Life is complex and we sometimes encounter setback, discouragement, desperation as well as success, encouragement and inspiration. When adversities occur, some either succumb to despair and depression while others are resilient sand recover.
Some years ago a friend of mine had a lucrative business but it collapsed that drove him crazy and depressed. He could not fathom the cause of his economic demise despite his business acumen. Almost all his time was spent on business to build up his company and he envisioned to be counted among the country’s circle of business elite. The aftermath of his business downturn gave answer to his musings. In his view, it was a dead-end road for him, but in God’s view it was Just a Bend.
By a stroke of mysterious intuition, he came to realize that things happen for a reason and purpose. He used his last ounce of courage to turn to God for help and God gave the answer.
Now he has time for the family, no more vacant dining chair, but more time for family gatherings and fun getaways. Now it’s not just gift for his daughter’s birthday, but his precious presence. Best all, now he’s with his family for Sunday Mass. “ It was a miracle of change”, his son said. Peace and spiritual growth overshadowed his economic loss. He became a Lector at Mass. The family that prays together, stays together! His previous personal vision for socialite economic prestige changed into a mission of personal and family sanctification. “ God sees but waits”, says the book of Talmud.
Someone told me the story of a flight stewardess who was diagnosed with 4th stage breast cancer. It’s like a death sentence in human view but for this woman, it wasn’t so. She looked at her situation is not an end but Just a Bend. She faced it with courage and faith in the Lord. She fought it out bravely and followed her doctor’s recommendations. She didn’t despair but continued doing her daily schedules. Instead of receding from friends she is up and around. She doubled her time praying for God’s mercy. She is now in remission and she feels healed, trusting in God who sees it Just a Bend.
What’s your story? If things happen so adversely in your life that seems a dead-end in your view, think again. It’s Just a Bend in God’s view.
On the flip side, someone said that if you remove hate and hurt from your heart, there will be enough space for joy and love. Faith is all about believing, you don’t know how it will happen but you know it will happen. When God enters the scene, miracles happen for where God guides He provides. “ God can restore what is broken and change it into something amazing. All you need is Faith.” ( Joel 2:25). “The name of the Lord is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe”. ( Proverbs 18: 10). “You can make many plans but the Lord’s purpose will prevail. “ ( Proverbs 19: 21). “ Fear not for I have redeemed you, have called you by your name”. ( Isaiah 43:1). “ Though I fall, I will rise again. Though I sit in darkness, the Lord will be my light”. ( Micah 7:8).
St. Faustina wrote: “ Patience in adversity gives power to the soul”. ( Diary 607).
Pray the Divine Mercy prayer every 3 p.m. Daily pray the Chaplet of Mercy and the Holy Rosary for peace in our families and in the whole world.
