Three Lessons for Faithful Living

By

1 Chronicles 29:11

Reflecting on 1 Chronicles 29:11: Three Lessons for Faithful Living

As a pastor’s wife, a mother, and a co-laborer in ministry here in Cambodia, I often find myself meditating on scriptures that remind us of God’s sovereignty and goodness. One verse that has deeply resonated with me is 1 Chronicles 29:11. This powerful declaration by King David gives us a glimpse into the magnificence of God—His unmatched greatness and the truth that everything belongs to Him.

This year, 2025, has begun with many challenging events, such as the recent wildfires in California. My family and I have been praying for the affected families who fled their homes, leaving behind everything they’ve built over the years. Even as we try to comprehend such losses, we find comfort in knowing that our God remains sovereign, even in disasters. Let’s explore three lessons from this verse that can encourage and strengthen us in uncertain times.

Lesson 1: God’s Sovereignty Encompasses Everything

King David’s proclamation reminds us that all that exists in the heavens and the earth belongs to God. He is not just the Creator but the Sustainer of everything. In times of global crises, like natural disasters or personal challenges, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by circumstances beyond our control. Yet, we can take comfort in knowing that God’s sovereignty means nothing happens outside His divine purpose.

For example, during the recent wildfires in California, many families—including the rich and famous—were displaced, losing homes and possessions. While we may not fully understand why God allows such tragedies, we trust that His purposes are higher than ours. These events remind us to hold loosely to earthly things and cling tightly to eternal truths.

Here in Cambodia, my husband and I often see families struggling through poverty and natural calamities like floodings. Yet, these situations have also become opportunities to witness God’s provision and care. Sharing food, offering prayers, and being present during these times helps demonstrate that God’s sovereignty extends to His ability to use us as His hands and feet.

Trust in God’s control over every situation. When life feels uncertain, remind yourself that the Creator of the universe holds you and your circumstances in His hands. Pray for wisdom to discern His purposes, even when they aren’t immediately clear.

Lesson 2: Worship Flows from Recognizing God’s Majesty

David’s words are an act of worship, acknowledging God’s greatness, power, and majesty. When we recognize who God is, our natural response should be worship. Worship is not limited to singing songs on a Sunday morning; it’s a lifestyle of honoring God in all we do, trusting Him in every circumstance.

As a mom, I’ve seen how children can teach us about simple, wholehearted worship. My son David’s prayers are a beautiful example. When we explained to him why disasters happen, he reminded us to trust and praise God, even when things go wrong. His childlike faith inspires me to keep my focus on God’s majesty, even amid difficulties.

In Cambodia, the Khmer culture values showing respect to authority, and we often use this as a way to explain worship to young believers. Just as they honor their parents and elders, we honor God by giving Him the highest place in our hearts and lives.

Let worship become your response to God’s greatness. Start each day with a prayer of adoration, praising Him for who He is. Teach your children or those you disciple to recognize God’s majesty in everyday moments, like a beautiful sunrise or the provision of daily needs.

Lesson 3: Trusting God Transforms Our Hearts

David’s declaration that God is exalted as head above all reminds us of the importance of surrender. Trusting God’s authority doesn’t mean we will always understand His plans, but it does transform our hearts. It cultivates peace, hope, and resilience.

When wildfires, floods, or personal trials strike, our natural inclination might be fear or frustration. But trusting in God’s promises brings peace that surpasses understanding. I remember a time when our family faced financial uncertainty in Cambodia. Instead of panicking, we prayed and trusted God. He provided through unexpected ways, strengthening our faith and giving us a testimony to share with others.

Another example comes from the young couples and university students we disciple. Many of them face uncertainties about their future careers or family situations. Encouraging them to trust in God’s plans has been transformative. They’ve seen how surrendering their worries leads to joy and opportunities they never imagined.

Make trusting God a daily habit. When challenges arise, turn to Him in prayer and surrender your fears. Share testimonies of God’s faithfulness with your family and ministry circle to encourage them to trust Him as well.

As we reflect on 1 Chronicles 29:11, let’s remember that our God is sovereign, majestic, and worthy of our trust. He reigns over all creation, and His plans are always good, even when we don’t understand them. In our roles as parents, spouses, and ministers, we have the privilege of pointing others to this truth.

Let’s end with a prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Yours is the greatness, the power, the glory, and the majesty. Everything in heaven and earth belongs to You, and You are exalted as head above all. Thank You for reminding us of Your sovereignty, especially during challenging times. When disasters strike or life feels uncertain, help us to trust in Your perfect plans. Transform our hearts to worship You wholeheartedly and to find peace in surrendering to Your will.

Lord, we lift up those affected by the recent wildfires in California and other global tragedies. Comfort the hurting, provide for the needy, and reveal Your presence to those who are searching for hope. Here in Cambodia, use us as instruments of Your love and truth. Teach us to rely on You daily and to share Your faithfulness with those around us.

We praise You, Lord, for You are good, and Your love endures forever. 

In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

May this reflection encourage you to rest in God’s sovereignty and share His greatness with others. No matter what 2025 brings, we can be confident that our God is in control, and His purposes will always prevail.


