PAULA: The Word of God speaks…
I have come to realize that God is really a personal God. He is loving, all knowing & generous. He cares about the intricate details of our lives. Even before we were born, He knew us. In His creative mind, He designed a unique purpose for each and every person. It is His desire for us to know His personal will & plan for our lives.
On May 20, 2008, on the way home from my first worship leading experience in a youth camp, I heard God ask me as I prayed, “Paula, what do you want?” I was surprised to hear Him say that, Lord, what do i desire? i thought about it and answered Him, “Lord, I want to sing for you, give me the voice to, and Lord i want to write songs for you, so others could know you” I had a vision of millions of people with hands raised in worship. I saw people entertaining thoughts of ending their life but because of a worship song their heart turned to the Lord. This is a dream i know God alone could fulfill.
That same day, a friend called me and told me that God had a message for me “Paula, Ask and it shall be given to you”. When I got home, I found a letter fro Hillsong International Leadership College for their course on worship Music. The image on the package was a multitude of people with their hands raised in worship, similar to the vision i had earlier. I knew this was from God and that He was saying yes to this promise. What I didn’t know about was the journey and climb I had to undergo to reach His promised land.
After applying for the student visa, I read Habbakuk 3:17 “Though the fig tree should not blossom& the produce of the olive crops FAIL, yet I will rejoice in the Lord” That day, my visa was denied. i did not expect it at all. I was left without a college to enroll in. I locked myself up in my room and cried. I didn’t understand why would God withhold something good. Then i read Isaiah 55:8-9 “As high as the heavens are above the earth so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.” I knew I had to trust God’s reasons.
That week i ran into a friend who suggested a college for me, it was the perfect time because it was the last week of admission. God opened the door for me to take up Music Production in CSB and even showed me His favor during my interview.
Before entering into this College i read Isaiah 60:2 “The Lord will arise upon you, and his glory will be seen upon you, nations shall come to see your light” I realized Gods heart is for people, especially those who do not know Him yet. I knew this college was a place of many opportunities to be His witness, God opened countless doors to share His love. Detours are truly His appointments of blessings, yes even the delays!
After one year of College, I met a girl in CCF who lived in Sydney, I realized my desire to go to Hillsong was still there. One evening while doing a prayer walk a stranger came out of her house singing the song Mighty to Save, by Hillsong. I knew God was confirming His promise to me and reminding me that He knew the desires of my heart and He desired to give them to me in His perfect timing.
After reapplying for the student visa, I received a text from an unknown number saying “He knows the way that you take” I read that verse from my Bible and the footnotes said “Trust God when bad things happen in your life, for He is sovereign over everything” As I woke up the next morning my mom told me: “Bad news,Paula, it was denied again, due to lack of finances” We had insufficient funds for me to study abroad. I really didn’t know where God was leading me or what He wanted, another step of faith was required. God spoke to me through his word about the life of Abraham that although he had no reason to hope, He hoped and persevered trusting God alone. I felt God telling me “Paula, I know the plans that I have for you, and I have my perfect time, believe still with all your heart that nothing is impossible for me, I have a reason why I want you to stay longer, believe and do not doubt me or my words” This time it seemed so impossible to me. I was afraid to still believe because I feared denial for the third time.
That same month at the prayer mountain as i was seeking Gods will, I met a woman who is a passionate worship leader, and owns a music school. She and i had been given very similar dreams from God when it came to music. She told me that night, “Paula, God is a God of the impossible, nothing is impossible for Him. He can do immeasurably more than all we could ever ask,dream or imagine. Congratulations Paula, Australia is yours, do you believe it?” She had so much faith that i was going and that God would move mountains if this was His will. She said this with such confidence and assurance, but i didn’t know how or when. I still couldn’t see how this would be possible.
Then an Aunt from New York offered to help with the financial hindrance. Hillsong sent me mail saying they would hold my slot for July and will continue to pray for my breakthrough. My sister’s friend who lived 15 minutes away from Hillsong offered to give us an invitational letter. So on May 2010, I applied for the student visa for the third time. In a month I was granted a student Visa for 3 years with permission to work and my mom sold a house a week after with a commission that was enough to sustain me in Australia financially for the next two years. God really answers prayers! He did over and beyond what i expected Him to do. I remembered crying tears of joy in awe that God really did what He said He would do. He filled my cup to overflowing, He is a God of more than enough! Heb 11 :1 says “Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, it is being certain of things not yet seen. God is pleased when we believe in Him and believe He is able.
In Australia, the Lord continues to take care of me and answers my prayers even the small ones, just to show He cares. I prayed for a job, and the Lord told me one morning “Go to the mall, apply and I will be with you.” That day I got a job in a mexican restaurant. There was even a time I prayed for a chance to eat Flipino food, and when i walked out of church they were selling adobo, caldereta & rice, the Filipinos selling gave me 3 boxes for free. For our graduation ball I didn’t have anything to wear. Three days before the ball a friend texted me and offered to give me a purple gown for free, even if it costs $60. She told me that the Lord whispered it to her to give it to me. As I wore it I felt the Lord saying “If i could clothe the flowers, how much more will i clothe you” Even my household needs, like tables, chairs, desk or a lamp the lord would really provide. From finding it in a garage sale for $2 to people would give it for free, I experienced God’s mighty hand at work. More than 50% of my meals were for free.
I have come to see that God doesn’t only answer the big prayers, but even the seemingly small ones to prove that we matter to Him. God is a God of the impossible. He is a God who listens to all our prayers and guides us into truth. He truly works all things for our good and wants to be personal and intimate with us. He is real and He speaks. Praise God for who He is and what He has done and continues to do in your life and mine! Believe that the star-breathing God is painting His masterpiece in your life. To Him be all the glory, praises and love!
