Gold Nuggets

Yesterday, April 14th, was a day like no other. It started like one off a day in the life of a typical mother. I woke up at six, said my morning prayers, then prepared breakfast for a friend who slept over the night before. While waiting for the food to be cooked, I continued praying for guidance and for God to use me in every way possible. All the while, I kept to mind the following verse from the Joel Osteen Facebook page:

“…In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world" (John 16:33, NIV)

After breakfast, I stayed home to wait for the appointed time that I would leave according to plan. With the characteristic calmness that anyone who trusts in Him, I waited patiently. I never realized until the first plan of the day changed that God intended to give me a practical "exam" on how I would "take heart" as I told myself I would.

The changed plans, needless to say, caused struggles. The first item on the day's agenda was moved 2 hours from original schedule; a few hours later, I was informed that the benefit I would receive was reduced 50% of what I expected. Second item was good, but the third one was complicated by the fact that I had to spend some money before I could complete the task. On my way to the third errand, I received a message from a friend who needed money.

Mentally computing what was in my wallet, I was going to be left with nothing. Without any doubt at all I said yes to the friend in need, prepared to give up what was left. I completed my last errand and prayed at the Adoration Chapel for the Holy Eucharist in EDSA Shrine, Ortigas. Recharged with a few moments with God, I went home.

***

Today as I reflected on yesterday's events, God asked me to sacrifice in a number of ways: cooking for my friend, reduction of a benefit, shelling out money for our non-profit organization (considering that I had very little money left), and the final sacrifice of all: to give the last money I had for a friend in need.

Even when I couldn't understand, I said yes to God. It was both a relief and a struggle to know that I could say yes knowing that He has always provided for me, and always will. I was not without fear though and I think it is a given specially when someone is at rock-bottom like me. Yet God guided me such that I found solace and comfort from friends and strangers. Friends whom I talk to, and strangers who write about God's goodness and positivity.

***

My friend didn't come to get the money from me. I guess this is my first hand, modern-day allusion to what happened with Abraham and his son, Isaac. God asked Abraham to offer Isaac to God as a sacrifice and even if he didn't understand why, he gave God an affirmative answer. In return, God told Abraham that He was pleased with him, and then provided the sacrifice from out of the bushes.

God said essentially the same thing to me. Now I have money for cab fare when I go to the doctor later. I am waiting for God to give me word about the blessing, as He did for our father Abraham. Although without any illusion that God would give me what I need in a snap of a finger, I am not without hope and expectation that God would give me His best blessings yet.

***

Yesterday was filled with challenges as well as gold nuggets. Friends, a job well done, and a grateful spirit.

I am already blessed. I don't have money now, true, but I do have Him. He has provided for me so far in my direst of needs and I know He will continue to do so. I know there will always be struggles but I also know that God will give me strength to conquer all these obstacles.

We have a Living God that provides Living Water, when I am weak I just need to summon His Name and He will send forth the Holy Spirit on His behalf.

Blessed be the name of the Lord!