My dad died from a chronic disease when I was eleven. It was so disheartening.
It became especially difficult for my mother. She was juggling between work and rearing children at the same time.
I could not bear seeing her that way knowing she was a woman. But, as a child, I could not do anything to help her.
However, I realized how blessed we were for the little things the Lord has blessed us with.
To enumerate them, let’s use the word FAITH in the form of acrostics as in Bible games.
F – FAMILY
Despite my father’s death, my family continued to press through life’s challenges knowing we still had each other to survive.
My siblings and I got the opportunity to study in expensive schools. It would not have been possible without the help of our relatives and friends. Many people sponsored our education.
As a reflection, we often fail to appreciate the closest thing God has blessed us with—our family.
We seek validation from other people. Yet, there are times they don’t care much about us. But our family has always been there with us since the start. And they will never leave us.
A – AFFLICTIONS
The Bible says we should be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer (Romans 12:12, NIV). We’ll never know! Our suffering may be our greatest blessing.
In this sin-stricken world, it is easy to question God and lose faith in Him. “Why is life unfair? Why do I struggle to achieve the things other people seem to get without much effort?”
With this, I got so depressed. But then, I realized that God was restoring me. I was reminded of Romans 8:28 (NIV). It says, “All things work together for good to those who love God.”
I – INFLUENCE
Despite what my family has gone through, God taught me that all of this had a purpose. That is to be an inspiration to others who might be experiencing the same.
Like me, you too can shed light among the people in darkness through your story. Your influence leads them to Christ.
T – TIME
God gives us time for everything. Time to be with Him. Time to reassess our lives. And time to be with the people we love.
Waking up without a father anymore was difficult. I would miss him every time. But I’m thankful for the time he has spent with us and we had with him.
Also, in my father’s absence, my time with the Lord has been my comfort. He has given me peace and security.
H – HOPE
Indeed, it is easy to be discouraged when we look at the present and the uncertain future.
Looking back, I could never imagine how we managed to survive life. But we have surprisingly reached this point thus far.
One thing was for sure. That is, God has been our anchor during those difficult times. He has been our hope, strength, and refuge.
JUST REMEMBER THE WORD ‘FAITH’
Life can be very complicated. But if we live it with faith in God, we can have assurance. Whatever happens, we know that He works the best for our lives.
So, whatever you are going through right now, just remember the five-letter word FAITH. I assure you. You will sail through just perfectly fine.
