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But when we remain joyful amidst trials, persecutions, and ailments, we are able to conserve the strength that we need in order to overcome our troubles, for the joy of the Lord is our strength. God will provide us with the solution to our problems for "with God all things are possible" (Matthew 19:26). Remember the story about the Apostles Paul and Silas in Philippi? They had been stoned and severely beaten. Then they were chained and thrown into jail. Despite their hopeless situation, they remained at peace and kept their trust in the Lord God Almighty. At midnight, Paul and Silas began to rejoice and sing hymns at the top of their voices, while the other prisoners listened. Suddenly, a violent earthquake shook the prison to its foundations. At once the doors opened, and the chains fell off all the prisoners. The jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison |
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doors open, he thought that the prisoners had escaped; so he pulled out his sword and was about to kill himself. To prevent him, Paul shouted that they were all there. The jailer led them out. Then, Paul and Silas preached the Word of God to him and to all the others in the house. The jailer and his family were baptized at once. The next morning the Roman authorities led them out of the prison and asked them to leave the city (Acts 16:16-26). 2. Let us learn to forgive and forget the past. In Philippians 3:13-14, St. Paul tells us: "Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." We ought to forget past hurts, rejection and resentment towards others. Oftentimes, we say, "I have already forgiven him for what he did to me, but I don't want to see him anymore!" This can only mean that deep within us, we still have not forgiven. What God expects from us is total forgiveness, which requires the restoration of our broken relationships with our husbands, wives, children, colleagues, friends, neighbors and relatives. Let us humble ourselves before the Lord, and ask Him in prayer to help us forgive and to forget the past. Also, in Romans 12:10, 17-18, St. Paul says, "Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves... Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone." Therefore, if we cleanse our hearts and minds of all bitterness, hatred, ill feelings, and resentment, we will experience the peace of Christ that will give us new hope and strength. God will also change the course of our lives and transform us from being troubled persons to happy and peaceful ones. I would like to share with you the testimony of Sis. Prenita Magno of Lantau Island, Hong Kong. According to her, she used to live in depression, hatred, and resentment towards her husband who was a drunkard. One day, while she was thinking of ways to get even with him, she saw a copy of our Bagong Liwanag Magazine in a trash can. Instinctively, she picked it up and took it with her. Upon reaching home, she read it from the first to the last page. She further recounted: "I read it again that night, asked for God's forgiveness, and decided to forgive my husband. Later, I experienced relief and found peace of mind. By forgiving my husband, my family and I now enjoy the love, joy, and peace of the Lord!" Indeed, there is peace in forgiveness! |