A few months ago, I had a gentle stirring in my heart to consider donating blood. It was a thought that had never crossed my mind before, almost like an item to check off my bucket list. But this idea persisted within me. Interestingly, the very next day, a home-schooling mom friend sent a message on our group, announcing a blood donation drive in the east of Singapore, right where we live.

In that moment, I couldn’t help but be amazed at the timing. I hadn’t done any research, nor had I spoken to my husband or used any AI technology. Yet, it seemed as if God had heard my thoughts and responded. It felt like a divine sign, not a mere coincidence, but a “God incident” as I like to call it. I pondered over it for hours, and the feeling of being called to donate blood only grew stronger.

While on a coffee date with my husband, I excitedly shared the chain of events with him. It was as if God had orchestrated this whole situation. I sought his opinion, and he replied with encouragement, saying, “If you really want to do it, then go ahead and do it.”

Filled with conviction, I dialled the number to sign up for the blood donation drive. As I spoke to the lady on the other end, answering her basic questions, I turned to Joel and asked if he would like to join me in this act of giving. He seemed a bit taken aback but, with a smile, he agreed, saying, “Okay, sign me up.”

This experience reminded me of a verse from Psalm 139:1-2, David tells us:

“O LORD, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar.”

Indeed, it was a beautiful reminder that our God is aware of every little detail, including our thoughts.

It was a completely new idea for me, and I saw it as something worthwhile—a chance to make a difference by saving someone’s life. However, I also had some apprehensions after hearing about people who had experienced complications after giving blood. I discussed this with Joel, and together, we reasoned that those instances might have been due to oversight on their part.

With renewed courage, I decided to go ahead with the blood donation, trusting that God was guiding me. The next day, both my husband Joel and I headed to the donation center with excitement and smiles on our faces. They thoroughly checked our health, asked about our recent travels, and had us fill out a detailed questionnaire. Soon, we were lying on the stretchers, ready to donate blood. It was a bit daunting for me, as I’m not a fan of needles, but I focused on the positive impact it would have.

During the process, the nurses were kind enough to give me a beautiful bookmark and a leaflet titled “10 Commandments of Giving Blood.” I put them in my bag without looking, assuming it was just general information. After the donation, everything seemed fine, and we left the center laughing about how easy and quick it was.

However, as I climbed stairs and entered the lift, I suddenly felt unwell and realized something was wrong. My husband thought I was joking at first, but thankfully, he quickly realized the seriousness of the situation. I collapsed, losing consciousness momentarily. When I regained my consciousness, I was feeling terribly weak.

When we got back home, our children, Judah and Sairah, worriedly looked on as they saw me and kept asking, what happened to me. I shared the incident with them, and that’s when my seven-year-old daughter, who had already pulled out the pretty bookmark and leaflet from my bag, pointed out the fourth point on the bookmark: after giving blood, one should rest for 20 minutes and avoid any activity, and she went on to proclaim loudly—
“Mamma, if you had only had read and followed those instructions, this wouldn’t have happened.”
Even a child could see the importance of reading and obeying instructions!

This experience turned into a valuable life lesson, drawing a parallel with the Word of God. If we don’t read the Bible, we won’t know God’s guidance and wisdom for our lives. Just like I fainted due to not following the blood donation guidelines, we can falter in life if we neglect God’s Word. The Bible is like a lamp that lights our path, guiding us through the darkness of life’s challenges.

James reminds us not to be mere listeners of the Word but doers of it. We must live out God’s principles to protect ourselves and build a solid foundation for our lives, as Jesus taught in Matthew 7:24. Let us be wise men and women who hear God’s Word, understand it, and put it into practice, so our lives are built on the unshakable rock of His truth.

May we all recognize the daily battle we face and seek God’s Word for guidance, obeying its principles for our protection and growth. As Psalm 119:105 declares,

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”

Remember that every pretty bookmark with verses placed in your bible is more than just a decoration, it is a promise or an instruction, or maybe both. Make sure you get a good look at it next time!

Consider this

O – Obey, there is no other way! Joshua 1:8 says, “Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” Obeying God’s Word brings blessings and guidance to our lives, leading us on a path of righteousness and fulfillment. It is a reflection of our love and reverence for Him, showing our trust and dependence in His wisdom and authority.   B – Believe His Promises. Romans 4:20-21 says, “Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.” Believing God’s promises fills our hearts with hope and assurance, knowing that His faithfulness remains unwavering. It strengthens our faith and empowers us to face life’s challenges with confidence, knowing that He is true to His word.   E – Embrace His Love.1 John 4:19 says, “We love because He first loved us.” Embracing God’s love fills our souls with joy and peace, as we experience the depth of His unconditional care and compassion. It transforms our hearts, enabling us to love others selflessly and share His love with the world around us.   Y – Yield to His Will. Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Yielding to God’s will is an act of surrender and trust, acknowledging His sovereignty over our lives.