No matter what stage of life we are in, uncertainties can always come knocking at our door. They make us paralysed and powerless. But it’s with those uncertainties that we realise where our help comes from. It is precisely during this time that we experience the way to reach the next chapter in our lives. Regardless, navigating the unknown is an impossible feat to achieve alone.
John 15:5 reads: “I am the vine; you are the branches. I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” As the branches, our way through the unknown is our Vine.
On 26th July, during CIM’s second Breakfast Meet of the year, Mr. Newin Durai shared his experience and life lessons as he navigated through the uncertainties of his life by abiding in the way of the Vine.
Mr. Newin Durai serves as the Executive Vice President & Global Head of Oracle Services, a leading Indian IT MNC.
The God who sees – El Roi
Looking back at the last 30 years of his life, Mr. Newin recalled that despite the things he had done and the circumstances he was in, the way God sees him throughout his life did not change. He said that God sees in us what we do not see. We set limitations on our capabilities and abilities. Thereby limiting God in His work.
Jeremiah 1:5 states, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you…” All the people God chose, He saw as something different from what they were. Daniel was exiled as a slave to Babylon, but God saw him as the Chief Governor of Babylon. His brothers sold Joseph to Egypt, but God saw him as the ruler of all Egypt. Every person in the Bible had a much larger purpose than they realised in their lifetime.
The uncertainties of the present cannot separate us from what God has in store for us, nor can they cloud how God sees us.
Comfort zone—the recipe for disaster
The chosen vessels of God in the Bible were established in the purpose God gave them. What made them established in their purpose is that they left their comfort zone. The shepherd boy could not become king if he hadn’t stepped out of his comfort zone. “The moment we get into our comfort zone and get satisfied, it’s a recipe for disaster,” Mr. Newin warned.
So, how do we get out of our comfort zone and walk in the purpose of God? To get out of the comfort zone requires us to trust in God. With Genesis 12:1-3, and Genesis 15:6, which states: “Abram believed the Lord, and he counted it to him as righteousness.” Mr. Newin highlighted that our faith in God would be the anchor grounding us in His promises.
In this age of AI, he urged everyone to look unto God for everything, small or big. Jeremiah 3:33, “Call to me and I will answer you and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.”
His Word—a seed fulfilling His promise.
“What God spoke to me 30 years ago still rings inside me.” Mr. Newin explained that God’s word inside us is like a seed germinating after the shell breaks. And how quickly it can germinate depends on our yielding. For Moses, it took 40 years, but it did not take that long for Daniel and Joseph. He also stated that there was no age barrier for God to use anyone.
When we are lost or drowning in our uncertainties, with seemingly no way out, that is when God’s Word, given to us years ago, rings clearly in our hearts, reminding us once again of His mighty hand. That Word becomes life, lighting our path as we navigate through the unknown.
Success and Failure are not the goals.
Quoting Mother Teresa, Mr. Newin said, “God has not called me to be successful but to be faithful,” and that success is a byproduct. Let’s not measure ourselves in the world’s terms of being successful, he reflected that fear of failure doesn’t stop when one’s at the top. Reminding that is when it could be more, as a fall would have a greater impact.
With these statements, Mr. Newin made us realise that avoiding failure and running after success cannot be our goals in life. Rather, despite the failures, successes and uncertainties, we must cling to the Author and Finisher of our race.
Towards the end, he encouraged, “Give your best in every role that is given to you. Don’t shy away.” As Christians, we cannot do mediocre or average work to get things done; rather, we ought to work wholeheartedly in every task we’ve been given, working as though to the Lord. He reminded that Joseph gave his best even in the worst places he’d been cast into.
The Breakfast Meet, featuring anointed worship by Mr. Navison from World Vision and a message delivered by Mr. Newin Durai, reignited our connection with God and our passion to serve Him in everything we do. The next breakfast meet is scheduled for November 22; the venue will be announced shortly. Look out for the details. Don’t miss the chance to meet and network with “like-minded” individuals!
