By: Vera Suzette Saquian
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” – Matthew 7:7
YOLO— You Only Live Once—most of the young people of today’s generation would usually live up to this kind of life. Travel there and wander here without a care in the world! For the past few years, that we’ve lived in this world, have we ever thought about the purpose of our existence? Why are we here? Why are some circumstances change us in every specific way? Have we ever stopped for a moment and ponder about all the possible answers that could help us understand the meaning of life? Understanding what life is means understanding retracing our paths toward God.
Fortunately, the students of Asian International School of Aeronautics and Technology (AISAT) were given the chance to retrace themselves through the Recollection held at Mais Hall, Homitori, Davao City last November 7, 2019. Headed by Pastor Raymond Dorimon, together with his colleagues, they aided the students to reopen their hearts and souls to the Lord. They helped the students strengthen their bonds with the Almighty, to strengthen them in every endeavor they may face in their lives. As discussed in Psalms 23:1-6, “The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me;your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me, all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever,”no matter how dark or difficult the path we may face or what decision we may choose, the Lord will never leave nor forsake us. For through Him and in Him, all things were made and through His power, we will all be saved.
Despite this Biblical foundation, some are still weary and doubtful about this life in general.. Some tend to lose hope and turn their backs to the Lord. Yes, our prayers may not be answered or sometimes it can be delayed, but the reason is that the Lord has already planned out everything in our lives and He is just waiting for the perfect time to answer our prayers. Yes, we get disappointed, but we should also think about the reason why it was never answered. It might be because it wasn’t good for us or maybe something is way better than the things we’ve been praying for.
Sometims, we also face undesirable events and circumstances in life. These are events hurt us or even change us. But if we just clear our thoughts, even for a minute and pray, all of our sorrows and weariness will be erased. For it was said in the book of Psalms 55:22, “Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.” The Lord our God will never let us go through things that He knows we won’t be able to handle. These challenges we are facing are His ways for us to get stronger. He will never hurt us because He wanted to but He allows these for our own good.
Somehow, the believers’ lives are connected with each other for we are bonded through God. We may be different from each other, but for Him, we are all equal. He loved us dearly that He sacrificed His only begotten son to save us from the sins we’ve done. He loved us dearly that he doesn’t want us getting hurt or hurting other people. He will and forever will be the one and only way to salvation and the key to everlasting life. No more, no less.