Let me tell you a story... of God's goodness and faithfulness.
Ever since I joined the community back in 2006, I have not missed a household meeting for no valid reason. And by valid, I meant a matter-of-life-and-death situation, I'm sick, or I'm somewhere outside Metro Manila.
Last night, I had all the valid excuses to skip the household meeting:
- I have an important report to finish at work.
- It's the least wonderful time of the month (aka dysmenorrhea strikes again).
- Traffic is horrible, especially along Ortigas Avenue Extension, and I swear it's deadly.
But no matter how hard Satan tried to convince me not to attend, I still willed to be in the household. You know something (or someone) really matters to you if you're willing to fight for it (them). And the household meeting is THAT important to me.
So I decided to use Angkas. And just right after we turned right to Ortigas Avenue, God has already assured me of His presence and protection. Isaiah 41:10 was last night's memory verse:
Image Source: A Step In The Journey |
First, I noticed that the biker was wearing an Ablaze statement shirt (later on I found out it was the Holy Trinity shirt). So I asked him, "CFC po kayo?" He answered yes and we began talking about the community. I told him I'm actually going to a household meeting and I'm worried that I might not be able to arrive on time because of the traffic that's why I booked through Angkas.
Then I saw a van with a CFC sticker. I just smiled at the "coincidence." But just like what Tito (that's what we call our CFC members) said, "lahat ay may dahilan."
God's manifestations continued through a jeepney with a "Thank You Lord" signage. Then through a taxi named "God's Wheels."
Because Ortigas Avenue Extension was already a huge parking lot at that time, we opted to pass through West Bank Road all the way to Amang Rodriguez. And in the middle of the bridge (Floodway), the motorcycle got tired. It suddenly stopped and I had to get down so that Tito could jumpstart it. Thank God it started after a few attempts. Then while we're along Amang Rodriguez, I saw another jeepney with a divine signage: "Diyos Ang Patnubay", and then a taxi on which the words "God Will Make A Way" were boldly printed.
It was already almost 10PM when we arrived at Imelda Avenue. I sighed and whispered, "Hay. Konti na lang." The travel was really exhausting and I could no longer feel my legs. Then he (biker Tito) told me something that really struck me: "Maiintindihan naman yan ng Panginoon. Ginawa mo naman ang lahat."
"The Lord will understand. You did everything you could."
Truly, God acknowledges all our efforts, even the littlest ones, to serve Him and love Him and give Him glory. And everything we do for Him is appreciated and will never be in vain. But we need to do something. Because as an old quote goes, "nasa Diyos ang awa, nasa tao ang gawa."
God has been doing His best to make us feel His love, to show that He cares for us, to prove to us that He's with us at all times, to let us know that we are never alone, because He will never ever abandon us, even if He seems too distant (actually, it is we who distance ourselves from Him). How are we responding to this great manifestation of love? How are we loving Him back?
I know for sure that I can never outdo God in loving and being generous and being merciful. But I know that I can imitate Him, and even if I am nothing compared to Him (as St. Therese have realized how little she is), I can at least try to be just like Him. And that's all that really matters. He will understand. Because He knows I did everything I could - no matter how little it may be - He will take care of the rest, He will supply whatever is lacking, He will bring to completion whatever I cannot finish.
That's how great and wonderful and faithful our God is.
Last night's trip was just a reminder of it. And I am so humbled and grateful and honored to have such a beautiful encounter.
I was not able to take photos of all those manifestations of God's presence, but this screenshot is the perfect reminder of that fateful night. |
Do your best and God will do the rest. If you feel your best is not enough, just offer it to God. He works wonders!
Fight for Him the way that He fights for you.
In everything you do, put Him first and He will crown all your efforts with success.
I repeat, He honors all our sacrifices.
When done out of love and for love, everything is worth it.
Because God, who is the Love Himself, is faithful, and gracious.
And He is worthy to be praised. Now and always. ♥
My beloved household - prayer partners and companions in this spiritual journey. ♥ |
Let me end this with the chorus from one of my favorite songs:
I ask you: "How many times will you pick me up,
When I keep on letting you down?
And each time I will fall short of Your glory,
How far will forgiveness abound?"
And You answer: "My child, I love you.
And as long as you're seeking My face,
You'll walk in the power of My daily sufficient grace."
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