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He kept me from falling: A tongues testimony
In May 2003, I was called up by the Ministry of Defence to participate in the Singapore Armed Forces Day Parade on July 1, 2003. I had to undergo 12 days of drill exercises and parade rehearsals, reporting for duty at 6:30am and finishing late at about 9pm. I was very upset about the call-up because it was supposed to be a "lull" year for my unit, that is, no military training for that year. Furthermore, this "extra" service would not be included in my reservist log book.
I also had a fear for military drills, which came about many years ago during my basic military training. Many a times, I couldn't get the movements right because I couldn't understand or remember the various commands, as they are given in Malay. I believe God put me through this to show me that I could do it with His grace, and do it well, which I did. I no longer have a fear for military drills. I just don't like them. It is usually hot and humid in Singapore, especially during the months of May and June. But God is so good. I asked for cloudy skies, cool winds and some light rain, and He granted my requests. Many a times, when the contingents marched onto the parade square, the sky would be cloudy. There would also be breezes and occasional light rain to keep all of us cool. About two or three times, it rained heavily, giving us more time to rest and relax! However, it would still get a little hot at times. And because we had to stand still for about 45 minutes once we were in our positions on the parade square, a number of us from my contingent as well as other contingents, would faint during the dry runs. Now, the rule about fainting on a military parade square (considered to be sacred) is this: If you want to faint, then faint, even if you have to fake it! You are not supposed to bend down or squat, and then stand upright again after you've "rested", as that would be considered malingering. So, if you have a fainting spell and you cannot bear it any longer, then get down, lie flat and wait for the medics to carry you out on a stretcher. Up till then, I had never experienced what a fainting spell was like. Well, I finally did, during one of the rehearsals. That "faithful" afternoon was a little hot, and because there were some delays, the practice session went past our lunch hour. So, I began to feel a little hungry when we were standing still. I was doing fine. But after about 30 minutes, I began to notice that something strange was happening to my body. My stomach began to churn. I started to feel weak and queasy. My skin felt clammy and I was breathing a lot faster. My heart was beating faster too. I had no control over these symptoms. I told myself: "Oh no! Not me! I can't faint! It'll be so embarrassing! Not me!" Two of my contingent mates had already fainted. I tried to fight the fainting spell. I even bent over, putting one hand on my knee to prop myself up. My body was swaying. Then, in my desperation, I remembered my pastor's sermon the week before, on tongues being the rest and the refreshing. Immediately, I began to pray in tongues under my breath. What happened next was amazing. All the symptoms I had began to dissipate within a matter of seconds. They all vanished as quickly as they had come upon me. I remember clearly that I was amazed at the speed at which I recovered. In no time, I was upright again with no more fainting spell. I continued to pray in tongues just to play it safe. I finished the rehearsal with the march past. Glory to God! I had heard and read teachings on tongues being the rest and the refreshing, but I never expected such quick results. I don't believe that the results are always so immediate, but I now know that it is certainly possible. I believe that when we are desperate for God's help, He is gracious enough to give us that help immediately. Praise God!
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