Scripture: John 1:1-15

Light in the Dark 

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” – John 1:5

Challenges are inevitable in our life. We may face different challenges in different seasons, but we have the same God in all seasons. And that is the hope God wants to remind you of today. 

The moon always rotates around the earth. There are different shapes at different times, but we know that the moon is always up there. Nights seem to be darker at every new moon phase, but we know that it is only for a moment. If today seems to be darker than yesterday, remember that it will pass. 

The moon does not produce its own light but sources it from the Sun. Our seasons are changing, but remember that our God never changes. He is Light in every season. No matter which season we are in today, His Light will always be with us. 

When the night is darkest and the moon is nowhere to be seen, the sun is at its closest distance to it. Similarly, when we are in our darkest moments, God is closest to us. Oh, how lovely our God is! 

We can deal with challenges by choosing to focus on the Light or on our problems. When we choose to look at the problems, all we can see is darkness. But when we choose to focus on His Light, we know that in our darkest season, God’s Light is still shining brightly, ready to guide us. 

The Book of John starts with the declaration of light over darkness. All things were created through the Light, and darkness can never overcome it. God is above our circumstances. He is above our challenges. When God speaks, He will do it. When God promises, He will fulfill it. 

When I was dealing with cancer, many thoughts came into my mind – mostly discouraging thoughts that generated anxiety and fear. It would be so easy for me to feel that my life is trapped in darkness. But as I realized those thoughts did not help me at all, I decided to meditate on God’s promises and started to shift my perspective on my situation. Instead of sinking into the dark, I chose to focus on the Light behind it. 

I declared, “God does not plan for a harmful future for me. His sacrifice on the cross was not mere history. His stripes and authority prevail, and for that, every sickness can be healed. The Word is God Himself, and for that, I can rest in the eternal mercy of Christ. I will have a long life accompanied by blessings and salvation from God…” I laid my hands on my head every night and proclaimed the Yes and Amen to the Word! 

Today, if you are in the midst of a dark season in your life, I encourage you to set your mind on the Light, Jesus Christ. Thoughts that bring you down will always exist, but you do not have to succumb to these thoughts. They do not help you at all. You may fail sometimes, but you will succeed again the moment you fight back. Your life remains hopeful because the Light is there with you. Cheer up! 

God is closest in our darkest season.

Scripture: Romans 8:18-39

Small Sufferings 

“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” – Romans 8:18

Being under daily injections for five months was not a pleasant experience. One primary purpose of my chemotherapy was to bring down my white blood cell count to the lowest level possible. Because of this, I had to take daily injections in my stomach area to stimulate my bone marrow to produce more white blood cells so that I would not collapse artificially. 

These injections led to pain all over my muscles and joints, which kept me awake on some nights. I took painkillers several times and used heat packs on sore areas. Amidst the suffering, I reminded myself that this was small compared to Christ’s suffering on the cross to reveal His glory in my life! 

Christians in Rome were greatly persecuted; some were fed to lions. This may have set the scene for the martyrdom of both Peter and Paul, as well as many others. Despite these great threats, fears, and uncertainties, Paul, in his letter to the Church in Rome, expressed a profound faith that shows the way we, children of God, can face challenges in our daily lives. 

The challenges we face in life are small sufferings compared to the great suffering Christ endured on the cross. And because of that, no challenge will ever be too big for Him to overcome! Not only is He able, but He graciously gives us all the things we need. We are more than conquerors because God has been for us since the beginning. Our assurance in Christ is eternal! 

We should not focus only on our sufferings but set our eyes on the glory that God will reveal through those challenges. When God says we are more than conquerors, it means we have already won the battle before it even began. Through all things, not just one thing, God works for a good and glorified purpose. 

Christ gave His own life for you and me. There is nothing that can separate us from His everlasting love. He defends us to the very last drop of His blood. There is no doubt that He is eager to reveal His promises in our lives. God is revealing His glory to us right now, in our lives on earth, through miraculous works. 

Sufferings lead to revealing the glory of God in our life.

Scripture: Judges 6:11-16

Fighting Spirit 

The Lord turned to him and said, “Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian’s hand. Am I not sending you?” – Judges 6:15

I dressed up for my PET scan to confirm the cancer cells in my body. After the two-week roller coaster ride when I found out there was an abnormality on my anterior chest, I had to be ready for another curve. The hospital porter brought me down to the PET scan center. A nurse took over and kept me in a small room for preparation. 

