Trusting God's Faithfulness Through Life's Challenges
Summary
God's faithfulness is a profound truth that we can rely on, even when life seems uncertain and challenging. He knows every detail of our lives, from the number of hairs on our heads to the deepest desires of our hearts. Trusting in Him means believing that He has the best plans for us, even when the road is rocky. My journey from a humble beginning in the Philippines to where I am today is a testament to His unwavering faithfulness and love.
Growing up in poverty, I experienced firsthand the struggles of life. My family faced many hardships, including the loss of siblings and the daily challenge of finding enough to eat. Yet, amidst these difficulties, God was at work. My father's transformation from an alcoholic to a believer was a pivotal moment for our family. It was through a simple tract left by missionaries that he encountered the life-changing message of John 3:16, leading him to bring us to church and introducing us to a God who cares deeply for us.
Education became a beacon of hope for me, and through the support of Compassion International, I was able to pursue my dreams. The words of encouragement from my sponsor, telling me I was beautiful and loved by Jesus, were powerful affirmations that shaped my identity and future. God's promises in Scripture, like Jeremiah 29:11, became anchors for my soul, reminding me that my current circumstances did not define my destiny.
As I pursued my education and career, God's provision was evident. He opened doors that seemed impossible, leading me to opportunities I never imagined, including moving to the United States. His guidance and provision were constant, affirming that when He calls us to step out in faith, He equips us with everything we need.
Today, I am blessed to share my story, not just as a testimony of God's goodness, but as an encouragement to others. God sees us, hears us, and loves us beyond measure. He invites us to trust Him, seek Him, and obey His word, knowing that He is faithful to fulfill His promises. Our lives are a testament to His grace, and as we share our stories, we become vessels of His love and hope to the world.
Key Takeaways:
- God's Intimate Knowledge and Care: God knows every detail of our lives, including our deepest desires and struggles. His intimate knowledge of us assures us that He is deeply invested in our well-being and has the best plans for us, even when the path is difficult. [00:00]
- Transformation Through Faith: The transformation of a life begins with an encounter with Jesus. My father's journey from alcoholism to faith illustrates the power of God's love to change hearts and lives, offering hope and new beginnings. [11:40]
- The Power of Words and Encouragement: Words have the power to shape our identity and future. The affirmations from my sponsor, telling me I was beautiful and loved by Jesus, were transformative, reminding me of my worth and God's love. [16:06]
- God's Provision and Guidance: When God calls us to step out in faith, He provides for our needs and guides us along the way. His provision is evident in the opportunities He opens, affirming that He is with us in every step of our journey. [19:54]
- Sharing Our Stories as Testimonies: Our stories of God's faithfulness are powerful testimonies that can encourage and inspire others. By sharing how God has worked in our lives, we become vessels of His love and hope to the world. [35:44]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [02:06] - Early Life in the Philippines
- [05:21] - Struggles and Poverty
- [06:22] - A Desire for Change
- [07:46] - Finding God Through Personal Story
- [11:40] - Father's Transformation
- [12:50] - Journey to Manila
- [14:16] - Compassion International Sponsorship
- [16:06] - Words of Affirmation
- [18:16] - God's Promises and Plans
- [19:54] - Education and God's Provision
- [22:38] - Overcoming Challenges
- [27:50] - Experiencing God's Reality
- [29:54] - Career and God's Guidance
- [32:17] - Moving to America
- [33:07] - New Beginnings and Blessings
- [35:44] - Sharing the Story of God's Faithfulness
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Jeremiah 29:11 - "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
