strength...I told The Chief that The Chief already know or should know...I am very sure that The Chief have went and ask around...Miss Chew also have some supporters around...and even my supporters (if I have any...hahaha) will also not bad mouth Miss Chew as well because I know these people are also decent & nice people...I just told The Chief to test drive Miss Chew, give Miss Chew work to do...so, it looks like The Chief have given Miss Chew the second chance after all...

Etne videregående skole, Etne

Oh dear...this is not good...Strike 1...the first appearance of Miss Chew.

The Chief calls for a meeting...attended by all of the cross-functional division...I did a presentation...on all of the current promotions that we are doing; the type and frequency...Miss Chew was invited...Samuel's wish came true...

Like Samuel...I also have notice that The Chief calls Miss Chew many times during the meeting...

After the meeting - I re-group with Samuel & Mr. Horton's Secretary on the next steps - Samuel asks me to invite Miss Chew for the review session together...and whatever we have plan & put into the deck, to share with Miss Chew as well...indeed this Samuel is a traitor...sigh...I only answer back that it is so weird as we are unsure of Miss Chew's role as The Chief have yet to make any official announcement. 

In reality's - yes, I am very selfish, insecure & jealous...my position can be thwarted and I will be an embarrassment...I am sure everyone in the meeting will be wondering what is going on? Why is Miss Chew invited? So who is the head now?    

And I also notice that Miss Chew saw the 3 of us re-group in the room...didn't call Miss Chew...whatever...   

Danielsen videregående skole, Bergen

So, the new owners can't afford to pay the Agencies Retainer Fees...so now have to undertake a cost-efficiency exercise...to terminate some and to look for alternative...again, no clear direction from The Chief, plus disagreeing with me...so back & forth, back & forth again...now, every single piece of job The Chief also wants to sign...

With one of our regional creative & printing agency...I have to be the bad guy to convey the message, The Chief did not join in the meeting...of course the agency is upset...until The Mayor Teams Message me to hang in there...actually don't have to terminate people contract, the contract ends by year end anyway, so if we don't want to continue, we just don't sign for the new year...but we can't continuing paying for the retainer fees...sigh... 

Danielsen Intensivgymnas, Bergen

The Chief have appointed me to lead 2 meetings...the Commercial Meeting and the Marketing Meeting...it's more like jotting down notes & follow-up...hahaha...

Nonetheless, THANK YOU GOD, PRAISE TO THE LORD, BLESS YOU GOD....

Because, it gets people to notice me...even the Non Food Buyer call me The Chief's blue eye girl twice...

I am only a small potato...I really want to be low profile and lay low...yes, I like attention but only once in a while...

Bømlo videregående skole, Bømlo

Working with The Chief is also a headache...back & forth, back & forth, no conclusion, indecisive...The Chief tires me off...I am also very overwhelmed...The Chief is indeed a worthy opponent...nonetheless, I am just very grateful at the moment that The Chief have yet to scold, shout & yell...

It is very hard for me to draw up a lean structure as I try to keep everyone...I am not cruel & ruthless...I only believe that with kindness & thoughtfulness, it can drive people to level up on their own initiative...I have to admit, I also don't want to be the bad guy... 

Bjørkåsen videregående skole, Bergen

I did 2 things...I am not sure whether it's right or wrong...right; because I needed the help, I need to delegate the stress out...hahaha...I want them to understand the load...wrong; is because I know that they are more capable than me, maybe they will outshine me...they will reject or laugh my ideas off...so, I told The Chief about Samuel & Mr. Horton's Secretary; the other 2 seniors in the Marketing Team and The Chief immediately rope them in for all of our meetings, thus I don't feel special anymore....hahaha...maybe The Chief also realize that I am slow in handling & managing matters as well; and yes, sometimes the both of them get to see on my incompetency & inadequacies as well...sigh...

Secondly was on Miss Chew...The Chief ask me about Miss Chew...heard about Miss Chew's temper previously...didn't want to bring Miss Chew in if that will jeopardize the team...I only told The Chief that The Chief should test drive Miss Chew and draw conclusion from there...yes, I should have been cruel and kill off Miss Chew there and then...but that is not me...

This is going to be a headache...   

Bjørgvin videregående skole, Bergen

The Chief WatsApp me:

BTW are you, Samuel and Mr. Horton's Secretary in talking terms with Miss Chew?

Straight answers please

...I answered; Yes...

So...now The Chief is aware about Miss Chew...

Will my answer...is like inviting the virus in?

Bergen maritime videregående skole, Bergen

I am struggling too...I have battles every day...so-called enemies in the office, my very own insecurities...where to start, how to do, who to ask for advise, who can I trust...but above all; I have God - who have stated very loud & clear - no enemies' weapons formed against me shall prosper...all of the enemies in the office; their arrows will be broken down into pieces, their arrows will be dis-integrated, their scheme will not be fruitful...I have a God who will fight for me...I will raise a Halleluiah banner surrounding me...

The other day, in a meeting - The Witch keep on proposing Miss Chew...but to my surprise; The Chief ask - who is Miss Chew, I don't know Miss Chew...thereafter, The Witch only keeps quiet...nonetheless, Samuel have shared with me...that in many Upscale meetings...The Witch have been promoting Miss Chew a lot lately...sigh   

Bergen katedralskole, Bergen

Yeah...it's a fact...both Samuel & Mr. Horton's Secretary will never acknowledge me...safe hands or not safe hands...I think, it is only when the official announcement and structure is out from the horse's mouth...officialize it...then only yeah...they will acknowledge me...otherwise...the both of them just dismiss it off...

