Faith Story by Michelle Shu
I started following Skyline church in 2019 by listening from the app. I always found it difficult to understand sermons in my old church. So, I first visited this church in 2019 by myself. Self-invite. I found that I could understand the messages in this church, and this made me want to come back for more.
When the MCO hit, I started following the online services. After that, on and off, I would come to visit with my husband, but he was not interested to stay here. This was because he was already used to our old church. Secondly, he didn’t feel he belonged here. So, we were visited here, and attended our old church as well.
Last year, I decided that it was time for us to decide where we want to settle down. I started going to the Cell Group (CG) alone in the beginning of last year. That failed because my husband was not interested to go with me.
Then, during the 40 days fast and prayer, I went on the second day. I remembered very clearly that I came alone. I stood at the back, looking at myself and wondering “Why am I here, standing? I even had a baby at home.”
While worshipping, God gave me this. This sentence came into my mind. “Don’t think about coming or not. Just come and soak in my presence. When you do that, I will deal with your heart.”
To my surprise, I found myself wanting to attend every morning. It was a challenge to make it. At that time my baby was 9 months old, and I had to breastfeed her during the wee hours of the morning. I had to make sure that my whole world was still sleeping when I tip-toed my way out, leaving the house quietly. I also had to make sure that I came home on time so as not to disrupt the routine at home.
I ended up attending more than half of the 40 days of 2023. During that time, I prayed that God would open up my husband’s heart. “Open doors if this is meant for us, and close doors if this is not the place for us. And let Your will be done.”
The challenges were very real. My husband often questioned me why I had to go. We had our disagreements, and even arguments. I was so into it that I think I did neglect my responsibilities to care for my family. I admitted it, I slowed down, and I made adjustments, and changes. Nevertheless I continued to persevere until the end.
I can’t tell you when, but some time after the end of the 40 days fast and prayer, my husband’s heart just suddenly opened up. I don’t know why. I really didn’t do anything to change him. The only explanation is that God had answered my prayer.
After that, we joined a CG where we got to know many awesome people and we felt more belonged here. I was so touched when finally, we were able to attend Sunday service as a family. That was the best feeling ever.
To my amazement, at the end of last year, my husband was even helping out in the Marshall Team for the Christmas Eve and Christmas Day celebrations. Two days in a row under the sun. I was so in awe. I didn’t expect that he would be serving earlier or faster than I. Our God is so wonderful. He did this for me, for our family, and He can do this for you today.
So here I want to encourage you and myself that we must come and pray. We must continue to persevere even when we feel restless, even when we feel doubtful “Will God answer my prayer?” I can testify to you that He will. He will answer your prayers according to His own timing. What we need to do is really to be obedient, come and seek Him, and pray as we align our hearts to His heart. And you will see God doing wonders in your life, and giving you that breakthrough that you’ve been longing for. Thank you.