“If you’re going through hell, don’t stop. Go ahead, go ahead. Don’t stop!” These are the lyrics in Ron Kenoly’s song, Go Ahead.
I intended to post this article on January 1st, 2023. But I lacked the courage to go ahead with it. I instructed myself to stop crying after a few days. Yet I lamented for a few months. Yes, it did take me three months to gather the courage to stand up and share this tale. And yes, 2022 was like a hell for my family and me.
We faced a turning point in our ministry where we needed to walk on water and obey our convictions despite being judged by other people.
I had to give birth via cesarean section for the second time! Imagine the pain and the trauma of a CS delivery. A few days before the delivery date, the ultrasound result says the baby is in the proper position and ready to pop out anytime soon.
To our surprise, our little girl was in a breech position, so the doctor immediately called for a cesarean delivery. Any mother who has experienced a cesarean operation knows how delivering a baby through a cut made in the mother's abdomen and uterus feels. The procedure can be lifesaving for both the mother and baby, but it can carry risks and may take a long time to recover.
Two weeks after my operation, we lost our youngest brother. He suffered severe pain after attempting suicide a year before he died. He was buried the day before Christmas.
How can a family celebrate Christmas and New Year after the death of a loved one? How will you face another year if you are hurt physically, emotionally, and mentally?
If you suffer sickness or emotional pain, will you not curse God? Will you still praise Him despite the pain in your body? How much will you serve Him despite all your troubles?
When a death occurs, if the people you trust misjudge you, and if you are caught up by life's unexplained events, there is only one voice that you should listen to. The voice that says, "I am here. I won't let you go. I am watching you. I am checking something in you."
Whatever you are going through, God is seeing everything. He knew what would happen to you this year. He is just checking out your faith. He wants to know the foundation of your faith. He wants to know how you will handle pressure and see if you are ready for the coming great blessing!
Because of what happened to me and my family last year, I discovered deep lessons that helped me manage some unexpected circumstances in my life:
1. The greatest test of your faith is an unexplained tragedy.
There are times when you fail to understand what is taking place, but you must have faith that the Lord is in control.
2. Real faith happens when you have nothing to believe in, but still choose to believe what He says. Believe to the point that you don't see any evidence around except for His words.
3. Maturity is measured by how effectively you respond to tragedy and chaos.
It is not who you are when things are going well but who you are in difficult situations.
4. The key to effective living is managing expected and unexpected things in life.
5. Success is the ability to maintain personal balance in times of turmoil.
6. There are battles in life where you have to fight alone.
We cannot deny that there will be moments when we cannot reach out for help because no one is aware of our situation or because the people we trust may be busy solving their problems too.
If you went through a rough time last year, congratulate yourself because the time has come for you! Whatever you go through, God has a plan for you. Use your faith and take action this year!
Don't panic. Don't give up. Don't surrender. Manage the situation. Plan. Take action. By the grace of God, you will get through it!
I hope you are encouraged! Follow me and let’s talk about stories that will change someone's life.
What crisis have you experienced and what did you do to remain calm? I want to learn from you too! Feel free to comment and share your thought!
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