Life often takes unexpected turns, leading us down paths we never anticipated. These redirections can be unsettling, even daunting, but they also offer us a chance for growth, discover new possibilities and re-valuate our goals and priorities.
In entering the year 2023, Icai and I had set several faith goals, but as the year progress we realised that God had greater plans in store for us. This year, we have encountered and embraced God’s redirections in life.
God’s Redirection #1: Migration
We had a pending application for permanent residency in Canada since 2021 and were praying for it to be approved this year. Our IELTS results were also going to expire on June 2023 and so far were not really inclined on taking the exams again. Suprisingly (or not), our application for Canada was rejected on Jul 2023 because our IELTS results have expired. This was 2 weeks after we found out Icai has a mass in her chest. Two years we were in the candidate pool but the result came out after we found out of Icai’s condition and pretty much right after our IELTS expired, what were the odds?
When the result came out, we were not really disappointed. It reassured us that Singapore is where we are called to be at this time. If our application was approved and we moved to Canada and Icai has cancer, it would have been a far more challenging season not having the support we have here in Singapore.
Instead, after a year of waiting, Icai’s Singapore Permanent Residency application was approved. This makes it easier for us to live in Singapore long-term.
When one door closes, another opens. This is God’s redirection.
God’s Redirection #2: Baby Number 2
Believing that a two-year age gap would be ideal for Hopesie to have a sibling, we prayed and attempted to conceive. Thank God that His ways and plans are always better. We are grateful that God’s timing always surpasses our own desires. It would have been incredibly challenging to go through cancer treatment while being pregnant.
Without a second baby in the picture yet, we’ve had the opportunity to devote more time to Hopesie. It has definitely been a beautiful experience.
God’s timing is never too early, nor too late. His timing is perfect. This is God’s redirection.
God’s Redirection #3: Health
Over the years, my focus when it comes to health has been on physical, with less attention on mental well-being. However, I’ve come to realise that neglecting my mental health has had a significant impact on my physical condition. The constant stress and overthinking, both in personal life and work, have taken a toll on me. I’ve been falling ill more frequently. And the physical strain has even led me to seek chiropractic treatment for persistent body aches.
Recognising the state of my mental health has led me to the realisation that I am far from living the life I truly desire. There are aspects of my life that I have come to understand as unnecessary. They consume a significant amount of my time. Potentially even detrimental. In May, I watched the documentary “The Minimalists: Less Is Now” on Netflix, which deeply resonated with me. It highlighted how societal pressures push us to conform to a particular lifestyle, trapping us in a cycle that fails to bring us joy. That is exactly how I feel. Since then, I’ve been actively working on changing certain habits and the way we, Icai and I, approach our lives. We are both fully committed to living a life that is meaningful and will bring us joy.
The struggle for mental health can be arduous, given the demands of the world we live in. We often find ourselves entangled in its complexities.
To live a life that is meaningful to us, we must make choices that not necessarily align with the current societal norms. Going against the norm does not make it wrong.
For my family and I, this is an ongoing process. We are grateful that God has made us aware of this and has been journeying by our side throughout. This is God’s redirection.
God’s Redirection is For YOU!
God’s redirection can often be challenging, especially when its purpose eludes us. However, it is essential to remember that if it is God’s plan, it is ultimately good, beautiful, and for our benefit. His redirection is not a rejection but is always for our protection. If you are reading this and find yourself in a situation where you sense God might be redirecting your path, turn to prayer.
Seek wisdom and understanding, pray for inner peace, and confide in someone who can support you in prayer.
Whether you accept or resist God’s redirections in life, the impact extends beyond your present season.
It will resonate throughout the years to come.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Jeremiah 29:11
“Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.”
Proverbs 19:21
