In times of struggle,our faith is tested

Life is not problem free. Challenges and trials come our way whether we like it or not. It is in these scenarios of life wherein our faith is being tested. Like this story of  Didoy Lubaton in “Didache, Daily Bible Reflections For Catholics, January – December 2018.”

“I believe that a person’s faith could lead to a person’s healing. But what if, despite his full trust, the physical healing doesn’t follow?

“I had a patient with pancreatic cancer. We prayed that she would be healed.  We supported the family’s decision to use natural healing methods. She improved after a couple of months. They threw a thanksgiving dinner for her. We were happy. But after several months, she got worse and succumbed to her illness. I felt that I failed the patient and her family. I was a little shaken and questioned God. I wish I could’ve done more.

“I visited my patient’s wake to pay my respects and to condole with the family. The husband and the kids hugged and thanked me. They were grateful they had me as their Christian doctor. God spoke to my heart at that moment: “My ways are higher than your ways. My plans are greater than your plans.”

“I became a more trusting doctor after that experience. Now, I see death not as a failure but God’s plan unfolding.  When we ask God to increase our faith, He will allow our faith to be tested.  But our faith will never be tested beyond our limits, because His faithfulness is limitless.”

I also had a time in my life wherein my faith in the Lord was being tested. When my late husband was hospitalized for three months due to heart attack, and my financial resources were going down, and I was physically and emotional weakened,  especially that I was alone since my children were out of the country, I went to Carmelite Church one afternoon and poured out all my pains and sentiments to the Lord. “Lord, please help me. I could not take any longer. It’s too much to bear. I offer to you this overwhelming situation and the life of my husband, especially if he has no more chance of gaining a normal life. It’s up to you, Lord. “  After one week, my husband passed away with a sense of peace written on his face and I experienced peace, too, because my husband no longer suffered.

Liza Brown Ross, a motivational speaker of “crosswalk.com website,” suggests the following ways to lessen fear and the sense of hopelessness:

Stop. Don’t panic. Just hold on and wait a minute. There’s  an old adage, that says, “Stop, Drop and Pray.” Assess the situation and look at all options.

After stopping begin praying. Prayer is the portal to God. Sometimes we need heaven to rain down on our earthly situation. The Bible teaches us that we are to “pray without ceasing.” He knows our hearts and He knows the outcomes  that are necessary for our growth and development.

Praise. Sometimes in the midst of trials and tests, we must say, “Hallelujah!” Praise is the devil’s death. He can’t stand up to the praise of the believer.

Gratitude. In the midst of tribulations showing gratitude changes the atmosphere. Gratitude may not change the situation but it takes out our aim off of our current situation and alters our perception – focusing in the positive light.