August Newsletter - "Keep your eyes on me."

"We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you." 2 Chronicles 20:12b

Hello, friend ! This is Haza from Treasure 119. Thank you so much for subscribing to this newsletter. I'm so blessed to have this opportunity to write to you. If you don't mind, I'd like to start my first newsletter with something that happened to me this week.

I went to Tai O this week for Sabbath. There's an amazing spot to watch the sunset, and it's one of my favorite things to do around Hong Kong. Everything was planned out, from which ferry to take, what foods to eat, to where to set my tripod... and of course I missed the ferry. I get motion sickness easily, and it gives me a bit of anxiety whenever I have to go on a long bus or car ride. The bus to Tai O from Tung Chung was 50mins long. Taking the ferry was the quickest option, but since I missed it, I had to take the bus instead. If you've taken the bus from Tung Chung to Tai O before, you'd know the first part of the bus ride started climbing uphill. Not wanting to risk getting motion sickness, I put down my phone, leaned back and looked out the window. Since the bus was climbing up, my eyes naturally lifted to the sky and saw this:

(View from bus window.)

And then I sensed God spoke to me,

"You just need to keep your eyes on me."

I cried almost all the way to Tai O. I was not expecting God to speak to me that way and then. His voice was familiar, and He was loving, kind, and gentle. He answered a question in mind that I haven't even asked. One of the lessons God has been trying to teach me lately was trusting in His timing. Do not worry, always pray first, be thankful, and trust everything is in His hands. (Phil 4:6-7) The truth is.. there are difficult things in my life. I'm sure you went through difficult phases in your life as well. Maybe you are in one right now. You cried out to God, but yet sometimes still refused to be comforted. I was like that for a long time and wasn't even aware of that. But He knew! He saw me at that moment, and allowed me to miss the ferry so I'd encounter Him there on the bus. I wouldn't have looked up and gave Him all my attention if I were on the ferry. The next day I had a prayer meeting with a friend. She listened to my story, and she said, "I'm sure now God did speak to you. Here's a verse I read this morning, and I think it's perfect for you."

Our God, will you not judge them? For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you. 2 Chronicles 20:12

(and then I cried some more)

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Why am I sharing this with you? The idea of starting Treasure 119 has been on my mind for some time, but I never imagined I'd be doing it right here right now. It certainly was not within my planning, and I have doubts about every little decision I make. I was reminded this week that the same God who cared for Abraham, Issac, and Jacob also cares for you and me today. He is present, and He is loving and kind. He is working all things for our good. (Romans 8:28) I'm not sure where you are on your faith journey now, but if you just happened to need a little bit of encouragement this week, please know that He loves you, He saw you, and He cares for you. When you don't know what to do, keep your eyes on Him. Thank you for joining me on this journey and allowing me to share these little moments with you.

(sunset from Tai O)

Lastly..

You know what's the funniest thing.. I ended up discovering a new sunset spot. I've been to Tai O many times, and I can't believe I didn't know about this viewing spot. My plans aren't the best plans, but it's okay as long as He's with me. His plans are always the best. Blessings, Haza