SPIRITUAL BARRACKS

Was there ever a time in your life that you didn't like the words “break”, “rest” or “timeout?” These are what most of us long for after a tiring day in school or at work. Well, everybody deserves a time to rest. Even God called the Sabbath day holy: free from work.

But why am I blogging about this? To tell you honestly, these three beautiful words were the ones I was afraid of six months prior to this day. Last year was my third year as BS Occupational Therapy student in the College of Rehabilitation Sciences of the University of Santo Tomas. My course runs for five long years and apart from that requires a lot of time, patience and love for craft. For the first three years, I've already sacrificed an uncountable number of sleepless days and nights and even shed a bucket of sweat and tears. Summarizing all these adjectives and metaphorical descriptions, my course was no joke.

I was really excited in making it throughout my third year because that was one of the hardest years of being an Occupational Therapy student. Not until I flunk one prerequisite subject for second semester and the years ahead. My eyes shuttered off, ears closed, mouth sealed, dreams shattered and heart broken. It was my first academic failure. It pierced me right through my chest.

To cut the story short, that event led me to another year in school, making me a third year student again, technically. On second semester of last year, I didn't feel that I was an irregular student yet because I had six subjects to take. What ran after me during those days was my status right now, and that is, I'm only taking one subject for six months.

I may not be the best student in class but education for me is of big value. I'm a lover of knowledge and wisdom. I plainly like being in the classroom.

Yet again, this isn't about me. This is HIS story.

In our Victory group, sometime during summer break, we were catching up with one another. And, as the baton was passed onto me, I felt a big stir in my heart that I needed to vent out. I told everyone, that I hated the fact that I'm only going to take a subject as June comes by. I was bombarded from within on what to do with those six months. I don't wanna end up cranky, stupid or worthless. I felt that I needed to immerse myself into something to be productive. I don't like being idle and I have issues on school failures. But on that same day, that I acted stubbornly, was the day I learned my purpose in life.

I'm a Christian for four years now and I've never mentored anyone in that span of time. And then I always ask myself, “How come others from church, even the new Christians get to disciple?” I would always answer myself back with this: “I'm not fit to do so. I'm not yet spiritually prepared and I'm busier than everyone else.”

Going back to the previous story, as we close our fellowship, my mentor, Ronna Bonifacio prayed for me (not the exact words but the thought counts)

Ronna: Lord, I pray for Diane that she finds peace in her heart and that you would use her as an instrument of your Word. Lord, I know that she'll be in this “spiritual barracks” for the next six months. (She suddenly paused) And said, “Oh wait, do you know what barracks means?”

Diane: Ahh yeah. (In my mind I had the image of a place full of soldiers)

Ronna: (continues) And that you would use this time for breakthroughs and discipleship...In Christ's name, we pray..

Together: Amen, amen.

As we wrapped up with an Amen, I instantly felt peace within me. It's like the issues on failure were suddenly buried. And the six months of nothingness became fruitful and promising. Jesus Christ was really the answer. I should have not relied in my own strength, my own deceiving strength. I was a complete weakling without Him. I, MYSELF, WAS THE FAILURE WITHOUT HIM.

At present, I'm down to the last three weeks of my “off-from-school” state. And, this “spiritual barracks” opened the doors for me. I have finished 121 with an older girl and now she's off to Victory Weekend, currently doing the same discipleship process with another woman and we're on our second chapter this Sunday, and will start with a colleague later this evening. I'm also handling my own group now. As for myself, I've given more time to Bible reading, ministry and even got the chance to enroll in Training for Victory (batch 7).

What a journey! My fear for this long break led to the biggest breakthrough in my life.

I'm grateful that He called me into this “Spiritual Barracks” that made me a soldier of His life. Everything about me was cancelled, and everything about Him was credited.

Do not be afraid if God called you to disciple and serve.

WE ARE GENERALS OF GOD.

Do not think that you are not credible to disciple.

IT IS NOT ABOUT YOU BUT OF JESUS CHRIST.

EVERYONE IS CALLED TO DISCIPLE.

When is the right time to disciple?

IF NOT NOW, WHEN?

COME EARLIER BEFORE THE CLOCK STOPS RUNNING.

Let God lock you into your own spiritual barracks.

“All authority on heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. And teaching them to obey the things I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always to the very end of age.” -Matthew 28:18-20

Sealing this with love,

Diane