"WHOEVER FOLLOWS ME WILL NOT WALK IN DARKNESS" (JOHN 8:12)

One never expects something to happen out of the blue where everything about life suddenly seems full of uncertainty. It does not help hearing at the same time about serious illnesses of some friends. Suddenly life seems dark, there is pain, confusion, yes even fear - and the ever infamous question, "Why?" Can a world that seemed so normal turn upside down  seemingly in the blink of an eye? Well, the sad truth is yes - it happens to millions of people around the world each day.

I thought I had been through times which truly tested me until the one crisis I am currently facing now. All the others pale in comparison! I can understand how difficult it is to be just around other people when all I want to be is alone. 

I had been unable to write any posts on my blog for a few weeks - I have to admit that it is hard to recognize joy when I am feeling troubled, worried and anxious. Yet it is in this time - in the midst of tears, frustration, anger, that I have realized the bonds of love with those who are so very dear to me. We may not have material riches but what we have is worth much more - we love each other and together; we will somehow overcome any trials or tribulations. What is needed is for us to stop being panicky, stressed and afraid. It is in this time more than any other that we should turn to God - for He will answer our prayers. In fact, I know God is very close to us now.  


There is joy even in our moments of pain though it seems rather bitter-sweet moments. Last night during the Inner Healing Service here, the priest called out my name, "Susan - Put all your burdens at My Feet, says the Lord". I silently cried for around ten minutes. It was joy - joy in knowing Jesus was showing clearly I was not alone. It was a soul-deep relief feeling the Love of Jesus comforting me though I was just too mentally exhausted and wrung out. God sees everything in my heart. I remember just sitting there listening and feeling the prayers being said. I was bone-tired and hence participating verbally seemed too much. I recalled  the words of St. Paul, "Love is patient, love is kind. It is not jealous, [love] is not pompous, it is not inflated...It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things." (1 Corinthians 13:4,7)   

Well, God always gives each of us a few people who are like "angels" to help us get through tough times even if they are thousands of miles away - it could be our spouse, siblings, children or close friends. There will be someone who gives us the courage to take one day at a time. In my case, currently it is actually one hour at a time! But the point is, we will overcome. We need to trust God and have belief in His Word  - "Do not let evil defeat you; instead conquer evil with good."  (Romans 12:21) A single candle can light up a totally darkened room!


I do not think God expects us to go and be chummy to those who deliberately set out to hurt or make our lives difficult. It is enough we do not hate them but rather allow our actions, whatever we hope to do, to be guided by our faith in God and in love. 


Let us have hope in God's Promise - "Do not be afraid - I am with you!" (Isaiah 43:5) 


I came across this heart-touching, comforting "SIMPLE QUOTES THAT MOVE THE HEART" music video yesterday afternoon. It was the little spark that made me feel I should share it with all of you - and so I am finally inspired to write once again today. Well, I do not feel on top of the world yet. In fact, I am choosing to live just "one day at a time" and knowing God will always take care of everyone I love even if I cannot do so. Why? It is because He is a faithful God who promises each of us - you and me - "If you ask for anything in my name, I will do it." (John 14:14)

"Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In all circumstances give thanks, 

for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus."

(1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)