Wonderful Surprises

Last Sunday was my birthday. Yes, it was also Mother's Day. My mom and I shared May 14 together once every seven years. I think this is quite special, it doubled my gratitude for my mom—not only thank her for being my mother, but also thank her for bringing me into this world, so that I can experience love and life. We spent the day with our family, we went to Church, lunch, shopping and dinner—a typical Sunday and family day, with the celebration of Mother's Day and my birthday.

This year I have not made any birthday wish. I used to be excited to make birthday wishes before my birthdays. But this year, I think I was already content with what God has given me, so I didn't even think about making any birthday wish. There were a lot of surprises that God has given me in these past two weeks:

Seven days before my birthday, I joined the healing ministry team in our Church. It has been my desire to join a healing ministry team, so I can serve the needy better with other brothers and sisters. I have been to many other healing meetings, training and ministries before, but it feels really different to serve with my own Church family. I am truly grateful that we can have this new healing ministry team in our Church.

Five days before my birthday, when I stepped into the room for the Tuesday night prayer meeting, one of the pastors came to me, brought me to his side, and started to pray for me. Then he led all the brothers and sisters to pray for me corporately. They declared that with God all things are possible. We walked around the room several times, to bring down the walls of Jericho! After that, I shared with them that last month I have written about coming together as an army and bringing down the walls of Jericho. I also shared with them that this coming Sunday will be my first day to serve with the new healing ministry team, so I believe that what we are fighting for tonight is not just for me, but for God's greater healing power to come to our Church! Then once again, we prayed for God's healing power to come upon us. I was so surprised that God would lead all of them to pray for me before I started to serve in the healing ministry team, I was totally overwhelmed by His amazing love that night.

Last Saturday, my dear brothers and sisters threw me a surprise birthday party. We had barbeque, dinner, game and cake at my friends' house. It was a wonderful party with yummy food, warm setting, and most importantly, my favorite people. God surely knows what I like the best. I was actually quite speechless that night, with all the surprises that I have got in that whole week, so all I could give to my brothers and sisters were just thank you and hugs. But I felt so blessed by their love and thoughtfulness, and I am truly thankful that God has brought each one of them into my life.

"He who refreshes others will himself be refreshed." (Pro. 11:25) I have experienced this scripture many times in these past two weeks. Every time I thought I was helping and encouraging others, but then I found out that God helped and encouraged me in the exact same ways! You never know how God will surprise and reward you as you step out of faith to bring His love and blessings to others. He is truly faithful and gracious.

So, I can tell you that I had a really wonderful birthday this year! :) And I know that this is another new beginning for me. I really thank God for all of His surprising love for me!