GOD IS OUR LAST REFUGE
By Aida P. Lucasan
In complicated situations, we sometimes find it hard to let things go back to normal. We often just say,‘katalaka,’ and aren’t inspired to face life, which we think is a continuous and never ending heavy load. If we only try to recall and appreciate the best things that have happened in our lives, we can keep on moving forward. We can make our best efforts to help others as we serve God wholeheartedly. But most of us find ourselves looking back because we keep on recalling the trials and troubles we’ve experienced, resulting in self-pity instead of self-esteem.
Spiritually Weak
I had a friend, a jolly and good Christian companion. We were very close, as were our families. I saw her as my best buddy because she was always with me through thick and thin. But in spite of being strong, Michelle became a victim one awful day when her parents and two brothers died in a car accident. She wasbecoming strange, depressed and devastated, afraid to face life again with herbarkada. Worst of all, she didn’t believe in the existence of God anymore – her way out of her frustrations. Until she became sickly and infected by an incurable disease.
Repentance . . . A Parting Time
It was my desire to see good friends every time I went home. The first thing I did was to visit Michelle. When I entered the hospital ward I saw a flood of tears running down her cheeks, her eyes closed. I touched her forehead and she cried aloud telling me, ‘life is beautiful.’ I saw repentance on her pale and beautiful face for ignoring the challenges that God had given her. In a shaky voice she said clearly in a low tone, ‘God is good. I do hope He will forgive me for what I have done.’ I cried hard hearing those words from Michelle because I knew that this was the parting time for us . . .o:p>
A Gift Of Life Is Precious
IIt’s said that the journey of life is too short, that we need to squeeze out of it our best and to do such is for God. We should value ourselves in spite of our problems and trials and let ourselves open and get closer to God.
What happened to Michelle is a great lesson to those who take the gift of life for granted. We should always remember how God sacrifices for us and when we hear nothing from Him, our burdens in life are just a test. In tough times we need to surrender ourselves according to His will because after these trials we become stronger in facing life’s anxieties, doubts and problems.
Lastly, let me share this inspiring text Michelle sent me before she passed away: ‘God is too wise to be mistaken; God is too good to be unkind. So when you don’t understand, when you don’t see His plan, trust His heart.’