Being a perfectionist, I must admit that one of my goals was to write a perfect dissertation. Hence, I became rather despondent when I struggled just to produce one decent page of writing after months of reading. The breakthrough came for me when I heard these words from the pulpit: “It is not about me, it is all about him!” That gave me a whole new perspective on my dissertation writing. My focus in all that I do should be on God rather than on my abilities.
I began to be less anxious about the number of pages I had to write. As I worked on the concept of God as host, my eyes began to see God’s gracious acts of hospitality, providing abundantly for his people, in the pages of the Old Testament. I am still amused whenever I think of God welcoming Adam and Eve into his newly-created “home” that has a well-stocked pantry.
Just when I was finishing this section of chapter two, I received a call informing me that I won two return tickets to Okinawa, Japan, with three nights of accommodation. Okinawa had always been on our “to-visit” list as we missed our good friends who are pastoring a church there. God knew our hearts’ desire. And his generous provision did not stop there. His supply was bountiful—pocket money for the trip, warm hospitality from our friends, good weather (a typhoon hit Okinawa a week before we arrived), free food at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport where we transited, etc. God is indeed a generous host, not just in my dissertation but also in my life!
PRAYER NEEDS
1. For Casey to finish transcribing the interviews he conducted and to finish chapter 3 of his dissertation soon
2. For Casey’s class: Biblical Interpretation
3. For Davina to complete chapter 2 of her dissertation soon
4. For Davina’s avulsion fracture in her left ankle to heal well
5. For Casey's sprained elbow to recover soon
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