I've been wanting to write about this famous quote which says, "God did not promise us a storm-free life but he promised us a storm-proof life." But I was filtering my thoughts on how to share it differently; how to share it in a simple way without being over-the-top or otherwise.
After what had happened last October 25, 2012, I finally understood how God wants me to use my little experience in elaborating His Word to all of us.
So here's my story:
It was a typical Thursday when I woke up. But I knew a night before that I have a long list of things to accomplish. That day was a rainy one. It was windy and cold. It's what most of us call "bed weather." Honestly, I wanted to stay asleep longer but I had to ride with my Stepmother so I can safely go to the bank and at the same time save money. We left a little late so I had enough time to freshen-up and weave my senses together to ready myself for a day full of errands. Well, leaving late on a rainy morning is like welcoming traffic with a warm hug. Yes, we were trapped for almost thirty minutes around the corners of Ortigas before I was dropped off in the bank to process my tuition fee payment.
When I entered the bank, a huge crowd of people stood infront of my eyes. So I immediately saved a number for myself to squeeze into this long line only to find out I'm the 119th customer to be attended to. I was at first disappointed because I was trying to catch time so I can go to work at once. Grateful enough, that God blessed me with patience that long lines were never an issue to me. So I waited patiently for my turn. Until, I saw these two old women, whom I believe are employees in one of the city's gigantic companies, let a co-worker interfere into the middle of the line. It made my heart burst with sadness for all those people waiting patiently and morally. I didn't want to tap these women because I respect their age and I didn't want to make a scene so I just prayed for them. The long line and the unruly incident tested my patience, respect and values.
After I finished my task, I went straight to Libis to go to work and fulfill my Human Resources duties. I was wearing a complete exercise gear because I plan to hit the gym after completing my day at work. I went up to the equipment room to run on the treadmill for twenty minutes, but on the 6th minute, I felt something weird in my right foot and heard a shallow scream from the club manager. The spring in my rubber shoes collapsed and was thrown out of the treadmill. It was supposed to be a humiliating experience since most people saw it but I ended up surprised, disappointed that my routine will be cut short and lastly humorous.
The first half of my day didn't run well but it didn't really get through me. I was still on my normal pace and was excited to eat late lunch with a high school friend whom I haven't seen in months. To add up, my tummy was grumbling because I haven't eaten anything yet. But all this excitement was forfeited when I saw how strong the rain was. So my friend and I decided to reschedule the date and just travel our way home so that we wouldn't get stuck in our workplaces. I left the office to eat at Bon Chon Libis because I can no longer tolerate my angry stomach. I braved the rain and the strong winds with my broken umbrella (Yes, a broken umbrella) so that I can eat. After eating, I decided to travel to Banawe to be with my Mom. It wasn't the best time to commute but I had to. Traveling from Libis to Banawe was no joke with the weather and the traffic. Add my semi-corporate attire (worn after my cut-short gym time) and broken umbrella to that.
It was a habit for me to pray without cease while on road. So while commuting, I was just talking to God about that day. I alighted in Banawe-E. Rodriguez and went to Mini Stop to buy pasalubong for my mother. I had to cross to Banawe-Quezon Avenue to be at Samat street where I would be staying. From E. Rodriguez, I can take a tricycle to cross to the other side of Banawe but I didn't see any free tricycle and I just want to be home so I started to walk. I was walking and walking in the dark street where all males were creepily looking and whistling. But I didn't care at all because I just want to be home. So while walking, I was just praying for God to protect me and safely bring me to the place where I should be going (even though I wasn't sure of the directions) I kept on walking plainly with my senses half-shut but my heart and mind dwelling on prayers. Until I reached the gate, that's where I realized that I've walked from Banawe at E. Rodriguez to Banawe at Quezon Avenue and to Samat street almost six blocks away from the main road. I didn't feel exhausted nor I was precise of what transpired during that walk. All I knew was that I'm home and I'm okay.
During that day, I learned how God lets us go through the rain to experience more of Him. He is putting us in these discomforts for us to learn, persevere and mature. It may not be the line we want to wait at; may not be the career that we want to pursue; may not be the shoe that perfectly fits us; may not be the meal we are craving for; may not be the road we want to cross. But it will be the destination all of us want to reach. And that is where God's kingdom is.
We may have been through tough times and asked why God had let these things happen. He wants us to know that these things are present to reveal His purpose in each of us. And, that is to acknowledge His sovereignty above and beyond all things on earth even to our problems and circumstances. He wants us to stop worrying and trust His promises that we are not alone in this walk-that He will carry us out from doom. Our God is bigger than our problems. Let us not underestimate His power to take over.
God has brought us in it and He will bring us through it. Storm is just a phase that we should gladly welcome, prepared with God as our solid foundation. It is the season where we open ourselves to what God is teaching us. It is the time to develop our faith, grow more in Christ, be immersed in His Word and accept His discipline. It is the period to endure, persevere and hope for bigger things. Storm will not be present forever. Storm even in its height is tolerable. Umbrellas, raincoats, jackets, plastic boots, our homes were even invented to protect us. What more if it was the Lord's protection enveloping us? God did not promise us a storm-free life but He promised us a storm-proof life with HIM.
Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him.Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!” He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!” Matthew 8:23-27
“Be strong and brave. Don’t be afraid of them. Don’t be terrified because of them. The Lord your God will go with you. He will never leave you. He’ll never desert you.” Deuteronomy 31:6
"He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed." Psalms 107:29
“Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say? As for everyone who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice, I will show you what they are like. They
are like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the
foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but
could not shake it, because it was well built. But
the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a
man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment
the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was
complete.” Luke 6:46-49
Trust in the Lord! :)
Sealing this with love,
Diane
