Mike’s Faith and Religion Blog

My heart was in a state of trouble. I have payments to make and still I have no money. I’m the type of guy who never worries much about money because money is among the least things that I need in this world. However, the situation that I was in was quite troubling as I have too much debt to pay - phone, electricity, school service, water, internet, food, etc… and I don’t even have a hundred pesos in my pocket. In the midst of all these, I decided, it’s time to have a very serious talk with my Father.

With all courage, I walked about 2 miles to a quiet place - it was around 9:00 in the evening. Even before I reached my destination, I was already talking to Him but the real serious talk started in a place I called “Emmanuel” meaning “God with us”.

I cried out loud. I cast all my burdens upon Him, I told Him all my troubles and worries, I cried. In a few moments, I felt relaxed. I know my Father is with me, I know He is comforting me, I know He loves me. After a few moments of silence, I asked Him to strengthen me and give me wisdom so I can handle the situation where I am in. I then asked Him for the obvious. I needed money. I have a peso in my pocket which I left in that place as a token of my offering to Him. It’s all I got. I then made a deal with Him. I asked Him to give me all the money I need so I can pay my debts and also to sustain my family. I rejoiced, sang a song, prayed again, and left the place.

Friday: September 3, 2004

We had a retreat to hold and I was part of the EGR (Encounter God Retreat) Bulacan District I Team. We left at about 5:00pm - still no money. I know God has something in hand, I just have to wait. At the end of the day, my Ninong Boyet, handed me P200. He told me that God instructed him to give it to me “weeks before” but somehow, he had no money. I then realized, he wasn’t meant to give it to me “weeks before” as God knows when I need it the most. I smiled, alas, God’s blessing is starting to flow. I came home, and told Evelyn about it. Of course, I also gave her the money.

Saturday: September 4, 2004

Though I already had P200 the day before, I still have no money in my pocket as I gave the P200 to Evelyn. It was afternoon, when a Pastor came over to the place of the retreat to deliver P1,000 (”two months worth” of allowance) to me. It was my allowance for being the Bulacan District I President of the Young Married Couples. It was delayed, but I know, God knew when I needed it most. I was so happy that on that day, I gave P500 back to God as an offering. Evelyn was hesitant but I knew I have to act in faith. The joy I felt inside me was so great, I know more will come.

Sunday: September 5, 2004

Out of the P1,200 I already had in total (less the P500 I gave the previous day), I gave P125 for my tithes and P125 for my offering. In other words, all I have left was P450. Oh yes, I think God deserves a greater portion of what I have. But let this be a testimony and a challenge to you. I have a churchmate who asked me to develop a slideshow presentation which I charged P900. On that day, she paid me P1,000 in advance and told me to keep the change. I quickly set aside P200 for my tithes and offering to be given next Sunday. I know I must put God first.

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Now, am I bragging? Not for myself. If I am bragging, then I am bragging about God’s greatness! After all, He alone deserves all glory and praise and honor and it takes people like you and me to shout to this world about that.

But what about my bills to pay? P1,250 is not enough for all of that and I know that. But greater than that, I know God knows better. I’m sure I can trust Him, I’m sure I can put ALL of my trust on Him and to Him alone. Below are a few verses for your encouragement.

“Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me! But you say, ‘In what way have we robbed You?’ In tithes and offerings. You are cursed with a curse, For you have robbed Me, Even this whole nation. Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, That there may be food in My house, And try Me now in this,” Says the Lord of hosts, “If I will not open for you the windows of heaven And pour out for you such blessing That there will not be room enough to receive it. “And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, So that he will not destroy the fruit of your ground, Nor shall the vine fail to bear fruit for you in the field,” Says the Lord of hosts; “And all nations will call you blessed, For you will be a delightful land,” Says the Lord of hosts.

I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust.”

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.

So, are you in trouble. Talk to DAD and He will hear you. After all, DADDY heard me.

God bless you!