And the other day, Samuel boldly propose that Miss Chew should be in charge of TikTok; if it gets to be launched...woah...is that a sign...of wanting to overthrow me...yeah, I admit...that I am not a strong leader...I don't lead the team very well...maybe what I am doing is all wrong...and perhaps both Samuel and Mr. Horton's Secretary are yearning for a capable leader to follow...maybe they see that in Miss Chew, not in me... 

Bergen High School of Commerce, Bergen

 ...hmm...Samuel reveals a little bit about Samuel's character the other day...according to Samuel, Samuel is fiercely competitive, likes to be outstanding since young and do get jealous easily when comparison are being made...hahaha...I find the jealousy part...was indirectly pointing at me...well; I'm doing the Mass portfolio together with Mr. Horton's Secretary where as Samuel is fully in charge for the Upscale category...of course, due to the business proportion ratio where Mass is 80% vs Upscale 20% - all of the cross-functional division will emphasize more on Mass than Upscale...I guess, when at times...when our fellow colleagues tend to make the comparison unconsciously...let's follow the Mass way, why cannot follow Mass's process...Samuel may have felt...yeah jealous, not acknowledging Samuel's capabilities...offended perhaps... 

Austrheim videregående skole, Austrheim

 ...err...in the conversations also...Miss Chew also reveal that Miss Chew's CRM portfolio is currently put on hold until further notice..eh...at first, the new owners wants to go big, go all out...now put on hold...yes, there is a need to change the current POS system...so to work around to make the CRM work was to attach another system to it...but now it seems that everything is on stand-still and Miss Chew is only overseeing the food delivery side of the business...ohh...now, we have a GM...drawing a GM salary...but not doing anything...hmm...

The Digital Millennial reveal that Miss Chew is so zen these days...hahaha...of course, there is no trigger yet...

And of course; The Designer & The A&P Manager...both was sharp and accurate...foresee that the CRM project cannot be launch that fast...and was wondering what will be the fate of Miss Chew? What will be the fate of the Marketing Team? 

The Designer kept on asking me...am I ok...seeing that this Miss Chew drawing such a high salary with easy or zero work...sigh...for me; it's simple...as long as I am still sitting in that desk, I will do my part...whoever salaries that are higher than me, it's none of my business, it is never in my control in the first place.     

Askøy videregående skole, Askøy

...there was a meeting that the Digital Millennial organized which the Digital Millennial have extended the invites to Miss Chew...yes, I was upset about it but I also cannot denied that Miss Chew have more experience here than the both of us...I know nothing on Community Management & Website Maintenance and the Digital Millennial is only at a half-past six...nonetheless, after the meeting...the 3 of us continue to have conversations...and Miss Chew then reveal that Miss Chew did not received any bonus at all...ohh...

I THANK GOD, PRIASE TO THE LORD, BLESS YOU GOD - because I have received 2 months bonuses...some sense checking around...it seems that everyone in the office only gotten half a month or 1 month...indeed; I am truly very blessed.     

Judges 17:7 - 13

The lesson of Jonathan's life is the necessity of Godly contentment with God's arrangements for our lives. 

Judges 16:23 - 28

There is scarcely an individual without a serious blemish. But God is in the business of restoring failures. The spiritually successful Christian is not the person who never fails, but the believer who learns how to accept God's remedy for failure. No matter how far we fall, we never fall beyond the possibility of His forgiveness. But we need to learn from what we have done wrong and lay hold of the forgiveness of God. If we wallow in guilt, turn to self-pity or make excuses, we will be overwhelmed by our failure.

Sometimes, God must strip away everything that keeps us from trusting in Him. It may be a very painful process, but His purpose is not to destroy us; it is to build us up and teach us to trust in Him. God's discipline, designed to produce maturity and restore us to usefulness, is never isolated from His restoration.   

Judges 16:15 - 22

Even in the midst of the worst kind of failure, God is present, working to restore Samson.

You have fallen to temptation and you would be ashamed if anyone knew about it. There is a bumper sticker that puts it beautifully - Christians aren't perfect, they're forgiven. The hair can grow again. God can use you again - even in your failure, He will not abandon you. When you fail, come to God, claim His forgiveness, and He will work His healing grace in your life.  

Judges 11:4 - 11

Similarly, we do not need to create opportunities for service on our own; it is God's job to open doors.

Our responsibility is to be fully involved and invested in the place where we find ourselves, doing the will of God wherever He has placed us and learning the lessons He is teaching us. 

Willing to allow God to open doors in his life and to be faithful wherever he was at the time. 

Live enthusiastically for God in the present, and He will concern Himself with your future. 

Judges 7:8 - 22

When God calls us to do battle for Him, He always goes before us. In God's grace, we are destined for victory in Jesus. 

We enter into that victory when we learn the lessons of preparation for victory. God does not call us to believe in ourselves or in our own adequacy. Rather, He strips us bare, taking us down to the point where we must depend on Him. Then, in grace, He takes us by the hand and teaches us that we can trust completely in Him. We need to learn the lesson of dependence so that we may move on to learn the lesson of confidence. We learn that we can do nothing without Him. Then we delight to discover that we can rely completely upon Him. Having learned these great lessons, we are prepared for victory.

There is a great lesson here - it is not our responsibility to understand how God is going to keep His word or accomplish His work; our responsibility is to know what He calls us to do and to do it.  

Judges 7:1-8

This is a fundamental spiritual principle. God is not interested simply in giving us victory and prosperity, He is concerned with teaching us trust. In fact, if our victories make us self-reliant, they will become more dangerous. 

If we want to take credit for what God is doing, God will not use us. This is why we see God working in a powerful way in the lives of weak and inadequate people. Our greatest need is not to believe that we can do it, but that our God can. 

God promises His presence and power, but if our fear persist, He will not force us to fight. In fact, He removes us because fear is contagious. It focuses on the problem, not on God.  

God is not looking for great Christians, but for fervent, wholehearted believers who want their lives to count for Him.