SPIRITUAL MILESTONES

BY PR NANCY LIM

Spiritual milestones are significant markers in our spiritual life. They are reminders of God’s faithfulness to us.

We read of various occasions in the Old Testament when God’s people erected stones or altars to celebrate the victories that God had given to them over their enemies or life challenges. One such event is illustrated in 1 Samuel 7 when the Lord sent the Philistines into confusion with a mighty sound and hence enabled the Israelites to counter the attack of their enemies. To commemorate this landmark victory, the prophet Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen and called its name Ebenezer; for he said, “Till now the LORD has helped us.” (1 Samuel 7:12).

Today, we no longer erect stones or altars like our forefathers in the Old Testament. But we can still look back at the spiritual milestones in our lives and give thanks for what God has done in our lives.

The first time that I sat down to chart my spiritual milestones was during my preparation to be a missionary. I was asked to list down the significant events and people who had influenced me at different points in my life, and recall the specific Biblical verses or other books I had read in the past that shaped my conviction.

I was pleasantly surprised with the insight that I had gained through the exercise. I discovered that my first spiritual encounter with God occurred as far back as the time when I was only 6 years old! This had remained dormant in my memory until I went through a “mentoring for missions” course. As I mapped out the events in my life, I was able to see clearly on the piece of paper in front of me how God was already working in my life even before I became a believer.

God had allowed the good and bad things to happen in my life to shape me into the person that he could use to accomplish his good and perfect plan. I was reminded of God’s promise in Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (NIV).

In the ten years that followed, God led me through an exciting journey in the mission field as well as completing my studies in the seminary. Each time I faced challenges or disappointment, I reminded myself of various significant spiritual milestones in my life and trust that he will not leave me alone without any help. One of my favourite Bible verses is Job 42:5 “I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you;”. I particularly like this verse succinctly expressed in Chinese “我从前风闻有你, 现在亲眼看见你”. I thank God for the new milestones that were added to my spiritual journey during those years.

When life deals you a severe blow such as a serious sickness or tragedy, one that makes you feel helpless or discouraged, may I suggest that you revisit some significant spiritual milestones in your life to remind you of God’s goodness and faithfulness.