Just when you thought that everything is going well in your life, what if a devastating scenario arrives and shakes your life to its very core? How will you respond? Will you run away from God or will you cling to Him more? Some people would question God, asking why He allows bad things to happen to good people. Some people would praise God despite how hard it is to do so. Which one are you?
Sis. Connie Cabreros’ family was just like any ordinary family. Her family lived a comfortable and content life. What more could they ask for? She and her husband worked hard. They helped people as much as they can. They prayed. Though their house was a walk away from church, they never went nor attended any service back then. They thought that living that kind of life was already enough. They thought that just by helping people and harming no one, they were already fulfilling God’s will in their lives. Everything was just going well until something happened that changed their lives.
Sis. Connie’s husband is a hardcore triathlete for nine years. He was very healthy. On July 19, 2019, he collapsed right in front of their house as he ran around their village. When they brought him to the hospital, he was declared dead on arrival for having no oxygen on his brain for twelve minutes. She cried and witnessed her husband being revived thrice at the ER. Sis. Connie felt an overwhelming form of happiness as, on the third resuscitation, she saw the spikes and dips on the cardiac monitor signifying her husband was now alive. She called her family and friends in elation. She knew right there and then that God took control over her family’s life as He brought her husband back to life.
They stayed at the hospital for five weeks. For the first two weeks, her husband was unconscious at the ICU. At that time, she was told by the doctors that twelve minutes without oxygen to the brain can cause some serious damages. The doctors also said that although her husband may be alive, he may become bedridden—that he may not be able to talk and regain his health the way it used to be. Bro. Bernard and Bro. Bobot encouraged Sis. Connie to attend ExCEL services every Saturday which she gladly did while her husband was staying at the ICU. There, she met a lot of people and she truly felt the presence of the Lord.
When they went home after five weeks, her husband stood up which surprised them all. Her husband was even wearing a nasogastric tube (NGT), and they had already bought a hospital bed and a wheelchair as they all thought he would remain bedridden. By God’s miraculous power, her husband stood up! He also started speaking! Their home was filled with great joy that day!
Now, Sis. Connie’s husband is going through regular therapy sessions. Despite experiencing a lot of challenges, Sis. Connie and her family are so much filled with unending hope. She firmly believes on the God of Hope and Revival. She hopes that one day, her husband will be the one to share how God has restored his life.
With a heart full of gratitude and hope, Sis. Connie ended her testimony with a verse that helped her family to get through the ordeals they had experienced:
“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.’” – (Jeremiah 29:11-12 NIV)
Following Jesus does not guarantee a life without trials but following Him does guarantee that He will be with you through your storms. He has already provided a solution for your problems—may it be financial crises, problems in relationships, illnesses or even grief. He is your Savior. He is your Provider. He is your Fortress in times of troubles. Whatever your problem may be, don’t run away from the presence of God. Run towards His presence. Let peace reside in your heart knowing that He has got your back and He will remain faithful forever and always.
