WHAT THE ENEMY INTENDS FOR EVIL, GOD WILL USE IT FOR GOOD (Part 2)
If you find yourself in a difficult season right now, find encouragement through this reminder: God will turn it around for good. He is faithful to His Word, and He cares about you. He will see you through, don’t ever doubt it. You will step out to the other side of the darkness.
Sister Angelica “Angel” Sandoval has finished her contract in China and went to Singapore on a tourist visa. The Lord led her to a church through her cousin who was working in Singapore, and Sis Angel became a part of the church. She felt the joy of having fellowships with the other believers. She was spiritually full and well-fed while she was there. However, her faith was challenged when she least expected it.
For two months, Sis Angel didn’t have any work in Singapore, and she had to exit so she could extend her stay. As she prayed to God about her situation, He gave her the wisdom to do the online extension, so she didn’t have to cross the border. At that time, her funds were depleting. God knows her situation and helped her. He made her feel that she can count on Him. He touched the hearts of other people to bless Sis Angel and provided for the extension fee through someone. She didn’t have to let others know about her situation but only God and He never disappoints His children. Sis Angel was so grateful to the Lord and blessed His Name greatly!!
Soon enough, Sis Angel got a job in the food and beverage (F&B) industry. Even if she didn’t have related work experience, she found favor and wisdom from God. While managing the café, her schedule became very tight. She was working for twelve hours every day six times a week, with almost no weekend off. She has been longing to attend church services and God heard her prayers. In 2018, she found a new job that has better working hours. She got into a company about sales and even handled HR, she landed a job she did not know beforehand, but she saw how God enabled her to do her work well. She was able to attend the church service and serve with a favorable work schedule.
However, her faith is about to be tested again. For more than two months, they were not given their salary because the company went belly up. But she can’t leave on her own accord unless she could secure a job first because the company might immediately cancel her visa hence, she would have to return to the Philippines. Meanwhile, in her church, a Christmas theatrical event was to be presented and she needed to attend the rehearsals. She kept serving with the little money she has for transportation. When others asked her if she had eaten, she would say she had even though she hadn't. She didn’t want to burden others and she was economically spending her money since she didn’t know when she could find a new job or if she would ever get paid. For more than two months with no salary, she kept serving diligently even though she already had almost nothing. She could barely send support to her family in the Philippines and didn’t want to worry them, so she kept it a secret from them. She’s always contemplating whether to use her money for the fare or food. She would cut down some expenses to pay for her bills like rent, electricity, etc.
It was a very frustrating situation; however, Sis Angela holds on to trusting God and has hope that God can turn her situation into something good. She reminds herself of this verse found in James 1:2-4 “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
Then one morning, Sis Angel got a call from her colleague telling her that they should pack all their stuff from the office because the owner of the building is kicking them out. After all, the company couldn’t pay the rent anymore. Grudgingly, and feeling frail about what was going on, Sis Angel went to the office with suitcases to get all her stuff and clean up some of the company’s as well. That morning, she hadn't eaten anything, hadn't taken a shower, and was already rushing to get all their stuff. Her money was not even enough but she had to take a cab. She felt sad and uttered in frustration “Lord, I have been serving, but why is this happening?” Then, the landlord saw her and asked, “Why aren’t you paying your office rent?” Sis Angel was already feeling despair and trying to hold back her tears. She told him what happened. Sis Angel was trying to contain her emotions. While on the verge of crying, the landlord asked her, “Do you want to work for my company? Come by my office tomorrow.” The following day, she was offered a job in an engineering company, and if she wants, she can start working next week! Praise God!
In those circumstances, Sis Angel saw that what the enemy tends to harm her, God used it for good. Her faith was strengthened, and she was amazed that when she was offered the job, she didn’t have to beg, and the boss was the one asking for her to consider the job offer. Furthermore, when she was at her lowest, God saved her. It was God who helped her, and it was clear as the day that only God works in those situations! He will make a way when there seems to be no way!! It was truly a miracle. We just need to believe that God has reasons why certain things happen and there’s always a purpose for the greater glory of God. The magnitude of the problem shows us how big our God is and how He can move things around for our benefit. Sis Angela continues to praise the Lord and serve in the mission field and the Lord continues to bless. She has been working in the engineering company and God enabled her to be good at her job despite not having an educational background in engineering, Sis Angel is excelling at her job and is entrusted by her boss to have more responsibilities. Praise God for all the things He has and done and will do to our lives and through our lives!
Sometimes, situations may seem hopeless, but we can see that God is present in every season of our lives. It may look bad at first, but God is working in the background. For whatever the enemy intends for evil, God will use it for good. Just as how Sis Angel’s faith was strengthened through the difficulties she faced. God does not operate like a man. His thoughts and ways surpass that of man. They are way higher. He allows things to happen for a time and a purpose. He knows what He is doing at all times. God knows all things, past, present, and future, real and potential, and He knows them all at the same time. He not only knows what was, and what is, but He also knows what will be. More than that, He knows everything that could be but is not.
James 1:2-4
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
(Written by: Venus Jablo)
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