Rev. Sandy Yu, founder of the Stream of Praise (SOP) music ministry, urged women to rely on God, who bestows blessings.
On December 30, about 300 people, including working mothers, stay-at-home mothers, and single women, attended the Woman Conference during the four-day SOP winter worship tour in Hong Kong.
As a female pastor, Rev. Yu, the founder of this first overseas Chinese music ministry, expressed empathy for the difficulties women face while stressing that God is the one who gives blessings. “To ask God for a blessing is to say aloud, "God, I want it!"”
Yu encouraged the attendees to live a life of seizing the promises of God, for He will lead as long as they rely on Him when in trouble.
Pastor Yu urged those with decidophobia to be brave and pray, “God, I am going to make the decision. Please help me.” Despite the difficulties in preparing for this tour, she witnessed God’s help. “God will supply. So, no worry. God will intervene even if it's wrong," she reassured.
"Delight in the difficulties, for they are opportunities for growth and breakthroughs in life." Pastor Yu encouraged the present ladies to bless others seated next to them by laying hands on them, saying, "Don't be afraid of difficulties, which are God’s permission,” she added.
She mentioned humans have misunderstandings about God, believing He will blame us if we do wrong. However, because God is loving, Yu asked all present to stop blaming themselves. For the mistakes, there is only a need to apologize and repent before God.
Another wrong voice in the human mind is blaming others. Pastor Yu guided the attending ladies to return to the Lord with prayers of forgiveness and help. She said that if you think, "I am a sinner originally," you wouldn’t always believe you're right. In simple words like, "I was wrong; I'm sorry; please forgive me," you would find grace.
In addition, for those who didn’t know how to pray for themselves, Pastor Yu shared five blessings that they can ask the Lord for in the New Year: dwell in safety; descendants will inherit the land, hearts, and inheritance; God is my friend; “Let’s start seeking to know His will from today”; God will release my feet from the snare and protect us from falling into it.
“When we know that we can pray to Him in this way, we can take delight even in suffering!” Pastor Yu called on those present to see that “more blessings await, and there is hope in life ahead!”
- Translated by Poppy Chan
