My name is Cathrina Ponce, 16 years old. I am here to share how God changed and turned my life 180 degrees. I am standing here to testify His unfailing love for me.
I used to play volleyball and badminton 4 years ago. Being an athlete has never been easy. I feel very exhausted due to my trainings everyday. One time, I noticed one of my fingers on my right hand looked reddish but I just ignored the pain – thinking it was part of playing volleyball. After a week, the pain worsened so we went for a checkup. The doctor advised me to take medicines because according to him, it was an allergy and the pain would eventually subside. However, months have passed, yet the redness grew bigger than we expected. We decided to consult another doctor; he said that it should be observed.
After several months, my classmates knew what happened to my hand and they mocked me. They bullied me and told me that because of my condition, I do not belong to their circle. Despite that, I still focused on my treatment. I underwent tests. And when the results were released, they discovered that my finger had a tumor and a surgical operation was needed to remove it. At first, it was hard on my part to accept it. On the other hand, the reality hits that I might lose my hand if I did not go for that operation. I was in great pain even after the 4-hour operation, I cannot move my whole body.
Ever since I was discharged from the hospital, my parents were always by my side. They did everything for me but I could see that they started to get tired. I can feel that they were already drained. So, one time when they were not around, I tried to kill myself. I could not take it anymore, I think no one can understand the pain I felt that time. I tried to commit suicide because I thought my parents would no longer suffer if I die. I also asked the Lord, “Why me, Lord? What have I done to deserve this kind of life?”
But whenever I am trying to end my life, there is always a part of me that stops me. A thought came to me, “Who am I to question God? Who am I to end this borrowed life?” Then, I took a step and I surrendered all to the Lord.
Since then, He made me feel that I am loved. A time came when my friend invited me here at Church of God. Eventually, God made me realize that people’s opinions about me don’t really matter at all. Life is not about pleasing other people; it is about serving the Lord. I was reminded that I should not seek people’s approval but rather choose to seek His presence.
I also believe that everything happens for a reason, even though one part of my body was removed, I am still thankful for I know that it is the will of the Lord for me. I also found my home here, I am now in Kabataan Iwas Droga (KID) ministry and I can say that God is changing me from glory to glory because I can feel the unconditional love that He has for me.
I just want to remind every one that no matter what happens, always remember that God loves us so much and He will never leave us. To God be all the glory!
