Psalms 23:4 | “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.”
Incarceration
In 2014, I found myself sentenced to a year of incarceration due to drug abuse. Surprisingly, this period of being in jail turned out to be the best thing that could have happened to me. It was during this time that my health was restored, my mental faculties sharpened, and my relationship with God reached its peak.
Looking back, I realise that there are no coincidences in life, only God-ordained plans. Prior to my incarceration, I had been living as my own boss since the age of 23, with few leaders around me. I lived according to my own desires until existential fears gripped me behind bars. However, it was in my darkest moments that God came to my rescue.
In prison, there was an officer whom I didn't interact with much in prison because we were not allowed, but his presence served as a reminder that God was with me even in that place. Through those eight months, I found solace in God's faithfulness, knowing that God was there. I immersed myself in the Bible, reading it twice, and engaged in outreach activities within the prison walls. My life was fruitful and finally with a direction.
After my release, I spent the remaining four months in Teen Challenge and eventually found my way to Full Gospel Assembly (FGA) Church. It was through God's guidance that I realised the presence of another leader in my youth. This reaffirms me that the first was not a mere coincidence. It was part of God's plan. His plan to send another leader into my life and remove any lingering doubts. The day I met him at FGA, I was overwhelmed with emotion and cried tears of gratitude. God showed me that He had fulfilled His promise to me.
Throughout my life, there have been only a few leaders who have left a lasting impression on me, and most of them were individuals I encountered during my youth. The possibility of these connections being mere coincidences is smaller than one can possibly fathom.
I want to express my gratitude to my Ex Boys Brigade squad leader, Beng Huat, whose presence sparked the revival of my walk with God. I also want to thank David for his reassuring presence and for being a role model in family life, which I aspire to emulate someday. Above all, I want to thank God for being with me every step of the way through the darkest valleys of my life.
For those who are currently walking a challenging path, I want you to know that God is always there ahead of you. Trust in His presence and guidance, for He has a plan for each of us, even in the most unexpected circumstances.
“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
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