Counting Blessings – #004: What’s New With You? (Did you know God moves in different ways?)

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord. – Isaiah 55:8

Recently, I've been hearing and reading the word "steward" a lot — almost like it's trying to tell me something. It feels like the Lord is checking in on how I've been stewarding the things He has entrusted to me.

"Kumusta 'yung pagiging steward ko?"

Before those encounter moments with Christ, I didn't really understand the word steward. Akala ko it was something purely spiritual — basta I'm doing well and active sa ministry na nilagay at pinagkatiwala sa akin, okay na ’yun. Pero along the way, I realized it's more than just fulfilling responsibilities. It's about how I carry them, about obedience, surrender, and trusting that every little thing matters to God.

Grabe, no? The more you walk with God, especially daily, you begin to look back on the days you thought it was all you… but it was really all Him.

What I'm also learning about stewardship is that the posture of the heart is so important. Nothing I have is truly mine—everything comes from Him.

"Kumusta 'yung mga bagay na ipinagkatiwala sa akin ng Lord?"

Let's break it down into a few things that we've been entrusted with:

Talents?

Relationships?

Ministry?

Job?

Time?

Life?

How's my heart in doing the things God entrusted to me?

Am I doing it for my glory — or His?

Luke 16:10–11

"One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much... If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches?"

Napa-heart check din talaga ako. Like, if I'm praying for something big, will God see me as a faithful steward in the little things?

And when I look back on what I used to call "little things," I realize, those moments helped shape my heart. They taught me to be grateful for what I have now.

Quick share ulit:
Dati, I hated the program I took for personal reasons. But God patiently teaches me and keeps helping me realize that He has a purpose for placing me here. Ngayon, parang excited na nga akong mag-take ng boards 😅😳🙏🏻.

Totoo rin pala talaga na when I pray for growth, God places me in situations where I need to step up. Not by my own strength, but through His.

Another quick share: Recent lang din ito 😁

One of my bosses started including me in meetings. I remembered her words, she told me that she wants me to grow in my work, to go deeper pa sa analysis, etc. My other bosses also have different ways of teaching me and my other colleagues.

And one thing I've observed about them is their patience and how they genuinely care for their subordinates (dalawa pala 'yung observations ko, jk 😂) #accounthingz, plus their sense of humor 😆

Then this thought came up:

Is this God's way of opening a door for me to share the Gospel?

At the end of the day, we go back to the main purpose.

I've learned that we are like walking Bibles to the people around us. (Pero, hirap i-apply! 🫠) We live to represent Jesus in our lives. They will see how we act, how we talk, how we interact with them. 

This is also a form of stewardship — honoring the trust others have in you.

One time, I messaged one of my colleagues that I would ride with the shuttle service, pero na-late ako ng dating. That moment, I felt guilt and shame. It doesn't happen often, but I realized, if I let it happen again, it could become a routine.

Meron ding mga ganitong moments sa church. Our church is far from home, it takes about 1 ½ hours of travel, whether by commute or motorcycle. Since my brother and I are part of the music ministry, we need to be there early, even before the Praise Team prep starts, because we have to be prayer-ready before the service.

We often arrived just on time, and there was even a time when we were really late. There were moments we came early, but it wasn't consistent. Then the frustration came in… the guilt… and the shame.

The takeaway here is self-discipline, and being committed when it comes to time.

But sometimes, it's not the enemy you need to rebuke… Sometimes, it's yourself. (Well, myself, rather 😅.) Because the truth is, we can be our own biggest hindrance. #selfcheckulitself

But I'm thankful to God for His correction and discipline (yes, even if it's something we don't always want to hear, we still need it). Fast forward, we've been early birds for a month now! 🙌

Yes, this is also stewardship — stewarding our time. 

Stewardship isn't just really about managing what we're given, it also requires discipline and commitment.

Now, I'm beginning to understand: God desires His children to excel in every area of life, not for our glory, but for His.

I'm truly grateful 'cause I can see Him working in me — through my bosses at work, through the children we're teaching, and in every little thing He's placed in my hands today.

And many more to come!! 🙌✨

John 14:26

"But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you."

May we never forget: everything we have comes from the Lord. We are not owners, but stewards of His grace, His gifts, and this life. So let us live it well — for His glory, not ours.

1 Peter 4:10

"As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace."

Romans 14:12 (ESV)

"So then each of us will give an account of himself to God."

peace. love. joy.