“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” Hebrews 11:1 (NIV)
Martin Luther, wrote, “Faith is a living, daring confidence in God’s grace. It is so sure and certain that a person could stake his or her life on it a thousand times.” I have so much faith in God’s grace that nothing can shake it. I’ve experienced pain and suffering, trials and betrayals, challenges and failures, but it was my faith in God that carried me through!
I never had the intention to live in the United States. My husband and I dreamt of settling in Bukidnon, a plateau, 2,000 ft. above sea level, and the summer capital of Southern Mindanao, Philippines. The Cudals were one of the pioneering families who turned hectares of land into a cattle ranch. After pursuing a roller coaster career and a hectic life in the city, I thought that a quiet life in the farm would be our own nirvana.
But God had his own plans for us. Our daughter, Gia, (certified cardiac nurse currently assigned in the Telemetry Department of the Scripps Chula Vista Hospital and chosen by her peers as “2005 Nurse of the Year” in her department) decided to invite us to her wedding. She insisted that we come to San Diego to give her away in marriage. We traveled by faith and left everything in God’s hands. Praise God for his faithfulness, He provided for our needs.
The San Diego weather and the growing number of our grandchildren encouraged us to stay for a longer period of time until we decided to stay for good. What I consider most amazing was the ease with which we were able to change our travel visa to permanent alien status and subsequently become naturalized citizens.
Those who don’t believe in a power greater than themselves would be skeptical if I share my experience, but it is true. I went before the immigration officer who by way of greeting me commented, “You have a beautiful name.” The he started humming a song entitled “Aurora.” I thanked him for appreciating my name. After a few questions, he approved my papers and gave me a work permit. Coincidence? No, it is my faith in the power of prayer.
Faith just doesn’t appear by the wave of a wand. It is nurtured by your personal relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ, cultivated by Bible studies and devotional readings, and strengthened by daily prayer.