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11
July 2018

All By Myself

By Rey Oliver Fabros

By: Rey Oliver Fabros



ALL BY MYSELF



“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” –PROVERBS 3:5-6



I love traveling alone as a way of removing stress. I used to rely on Google maps and read signs to reach my destination. But when I went to Tokyo by myself, I became more agitated and stressed. I could not understand any signs despite the English translations available on signs and maps. It was hard to figure out where to go. The supposed one-hour trip quickly turned into two hours. The complexity of the Tokyo rail system, which causes you to change or switch train wagon regularly, and people who look so disturbed while chasing schedules, added to my stress.



I didn’t want to ask the people around me for help since I couldn’t speak Nihonggo, and they all look occupied. After a long time spent figuring out where to go, I finally gave up and got the courage to ask a stranger. With my basic Japanese communication skills and sign language, I finally got answers. If I wouldn’t have asked, I bet, I would’ve continued to waste my time and effort.



Most of the time I feel that I can make decisions and do it alone without someone else's advice. I'm fascinated to visit places without plans or knowing anything - regardless of its consequences. Obviously, it causes me troubles, and at times the realization, "I shouldn't have done that!" or, "Too late, there's no turning back. I'm here now, might as well seize the moment!".



In anyone's journey, there are points you'll be confused, frustrated, and possibly lose control. Thinking of the future always perpetuates anxiety. We think we can carry out our own plans without recourse to the one who made us. Personally, I find myself asking, “Will God understand me?” or “Will He have time to think about helping me?”. These are the common questions I find within. We are like sheep who have gone astray.



But, God made it clear in Proverbs 3:5-6 that if we refer things to Him, He will journey with us and make sure that no matter how tough the road is, He will not let us fail. Our plans may fail but if our plans are referred to the maker, we will be victorious no matter how rough the path is.



REFLECTION QUESTION:



What are the reasons why sometimes, we are hesitant to pray and ask God for directions?



Are there any big decisions that you have faced recently? How did you see God working on it?



Youth Small Groups Faith Formation Faith Formation and Teaching Discernment
Rey Oliver Fabros (known as King) is a Global Mission Fellow of the United Methodist General Board of Global Ministries, serving for two years at the Asian Rural Institute (ARI) in Nasushiobara, Japan. He was commissioned in August 2016. King is from Isabela Province in the Philippines, where he is a member of Burgos United Methodist Church in the Northeast Luzon Philippines Annual Conference, and was was raised in a home of a mom and dad both working as ministers for the UMC. King wants to be a missionary to share the love of God.