Vincent: Testimony 1: MGSS Badminton Competition 2008

..::*+ Small Talk +*::..
Well, I guess I want to keep a known records of His works and miracles in my life. I want to tell everyone that He's alive in me.
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I felt so grateful now. It was indeed a great time during my stay at Ulm. I had wonderful time there. I knew more and better about the seniors. I enjoyed touring around. I had my first sweetest memory in Germany.

After winter, spring will come eventually. After hiding in trees for a period of time, the squirrels come out to enjoy the sunshine. After being dead for such a long time, the flowers and grasses grow again. After being such a sad winter time, the surprising spring comes.

Yes. I had lots of people to thank for the gold medal that I earned. First and foremost, I’m very grateful to Amir, for all the troubles to snap photos for me. I thank my fellow friends, for giving me supports and cheers, especially during the final. I thank the audience, for watching my game. I thank Teong Hee, for giving me advices and supports and being my last-minute temporary coach. He was the one that reminded me about aiming future, but walking to the reality. About gaining points by points instead of reaching out far. I really felt thankful, because the whole day I was aiming for the gold medals only, without looking even at my own.

However, the One who I really thankful from the bottom of my heart is no one else other than my beloved God. It was another moment where I really shout out loud: “God is REAL, ALL THE TIME!” Without Him, I could not even win this defeating-to-be match. The final match.

I started my games with just simple prayers, and not really seriously asking God to lead me, to be honest. And so my first match began – Men Single against my course mate a.k.a ex-classmate. I won, not quite easily. And then came my first Men Double. It’s alright. Not much problems, except some minor grunts. I started to get tired. Then my 2nd Men Double came. We drew the match. I was quite frustrated, as it was a match that we should have won. Sigh. Then my 2nd Men Single. The matches just went on, until semi-finals, where I met last year’s champion. He played too many games and was tired, so I won against him quite easily. But the pain, tiredness started to show their effects. I lost my semi-final Men Double.

Then my Men Single final came. I was really really tired, as played non-stop from before quarter-final until final. My opponent was Sashi, a super senior of mine. I played with him quite some times and I understand his playing styles, that’s why I knew, with my situation that time, there was no way for me to win at all. But still I continued to play. The first set was quite fast and I could hardly catch up his pace, as always. He is good in controlling shuttles, especially his unique cross-court netting. It is a technique that able to change direction of the shuttle in the last minute, so you will never know which way it will go. So, basically I looked foolish chasing the ball around. In advance, his shots were perfectly executed, so I lost my first set.

I was quite depressed that time, not to mention about how loud the crowds cheering for him. But I couldn’t blame them. I told myself, I need to analyze my first set. I put down my racket, looking at the court. My mind was spinning for ideas and my previous mistakes. Then, I closed my eyes. I placed the cross into my palm and talked to God in heart. Oh Father God, please give me strength. You know how much I wish to win this game. Please give me strength, just a little more, to finish this game. Whether it will be a win or a lose, it’s never mind. Take full charge of this game Lord, I surrender everything into Your hand. YOU PLAY THE GAME.

I opened my eyes, picked up my half-dying weapon, reloading myself with His power and continued. Everything started to go by my way. Strength flowed into me, not to mention the increment in accuracy of my shots. His work is very mysterious. I never see Him in real, but I felt His presence. With His reinforcement, I won the 2nd set.

The 3rd set went on. I was filled with supplies from the heaven – I felt tired too, but compare to before, I was stronger. Everything was going fine with me. I gained points by points. Victory approached. I could not believe that I won in the end. I won.

I won.

I won.

My tiredness, my fight.
His strength, His glory.

Yes. I praised Him for granting me this wish. A dream that I found back, finally. Although I didn’t win double-title, it was a great moment for me. A wonderful experience with God. I never know I will win. I was very tired. Imagine playing an important match after 12 matches. I cannot do it without Him. That’s why I felt thankful for Him. Our wonderful God had yet showed another miracle in my life. When I was weak, because of him, I was stronger.