It’s difficult to be optimistic during these hard times. It’s even challenging to see the silver lining in our situation. Some may even begin to wonder or ask the existence of a benevolent God because all that we see and hear on the news is suffering.
I’ve heard of a story on how we could understand even a little why these things are happening.
There was a new mom who brought her kid to get vaccinated. Naturally, the kid cried and cried after they felt the surge of pain caused by the syringe. The new mom is of course heartbroken especially after her kid asked her why she allowed her child to be subjected to such pain. No matter how much the new mother tried to explain to her kid that it is for their own good, they did not understand, for they are more concerned with their agony. Years passed and the kid grew into an adult. They now understood that what their mother did was for them and though it was painful and they did not see it at the time, it was for their own good.
For now, we are in pain. We are miserable, scared and alone in a foreign country. As OFWs, we are also one of the badly affected by the pandemic and it is harder for us since we are in constant worry of what would happen to us and to our love ones who are far from us.
May the below bible verses provide comfort and encouragement.
Psalms 46:10
He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”
In situation where we could not do anything, it is better to be still and recognize we have a living God who is looking out for us. We need not to worry; we need not to be concerned. We only have to be still and see God’s perfect plan unfold. Show God your faith and He will show you’re his faithfulness.
Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
God will not let us become OFWs if He will not let us prosper overseas. He knows most of us were willing to sacrifice and be away from our love ones because we wanted to give them a comfortable life. He sees our hearts and He knows how much we want to provide for our family. He’s got a plan and He is working on our behalf.
Mark 11:24
Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.
When we pray for it, the answer is either Yes, No or Wait. Yes, because what you are praying for is according to God’s will. No, because God is going to give you something better and Wait, because God’s timing is perfect. You just need to have faith.
Philippians 4:6
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Prayer is our best weapon. When we are about to give up and when we feel like everything is going down the toilet, stop for a moment and pray. Prayers are powerful and we might not get an answer right away but knowing that someone listens to our cries and someone sees our hardships is at times enough to keep us moving forward.
Psalms 91:1
Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
When life seems scary, call 911 (Psalms 91:1)
Remember that you are not alone and whatever suffering you are going through right now, this too shall pass.
Stay safe.
Be a blessing to others.
An Overseas Filipino Worker since 2008, Yvette is back in the Middle East after a brief stint in a first world country in South East Asia. She is a binge watcher and is part of numerous fandoms. She writes to keep her sanity (read her rantings on Wattpad @yvette_dc) and is happiest when she's in a bookstore. If given the resources, she would see the world.