The March 11, 2012 Story

No, there was no bombing event on March 11, 2012. This particular date is just so memorable to me.

“Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast array, for the battle is not yours, but God’s.” This is what is written in 2 Chronicles 20:15. This was what I read on March 11, 2012 upon opening my devotional book very early in the morning.

This verse is about the story of King Jehoshaphat, one of my favorite Bible characters, facing the Moabites and the Ammonites. 2 Chronicles chapter 20 begins the story, “the Moabites and Ammonites with some of the Meunites came to make war on Jehoshaphat.” Now this was trouble for King Jehoshaphat! A vast army was coming to attack his people and territory! Do you know what he did? “Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the Lord, and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah (verse 3).” His immediate response was to seek the Lord. He led the people to seek help from the Lord for he knew that his forces could not withstand the army that was about to attack. King Jehoshaphat prayed, and he ended his prayer with this statement, which is one of my favorite Bible verses: “(O Lord) We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you (verse 12).” This is a statement of total surrender and dependence on God. What happened next? The Lord responded to their inquiry! The answer was: “Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast array, for the battle is not yours, but God’s (verse 15)… You will not have to fight this battle… Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them (the enemies) tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you (verse 17).” Wow, what a relieving response! If you were Jehoshphat, will you believe this? Will you trust God? This wise and faith-filled king did. Early in the morning, they marched to the place the Lord told them to go. Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the Lord and to praise him for the splendour of his holiness as they went out at the head of the army (verse 21). And the ending was victory for King Jehoshaphat and his people! How? Indeed, they did not have to fight! Literally! The enemies destroyed one another! When the men of Judah arrived at the place where God led them, they saw only dead bodies! Those were the remains of their enemies! Truly, it was God’s battle. God promised. Jehoshaphat believed, trusted, and obeyed. God did exactly what he promised. Jehoshaphat worshipped God. “…The battle is not yours, but God’s.”

from http://www.redshirtfridays.org/images/Touching_Emails/soldier_kneeling.jpg 

March 11, 2012 was the day scheduled for the Licensure Examination for Teachers. That was the day I took the examination that I believed would confirm my calling as a teacher. That day, I held on to the same promise King Jehoshaphat held on to. I believed that taking the exam was not my battle, but God’s. Even before I finally decided to take the exam, I knew God was doing something far beyond my expectations and imagination. He had been telling and reminding me of his promises. At first I felt afraid. Afraid to take the exam because I was unprepared. But in December 2011, God gave me the courage (and resources) to go to the PRC Office to apply to take the examination on March 11, 2012. And the story did not end there.

I decided to take the exam only three months before the exam! And my preparations did not immediately begin in January. I felt like I was being chased by a vast army. I was running out of time to prepare. I knew that without preparations, I was sure to fail. Unexpectedly, I event went through rocky roads weeks before the exam. Something happened that really tested my faith in God’s promises. Questions bothered me. Am I really called to be a teacher? Will I become an effective teacher? Something happened that made me realize that (good) education and practice are not enough to become a good teacher. I felt the need to kneel down everyday in prayer to ask God’s help, protection, and guidance not only for me, but especially for my pupils. I cannot exactly explain the emotions I felt that time. While trials continued coming, God’s word kept on sustaining me. And the day of the examination came.

On March 11, 2012, my friends and I went to P.Burgos Elementary School in Sampaloc, Manila to take the exam. Indeed, the Lord went with me. I felt his presence, really. I was full of joy even though it was quite hot in the classroom, I lacked sleep, I found most of the questions difficult that I kept on praying “Lord, kayo na po ang bahala.” I cannot explain why, but I felt really happy that day. After I submitted my answer sheets, I was not sure if I was going to pass the exam and get a license after one or two months. But I was very certain of one thing: The Lord will do something great in my life. Truly, he did. After more than one month, I proved that God always keeps his word. I passed and even got a bonus! The feeling was weird; I got surprised with the result, but not really, because I always believed that I was called to be a teacher. Being able to get a license was God’s confirmation. I was really deeply touched by God’s big surprise for me. And what was more touching was to realize that He blessed me not because I was deserving, but because He is just really gracious. Taking the LET was more of a spiritual experience for me than a professional milestone. It was indeed not my battle but God’s. I cannot boast about anything and that’s the best part of all of this! I will never ever forget this event of my life because I saw not just God’s hand at work, but also His face, revealing Himself, that He is faithful, gracious, and really good. To Him be the glory!

In Christ alone will I glory
Though I could pride myself in battles won
For I've been blessed beyond measure
And by His strength alone I'll overcome
Oh, I could stop and count successes like diamonds in my hands
But those trophies could not equal to the grace by which I stand

In Christ alone
I place my trust
And find my glory in the power of the cross
In every victory
Let it be said of me
My source of strength
My source of hope
Is Christ alone

-In Christ Alone, Brian Litrell

Thank You, Lord! Thank You for Your grace. Thank You for the people You used to inspire and bless me. Thank You for the people You called to pray with me. Please bless them, too. :)