She explained the procedure and injected a radioactive substance into my bloodstream. I had to lie down for thirty minutes for my body to absorb it. While she was performing the injection, she told me that experts would try their very best to cure cancer, but there is something they can never be able to give – the fighting spirit. She left the room, dimmed the light, and closed the door. I told myself, “She is entirely right. A fighting spirit inside me!” 

In any battle, we either win or lose. Gideon wasn’t a warrior. In fact, he came from the weakest clan, lacking in wisdom, and was the youngest in the family. He had many doubts when God chose him to lead Israel to fight against the oppressive Midianites who forced Israelites to live in mountain clefts and caves. 

When Gideon questioned God why all these tragedies happened to Israel, God’s answer was astounding. God did not focus on Gideon’s tragedies or Gideon’s weaknesses. He turned to Gideon and proclaimed the victory! To make the situation worse, God only allowed Gideon to bring 300 men with trumpets and torches into the war. 

Despite all the impossibilities, Gideon’s fighting spirit changed his and his people’s mentality. “For the Lord and for Gideon!” He proclaimed victory even before the war began. Having a fighting spirit is free will. Gideon could decide to give up, but he chose not to. God saw his faith, and He delivered Israel from Midianites. 

Today, God is doing the same for you and me. He does not focus on the tragedies or our weaknesses. So He wants us to do the same too – to focus on the victory we have in Christ. He is saying right now, “Go with whatever strength you have and fight. I will save you!” 

Let us not give up, but keep that fighting spirit alive inside of us. For God, nothing is impossible. No sickness, financial problems, or broken relationships are beyond His authority. What miracle do you need today? God is the miracle, and He is delivering us right now. Fight! 

The fighting spirit inside us can change tragedy into victory.

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:12-28

A “Thank You” 

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:18

I had a chat with a nurse who served me in the hospital. When I asked him how tough it is to be a nurse, he shared about the long working hours, difficult patients, and other challenges he faces daily. Being in the hospital for a few weeks allowed me to witness what he shared earlier, and I understood how rare it is for patients to appreciate the nurses. 

I tried to encourage the nurse, telling him that he and the other nurses have been saving many lives and giving joy to the patient’s families, friends, and others. I shared my observation that while doctors are important, nurses are the ones who usually execute the instructions, so patients should appreciate nurses at least as much as they appreciate doctors. He paid full attention while I was speaking. 

I thanked him for all the services that he provided me. His expression was quite memorable to me. I could see his bright smile and the glow in his heart because of a simple “thank you.” He said that he seldom encounters patients who value nurses as much as doctors. 

When he left the room, he probably felt blessed by the appreciation. But I was even more blessed by the reminder that thanksgiving has the power to lift up our spirits, even with just a simple “thank you.” I understood then why God teaches us to give thanks in all circumstances – because it gives us the strength to hope and pursue the future that God has promised us. 

If you are feeling weary today, or your hope has faded away, or your circumstances are too hard to carry, whatever it is, let’s give thanks. If you have no strength to give thanks for your own situation, look at the people around you. Find someone you can express gratitude to. Learn to give thanks, and see how it allows hope to return, opening your eyes to see the bright future ahead even in your darkest times. 

That is the power of giving thanks in all circumstances. Our situations may seem dark, but remember that our God is light. Let Him relight your spirit! 

Thankfulness rejuvenates the spirit.

Scripture: Isaiah 52:13-15

Bald Is Not Bad 

“See, my servant will act wisely; he will be raised and lifted up and highly exalted.” – Isaiah 52:13

I remember that very morning when my hair started to fall out. I was already expecting it to happen, but experiencing it itself was still quite terrible. I tried not to shave my head, hoping that the hair fall would eventually stop. But that wasn’t the case. When I woke up in the morning, I saw strands of hair all over my pillow. 

When I went to the barbershop, I told the barber not to comb or touch my hair. “Just shave it all off directly,” I said. He did not listen, and his face soon became pale. I flashed him a reassuring smile. During the haircut, I felt anxious thinking about presenting myself in public places, since it was now clear to people that I was battling cancer. 

