“Weakness Met by Grace”

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” — Matthew 11:28 (NIV)

September was a difficult month for me, both physically and spiritually. My body was covered with hives, mosquito bites, and inflamed wounds, leaving me uncomfortable and exhausted. At first, I thought I simply needed rest. However, what began as a desire to recover gradually became an excuse to neglect my missionary responsibilities. I spent hours on my phone instead of reading God's Word and praying. Convincing myself that I would do better the next day.

Eventually, I decided to regain my discipline and resume our house-to-house visits with my partner. One morning, we visited Kuya Sunny and Ate Emelda, one of our Bible-student families, to offer them a foot massage.They welcomed us warmly, and we began the day with prayer and God's Word.

We also conducted Bible studies with Ate Cessie Roxan's family, meeting whenever they were available. Through these encounters, my passion for serving slowly began to return.

On September 8, my partner and I moved into a larger house where we would live independently. Even after leaving our former residence, we continued gathering with the family there for evening worship. During our house-to-house visits, we also encountered a family who invited us to share their lunch despite having just met us. Their unexpected kindness touched me deeply. I realized that, despite my imperfections, God was still allowing me to meet people, pray for them, and introduce them to Jesus. What a privilege it was to be part of His work!

However, just as I was regaining my spiritual momentum, a church member invited us on a birthday trip to the neighboring island of Mompong. Although the trip to Mompong was a joyful opportunity to fellowship with the brethren, I failed to recognize how easily my desire for rest could once again weaken my spiritual discipline. What began as a few days of relaxation gradually became a pattern of avoidance, and before I realized it, an entire week had passed.

I could no longer ignore the painful truth: I was disappointed in myself because I had begun neglecting the very purpose that had brought me to the mission field. "Why am I living like this? Why did I come here when I could have stayed in Korea?” I asked myself. I had come to serve God, yet I was allowing temporary pleasures to take priority over Him.

That Sunday evening, I finally humbled myself before the Lord. I acknowledged my weakness and pleaded for His forgiveness and strength. I knew that my own determination was not enough; I needed God's help to change. The following morning, I began again, waking early for prayer and Bible reading, exercising, and spending time in Scripture after our missionary visits.

Through this experience, I am learning that God's grace is not permission to remain where I have fallen; it is an invitation to rise and walk with Him again. While rest is necessary and moments of enjoyment are not wrong, neither should be allowed become an excuse to neglect the calling He has entrusted to me.

Name: Kim Jinseok (Mark) | 66th Batch 1000MM

Hometown: South Korea

Mission Field: Brgy. Maniwaya, Sta. Cruz, Marinduque