2. John 3:16 - "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."
3. Matthew 6:33 - "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."
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Observation Questions:
1. How did the speaker describe God's intimate knowledge and care for us, and what personal experiences did they share to illustrate this? [05:21]
2. What was the pivotal moment in the speaker's family life that led to a transformation, and how did it impact their faith journey? [11:40]
3. How did the words of encouragement from the speaker's sponsor influence their identity and future? [16:06]
4. What examples did the speaker give of God's provision and guidance in their life, particularly in their education and career? [19:54]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. In what ways does the speaker's story illustrate the truth of Jeremiah 29:11, and how does this verse provide hope in difficult circumstances? [16:06]
2. How does the transformation of the speaker's father reflect the power of John 3:16, and what does this suggest about the potential for change in others? [11:40]
3. What role did seeking God play in the speaker's journey, and how does Matthew 6:33 relate to their experiences of provision and guidance? [19:54]
4. How does the speaker's testimony serve as a vessel of God's love and hope, and what impact might sharing such stories have on others? [35:44]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt God's intimate knowledge and care in your life. How did it affect your trust in Him during uncertain times? [05:21]
2. Consider a personal transformation you've witnessed or experienced. How did faith play a role in that change, and how can it inspire others around you? [11:40]
3. Think about the power of words in your life. How can you use affirmations to encourage someone who might be struggling with their identity or future? [16:06]
4. Identify an area in your life where you need God's provision and guidance. What steps can you take to seek His kingdom first, trusting that He will provide? [19:54]
5. How can you share your own story of God's faithfulness with others? What specific opportunities do you have to be a vessel of His love and hope? [35:44]
6. Reflect on the role of education and support in your life. How can you be a source of encouragement and support for someone pursuing their dreams? [19:54]
7. Consider the impact of sharing personal testimonies in your community. How can you create a space for others to share their stories and experiences of God's faithfulness? [35:44]
Devotional
Day 1: God's Intimate Knowledge and Care
God's intimate knowledge of our lives is a profound assurance that He is deeply invested in our well-being. He knows every detail, from the number of hairs on our heads to the deepest desires of our hearts. This understanding of God's omniscience provides comfort and confidence, especially when life seems uncertain and challenging. Trusting in His intimate care means believing that He has the best plans for us, even when the path is difficult. This trust is not passive but an active engagement with God's promises, knowing that He is always working for our good. [00:00]
"For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward him." (2 Chronicles 16:9 ESV)
Reflection: In what specific area of your life do you need to trust God's intimate knowledge and care today? How can you actively engage with His promises in this area?
Day 2: Transformation Through Faith
Transformation begins with an encounter with Jesus, as illustrated by the story of a father's journey from alcoholism to faith. This transformation is a testament to the power of God's love to change hearts and lives, offering hope and new beginnings. It is a reminder that no situation is beyond God's reach and that His love can bring about profound change. This transformation is not just personal but can impact families and communities, as seen in the ripple effect of one person's faith journey. [11:40]
"And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh." (Ezekiel 36:26 ESV)
Reflection: Is there an area in your life where you desire transformation? How can you invite Jesus into this area to begin the process of change?
Day 3: The Power of Words and Encouragement
Words have the power to shape our identity and future. The affirmations from a sponsor, telling a child they were beautiful and loved by Jesus, were transformative, reminding them of their worth and God's love. This highlights the importance of speaking life-giving words to others, as they can have a lasting impact. Encouragement can be a powerful tool in God's hands, used to uplift and inspire those around us, reminding them of their inherent value and the love of their Creator. [16:06]
"Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body." (Proverbs 16:24 ESV)
Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear words of encouragement today? How can you intentionally speak life-giving words to them?
Day 4: God's Provision and Guidance
When God calls us to step out in faith, He provides for our needs and guides us along the way. His provision is evident in the opportunities He opens, affirming that He is with us in every step of our journey. This assurance allows us to move forward with confidence, knowing that God equips us with everything we need to fulfill His purposes. It is a reminder that God's guidance is not just about the destination but also about the journey, as He walks with us every step of the way. [19:54]
"And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:19 ESV)
Reflection: What step of faith is God calling you to take today? How can you trust in His provision and guidance as you move forward?