Do I need to be ashamed of myself because I have cancer? How will I answer people who ask what happened to me? What will people think of me when they find out about my situation? 

I pondered for a while and realized that getting bald is not bad at all! 

During His crucifixion, Jesus would have felt shame from all the humiliation, but He did not let it distract His focus on what God wanted Him to do. The Bible says that Jesus had a ruined and disfigured face because of what the people did to him. He knew how it felt to be rejected and condemned publicly. But Jesus did not focus on how He looked in the trial. Instead, He set His eyes on what comes after the trial – exalted and high on His throne. 

Jesus was not ashamed because He knew what He was going through was for greater glory. And we can live today under His glory because of what He has done. He has taken our failures on the cross and replaced them with our new identity as the children of God. He sees our weaknesses and gives us unique strengths and abilities for us to treasure and multiply to bless others. 

Today, your trials may seem ugly. But I want to tell you today that Jesus understands how it feels, and He doesn’t want you to feel that way. He wants you to set your eyes to see the glory beyond the trials. He wants you to hold onto the promise that He will turn these ugly trials into beautiful blessings for many. 

You are a beloved child of God regardless of your appearance. Be confident!

Scripture: Isaiah 53

Stay Healthy 

“But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.” – Isaiah 53:5

Healing miracles are found throughout the Bible. Why is that so? Because diseases are not part of God’s original design for us. They do not belong to the purpose of God in us. In Jesus’ ministry, most of the miracles He performed were about healing. That assures us not just that He was able, but He is also still able to heal our sickness today! God desires to restore our brokenness. 

Isaiah 53:5 reminds us that Jesus’ stripes are above all diseases. Sickness cannot rule over us. It is under His authority. The word “healed” used in this verse refers to the Hebrew word “Rapha,” which means a cure for physical illness. God is able and willing to heal us. His death on the cross has declared not only victory over sins but also victory over death. No sickness stands against His authority! 

Looking back on what I went through in the last few months, I reflected that life is just temporary. I recalled the Bible verse saying, “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” Oh, how much time I had spent worrying and stressing over things in this world. Cancer changed my perspective. It transformed the way I see life. It reset my priorities. It repurposed my days. It gave me the clarity to focus on loving God and people. 

If you are sick today, no matter how severe it is, His stripes are an assurance of your healing. Claim it. Experience His miracle. Do not focus on your sickness. Focus on the healing that Jesus can do for you. Live out this faith. Trust in the power of His Name. Have assurance that He can heal you completely, whether a mental or physical illness. 

Proclaim the name of Jesus Christ over your sickness. Believe that He is more than able to heal you, and He wants to heal you. You will be a living witness that the Word is true and miracles exist! 

Healing miracles in the name of Jesus are real

Scripture: Psalms 90

Treasure Time 

“Teach us to number our days, so that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” – Psalm 90:12

Life can be overwhelming. In today’s world, it’s easy for us to be loaded with things to do. But out of the many, have we reflected on which ones are truly important and meaningful? 

I used to keep myself busy with many activities and tasks. However, this was not the case during treatment. Spending nearly 6 months while being weaker was not an easy journey for me. Time was getting by slower and I felt less useful from having nothing much to do. 

But things started to change as the days went by. I could spend way more time with my wife, who accompanied me day in and out. She would rush to and fro her office just to make sure she did not miss much time with me. 

When I was at home, I could see my two little angels coming back home and I was cheered up by their excitement when they saw me. I was able to spend more time playing with them, listening to their stories, and guiding them with life values I wanted them to hold onto tightly. 

I started to even enjoy my “me” time where I did nothing but relax and listen to my breathing. And so much more… 

I realized how busy I had been, to the point I rarely had time to step back and reflect on the things I truly cherished, my values, as well as the impacts I give to my loved ones and those around me. 

In his prayer, Moses realized that life on earth is very short. While there are many battles to fight, our days are numbered. Moses asked God for wisdom so he could be wiser in where he needed to invest his time. He found his answer: spending more of his days in God’s love, for those are times he felt most satisfied. 

If you are experiencing what I have gone through, I would like to encourage you to treasure your time. Life is a gift from God. And if God still gives us today, God still has a purpose for us. Treasure your time with your loved ones. Treasure your time with those who are in need – both physically and spiritually. 

God gives us time so we can fulfill His purpose in our life