Faith Story by Stephen Teo
I would like to express my gratitude for the blessings of the Lord constantly showered over me.
I was having multiple serious financial difficulties with debts of more than RM300,000 for many years. I had no ability to settle them.
Apart from that, the company I owned also had many debts. Financial debt haunted me like a thorn in my heart for many years. After listened to Pastor Philip’s sermon on tithes and offerings, I prayed that the year 2020 will be my year of blessing. I kept my promise to God that I will pay my due to our Lord Jesus Christ without fail. In my Connect Group, I testified to the members that year 2020 will be my year to be set free financially.
God indeed chose year 2020 to be my year of blessing. As many know, the whole world is fighting against a virus called Corona Virus. Global economy almost completely shut down, many went into depression, and many are business are closing. This pandemic affected millions of people; some lost their jobs, and many had their salary reduced.
But my Lord Jesus told me differently in Isaiah 40:31 “But those who wait on the LORD Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.”
During the entire year of 2020, I didn’t cut any salary in my office. I even rewarded those who worked with me for years with bonuses. Oversea jobs and a local job consistently paid for my work. I managed to settle all my company’s debts. I also cleared all the outstanding up-to-date. I feel so relieved. As for my personal debts, I managed to clear all 3 of my bank loans in one go on the 30th December 2020. On the 31st of December 2020, I walked freely and joyfully to celebrate the coming 2021.
It was very difficult for me to walkthrough this financial struggle in 2019 particularly. Owing money to the banks and to friends, and company debts were nightmares.
However, I was very sure the Lord is with me, and because of that, I trusted in the Promise of God. Psalm 23 says “The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You have anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows. Certainly, goodness and faithfulness will follow me all the days of my life, And my dwelling will be in the house of the LORD forever.”
A business opportunity introduced by a close friend to supply fertilizer to a farmer’s institution in the interior of Sabah was the beginning of my breakthrough. I run a designing company; I have no experience at all with fertilizers. But I got to know a Brother-in-Christ who is knowledgeable; it was like God sent.
Not everything was smooth sailing. Because of Covid-19, factories stopped production. Shipping companies were not operating efficiently so we had to deal with late deliveries and faced penalties. Apart from the possibility of our names being tarnished, we faced losing money.
Thank God, thank you Jesus, thank you Holy Spirit ! Even though we experienced MCO, CMCO and EMCO, we were able to manage, manoeuvre, and to deliver all the fertilizer to all the designated locations. God’s promises are always in His perfect timing.
I would like to thank God, my family, my friends who have been with me and supported me all this while. I am now a free man, cut away from financial difficulties. I am so relieved and am extremely thankful to my Lord Jesus Christ. In the mighty name of Jesus I prayed. Amen! As the Bible says, Christ has freed us so that we may enjoy the benefits of freedom. Therefore, be firm [in this freedom], and don’t become the slave again. (Galatians 5:1)
Last but not least, throughout this struggle, in order to make it through, we must be obedient and we must have the right relationship with our Lord Jesus.