Day 5: Sharing Our Stories as Testimonies
Our stories of God's faithfulness are powerful testimonies that can encourage and inspire others. By sharing how God has worked in our lives, we become vessels of His love and hope to the world. This act of sharing is not just about recounting past experiences but about pointing others to the God who is faithful and true. It is an invitation for others to experience the same love and grace that has transformed our lives, as we testify to His goodness and faithfulness. [35:44]
"Come and hear, all you who fear God, and I will tell what he has done for my soul." (Psalm 66:16 ESV)
Reflection: What part of your story can you share with someone today to encourage them? How can your testimony point them to God's faithfulness?
Quotes
God is faithful. Don't be afraid to trust in him. He knows, if he knows the number of your hair, how much more your desires, your wants, your plans. He has the best for us. He has the best for me. The road will be rocky, but he said, don't be afraid. I have overcame the world. [00:00:00]
Why, why do we live this way? Why, why is our life like this? But our life began to change when my dad received Jesus as his personal Lord and Savior. It is so funny. My dad worked as a waiter in this hotel. One day, a group of missionary people. Check. Check in, in that hotel and drop a track for your younger listeners. A track is a reading material about Jesus at the back of the track. It says to go to a crusade. And my dad went in there. He received Jesus as his personal Lord and Savior. Hearing John 316. [00:10:59]
That's the start of, you know, change, not just changing our physical or our status in life, but changing our hearts, that there's a God that cares, that there's a God that sees us. [00:12:25]
The very first thing in his letter, Pastor Joe, he said, Kiwi, you are pretty. Kiwi, Jesus loves you. I don't you have you been to the Philippines? Yes. It's not in our culture to tell our kids, Oh, you're so beautiful. You can be what you want to be. It's not even my parents didn't tell me I was beautiful. [00:16:06]
I believed in it and when I was in high school I told mama I don't want to be poor anymore I want to be able to go to college I want to be able to take up something but you know this passenger you've been to the philippines that even my parents would work 24 7. it is it would be so impossible to to take us to college but god has always had a plan god has a way and he can say no and there is seems to be no way when i was graduating high school compassion told my family there is a new program to take kids from high school to college and your daughter is going to be one of the first fruits first the pioneer my [00:18:20]
When God guides you to where you have to go, He always provides. He hears you. He hears you on the days that you are crying. God says, I am close to the brokenhearted. He is close to you. [00:19:17]
You have to make a step. Yeah. I always remember what in your sermons, Pastor Joe, you have to step in. That's faith. It's not just like, oh, I'm going to be here. I'm going to wait for God. And then if it doesn't work for you, then it doesn't. But there's lessons along the way, but you have to make a step. Yeah. You have to make a step believing that God's with you. Yeah. And then nobody can be against you if God [00:21:21]
So everybody's afraid, scared to take this exam because only 2 % passes this exam in the entire Philippines, our licensure exam. But every time I open my Bible, Pastor Joe, God would tell me, Kiwi, is there anything too hard for me? The answer is nothing. Absolutely nothing is too hard for the Lord. All of my promises for you are yes and amen. Out of 1700 students who took the exam in the entire Philippines, I landed 10th place. [00:23:05]
He is a good God. He is so good. I could not believe that that child in the Philippines is there being able to provide my family, not just the needs, but for their enjoyment. And that's what we're going through right now. [00:34:27]
I want to share my story so that people would know that there is a god like this there is a god who sees them who hears them who cares and loves them him because he did it for me [00:35:44]
But I remember during the graduation in Compassion, my graduation, the president of Compassion told us, do not be ashamed of your roots in poverty. You hold your head high. You may have been born in poverty, but poverty was not born in you. No matter how high God lets you climb, never forget. This is another thing to be grateful. Never forget to reach back and bring others along with you. And one by one, as we do that, we will change the entire world. [00:38:18]
If you are going through a difficult situation, God is ever close to you. He is close to the brokenhearted. He loves you so much. He's a faithful God, compassionate God. His arms are not short not to reach you. He knows you and He is able to do exceedingly abundantly, more than you could ever ask or think. [00:44:43]
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