Our resilience will see us through

Jul 30, 2021

Editor’s Column, Sustained by Grace
Life is often a roller coaster of crisis and calm times. Troubles come on us swiftly and without warning and then leave us completely drained when they pass. At times during a crisis, we are not sure whether we have the strength to survive the bumpy, stress-inducing ride. We become pessimistic and dread the next turn in the road. Will it turn our lives upside down? Will it cause us to falter as we struggle up another possibly perilous hill?

We are, all of us, facing challenging times during this pandemic — many have lost their jobs and income and some even their homes. Parents are struggling to cope with working from home and caring for their children. There are those who suffer from loneliness and depression, while others have become victims of abuse and even forced imprisonment. We get increasingly worried as the number of COVID-19 cases seems to rise each day, and as we look towards the leaders of the country for some form of guidance or respite, we are, instead, faced with their shenanigans in wanting to stay in power. And we come to the sad realisation that the welfare of the people is the furthest thing from their minds right now.

In a world that is becoming increasingly characterised by conflict, confusion and uncertainty, the ability to adapt in the face of adversity is more prized than ever before. So we, being the resilient people that we are, trudge on. People need to be fed, bills have to be paid, the vulnerable need to be cared for. While the power struggles continue, we, the ordinary people — the men and women on the street — take the #kitajagakita slogan to heart.

It has been truly uplifting to see so many Malaysians coming forward to help those in need. Kudos to the groups and individuals who, despite facing their own challenges during this time of pandemic, continue to fight for the rights of refugees and migrants; to those who continue on their mission to put an end to human trafficking and save victims from a fate worse than death. This is a Malaysia to be proud of, a society that is showing resilience and a sense of community in exceedingly trying times.

In these challenging, pandemic times and faced with an ambiguous political scenario, it’s important to put our trust and faith in the Lord. Leave everything in God’s hands. This may be impossible for us, but as Scripture tells us, ‘Nothing is impossible for God.’ (Luke 1:37).

Personally, I’m trying to live my faith the best I can. In Jesus, there is great hope. I know who the Truth and the Life is and that’s where I hitch my wagon. A phrase that has become a favourite of mine, especially during this time of uncertainty, is ‘God knows where He wants to take us.’

Very much in line with the famous adage of mystic Julian of Norwich — “All will be well” — we Christians have the ability to remain joyful in all circumstances, however difficult, because of our knowledge that God gently guides history and cares about us in an intimate way.

There is still a long way to go and much more to do. We need to have a deeper respect for and awareness of the needs of the community – both their faith needs and their secular needs. The message is to have faith in God; He’s the reason we do what we do. The end of our story is yet to be written, and God loves a good ending.

I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13)