Adversity

ARE you currently facing adversity? If not, have you ever faced adversity? No one is exempt from it. Who do you turn to in the face of challenges, trials, persecutions, misfortune, hardship, distress, disaster, suffering, sorrow, misery. pain, etc. ?

Some would say, they would first turn to themselves, their inner strength, their experience and their ingenuity. Then, to their loved ones, followed by their friends; and when all fails, as a last resort, they turn to God.

I often do that, too. However, when I am thinking right, when my relationship with God is in order, and when He is top of my mind, I know I should turn to HIM First, not last. He will give me strength, guidance and wisdom, to know what to do. He may not resolve the issue immediately, in order that I would develop patience, determination, and perseverance. In short, character.

When the time is right, He will arrange “circumstances” and “move” others, such as loved ones, friends, and even strangers, to help us. He can even make the “adversaries” soften up, or even want to help us. He could also make us peacefully accept the situation we are faced with.

We simply have to trust in Him, and seek His guidance, wait, or act accordingly.

Two of my favorite bible verses in the face of adversity are:

Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” And Philippians 4:6-7: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petitions, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God; and the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” My Dearest Children, Losing my older brother, Dennis, my father, and my mother, have all been very painful experiences for me. The greatest pain in losing a loved one is not having done your best expressing your love while you had the opportunity to do so. I also missed out calling for a priest for my brother, when they were trying to resuscitate him at the emergency room of SLU hospital, when I arrived. That was about 25 years ago. That is a regret I have to live with. Learn from it.

Kong Kong and Popo both received the last rites of the church. Always remember to call a priest for a very sick or dying loved one and friend.

Should you have marital issues, and/or challenges in raising up your children, or issues with loved ones and friends, treat them as surmountable. Everything will come to pass.

In the businesses you are currently involved in, you face numerous and varied challenges daily. It is not an easy career for the weak of heart. It is a non-stop barrage of difficulties, challenges, and trials.

In all these, TRUST IN THE LORD. Keep the above and other bible verses to heart and mind.

Finally, remember our family’s favorite bible verse in Romans 8:28 :“All things turn to good to those who love the Lord, to all who are called according to His purpose”

All will be well, in time.