Serving in Cambodia!

Location: Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

What's the truth?

By
Image
What a rainy morning we have in Phnom Penh today 🙏😉.  Has summer ended in Cambodia already? As a plant lover, I do rejoice about it! It's about time to experience some rain shower 😍 While on a tuktuk today, I pondered on this verse in Colossians 1:13 "He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. "  It is a great reminder that we have been saved through Jesus’ - His death and resurrection made it happened. God has saved us from darkness and evil, and we should be grateful for being citizens of His kingdom. Our freedom comes from Him, who can change our circumstances. Over dinner last night. our David has again asked a question, I think this is still in reference to our previous conversation a few nights ago but this time, he has included his dad 😅✌👉  David's lamentations ***While eating... David: Mom, will I go to heaven with dad someday? Mom: David, do y...
Read more

How to Cook Khmer Nom banh chok?

By
Image
Last week, I blogged about a Filipino dish 👉 "Tinolang Manok" - my comfort food.  Today, I also would like to feature a special Khmer noodle that I have loved eating ever since I stepped my foot in Cambodia. Vandy and I have already tried several versions of this noodle dish. Each place/province or homes have their own take on making it. The ingredients and technique vary from household for sure. We love eating it in my husband's hometown Kampong Cham. My in-laws prepare it with love. This noodle is not only popular during the holidays and festivals, but also being served for important events in the country. I wish to be able to make it, but I believe it would be a long time for me to even replicate what my in-laws are making. I have watched and helped them make it but it's just too complicated for me haha! Kunthea, my sister-in-law who is living with us made Nom Banh Chok last month. Here's a recipe for how she made it. But I would want you to know some importa...
Read more

5 Steps to Effectively Share the Gospel

By
Image
My husband is praying to win another soul for Christ in our neighborhood. We are grateful to be living in a "Borey" (community in Khmer) where there is a Park. We love walking and exercising at our park. Vandy would be exercising in the early morning there, he would wait for the sun (natural Vitamin D!). It so happened that some new faces would come and exercise as well. On some weekends, my husband has had the opportunity to walk and talk to an elder man while walking on the park. Vandy is an introverted person, it's a struggle for him to even start a conversation, but one thing I like about him is that he is a good listener. And because of that, the elder man is so happy to have conversations with him. He found out that he was a government retiree. They have lots of topics as they walk in the park from politics, family down to health. Vandy is very persistent in listening and is waiting for the opportunity for him to speak. My husband knew it would take a while for the...
Read more

Hosting at home

By
Image
Ms. Allyn was my former boss (World Hope Org), speaking life to me as a future bride to Vandy in 2009 . She gifted us with a rice cooker, which, up to now, is being used for the church monthly potluck! Cool, right? I’ve always believed that hospitality is more than opening the doors of our homes, it’s opening the doors of our hearts. Here in Phnom Penh, where life buzzes with the noise of traffic and the rhythm of daily routines, God gives us moments that remind us of His quiet glory through friendships, food, stories, and smiles. Just like Psalm 19:1 declares, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands,” our little acts of love and fellowship can also speak loudly of His presence and goodness. And sometimes, it happens over shared meals, in homes where stories are retold, prayers whispered, and hearts encouraged. A Full Circle of Kindness More than ten years ago, I was a young single missionary based in Kratie province . Whenever I would travel to ...
Read more

7 Scripture Prayers for Our Children on the Spectrum

By
Image
Twelve years ago, God gifted us with a beautiful baby boy David. Last Saturday (June 7th), he’s officially 12.  Almost a teenager. It feels surreal. I still remember cradling him in my arms, marveling at the miracle we had waited and prayed for. His sweet smile, chubby cheeks, and joyful eyes gave us warmth even during our most uncertain days. He was and still is our ray of sunshine. Coming home from work each day to his big hugs and excited squeals has always been the highlight of our day. Whether I had a long day at the university or Vandy, my husband, had just returned from a week in the provinces doing mission work, seeing David run toward us always made everything worthwhile. But something in me shifted this year. He’s growing up. Yes, he still needs us, but differently. He now prepares his own school uniforms, picks out the color of sets he wants to wear, and tells us his food preferences. He has opinions. He voices them. He has feelings and thoughts he wants to express. And ...
Read more

Do you have a missionary calling?

By
Image
Phnom Penh City at night (view from the Ferry ride) My missionary calling started some decades back in my country (the Philippines). I would be trekking and ministering around to the tribal community with my mission classmates at (ACM) Asian Center for Missions .  These mission travels have given me much clarity about God's calling for me to become a missionary.  I vividly remembered; my last tribal mission was in Davao - the Matigsalug tribe. It was an extra wonderful experience that even sealed my faith journey. God has impressed me that His name will be exalted among the nations! (and I should look for ways to serve and be a part of it!). We trekked for the whole day to the mountains and streams to reach a local community. It was exhausting but truly worth it trek! I was glad I was able to write this post in 2007 👉  Missions to Matigsalug Tribe .  Months after that tribal trip, I began my mission journey here in Cambodia. As a single missionary, I joyfully took t...
Read more