Contributed by Adeline Ting • Aug 26, 2025
John Wesley was indeed inspiring. His life, his works, his faith and discipline; it was all holiness exemplified. My reflection of John Wesley had three key things that stood out – he lived a life with purpose, he was willing and availing, and that he was a man who leaned on God. This was the man who introduced Methodism, and the extent of his work moves beyond England and reaches faraway places. John Wesley was highly effective, not just because of his preaching but also because of his living. He led social reforms (opposing slavery, building prison reforms), contributed to philanthropy (medical, education), and church organizational reforms where women preachers were supported. John Wesley achieved all these because he was determined to live a life for God’s purpose. He willingly availed himself to God, and most importantly, leaned on God. There is so much to learn from John Wesley.
But alas, I am no John Wesley, and my serving is small and often unseen by others. Sometimes, I wonder “Does my small acts of service even matter in this age of time?” What I do and who I serve in church, workplace, community; does it make an impact? Too much of uncertainties and distractions make it easy to lose heart in serving others.
And so, for times like this, I keep my eyes on God. I remind myself that there must be a purpose that God has called me to live faithfully in this present generation. Will I be able to reach out and be a friend to someone, a shoulder to lean on, a listening ear? Or to be kind, prayerful, encouraging and uplifting? Or will I be a helper, enabler, and doer in church missions and community engagements? And through it all, I pray that God will be my strength and for His love to fill my heart. Without God, I may fall into serving without God’s love and the wrong intentions. I pray that God continues to fill my heart with love and joy. And hopefully it is not my effort to serve that others see, but that they see the hand of God at work through a willing heart.
I know God does not expect me to change the world. It is sufficient to remain faithful where God has placed me, and to be ready and willing wherever His Spirit leads me.