Even without the "privilege"

#selamatpaskah #happyeaster #welcometothefamily #baptism

After living for few years in Taiwan, I realized that one the best privileges in my life is born in #christianfamily . Before, I didn't think it as a privilege, but after meeting a lot of people from different spiritual backgrounds, I do.

Born in Christian family doesn't make me saved, yes, that's true, but the covenant between God and my parents when I got baptized when I was baby kept me under the "wrapped" of the holy spirit. My parents sent me to Sunday school where I learned #holybible , recited some important verses, sang religious song and all of them are the foundation for my beliefs. It's not difficult for me to say "I DO" when later I had to confess my beliefs in front of church congregation. I was 17 when I took part at the sermon when I confessed that I believe in the holy trinity and it meant that I became a Christian on my own decision, not because of my parents.

I've been struggling to live my life in what we call as "God's way". There were a lot of times when my faith was shaken for various reasons. But, one thing that always assures me, something that I often forget, is that GOD is the One who gives the faith. God is the One who enables the believer to believe. God is the One who encourages us to say "I DO". I often relied too much on my "privilege' that I mentioned above and my efforts. I often forget that it is only by GRACE that I've been saved through faith, that not of myself, it's the gift of GOD(Ephesians 2:8).

And today is special day, we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ; Kartini's Day in Indonesia; and I witnessed my friend confessed her faith in front of the congregation and got baptized.

She started attending church last year and join us for the bible study after Sunday service. She quietly and patiently learned the bible, and humbly asked questions that struck me because I think it's a common knowledge. Then I realized that she didn't have the same "privilege" like me. Her family is not Christian and one day she told me that her family opposed her plan to become a Christian and to bring up the issue anymore.

Me, who thought that family's blessing was important, told her to wait a bit longer and tried to convince her parents. Yet she hasn't got the approval and decided to get baptized without the approval of her family. My cup of joy was and is still overflowing. I was so excited and thrilled when it was her turn. I was so touched because she bravely took the courage to do so.

She just graduated from #nationaltaiwanuniversity and now is working. I pray that she can live up to the “grace” that has been gifted to her by GOD. But, actually, it's not only her that said “I DO” today. Me as part of the congregation also said “ I DO” that I will assist the new believer to live according to GOD’s word.

** I also want to send my condolences to people in Sri Lanka, who got bomb attacked during Easter celebration. My heart goes to the victims, family, and the people that are weeping now. I hope that people stop any kind of violence, especially because religion.**