Greetings to the strong and courageous men and women of God! It has been two months since the momentous presidential election in the Philippines. Congratulations to all who have sacrificed and toiled for justice and freedom of our nation!
We have fought for what is right, desiring that our country be freed from the chains of corruption and poverty. And, because we did it for the Lord, then nothing is wasted. As Apostle Paul aptly puts it, ‘…your labor in the Lord is not in vain’ (1 Corinthians 15:58b). We might have lost before the eyes of men, but before God, we have won this battle because of our obedience to follow His command. This reminds me of Jesus who seemed to have failed in life. He died at an early age of 33, betrayed by His close friends and rejected by His fellow Jews. But in the light of eternity, His life was a success because He was able to finish what God has commanded Him to do.
Our expectations may not have been met last 2010 election but I believe that our laborious prayers for our country have not fallen on deaf ears. In fact, through our insistent petitions, we are closer to our goal of seeing the emancipation of our motherland. Anytime now, the golden bowls in heaven will be full of our prayers for the Philippines. So, let us press on, persevere, and continue what we have started. Oftentimes, victory is not achieved by one fight but a series of battles.
Let us call to mind that the Israelites went through so many wars before they possessed their promised land. They had to conquer nations stronger and more powerful than them. Sometimes, during the combat, they experienced defeat but at the end, they were able to acquire what was promised to them by the Lord because they relentlessly pursued their vision of a land flowing with milk and honey. In the same way, we have been promised by the Lord of a BLESSED Philippines. Surely, one defeat will not hinder us from moving forth to attaining our dreams. Instead of being discouraged, let us strengthen ourselves in the Lord. We have not yet seen the end of our aspirations. The Lord may want us to walk another mile… run another race… march another circle around the walled city of Jericho, till finally, at the fullness of time; the walls that keep our country from her destiny will eventually come crashing down.
Ptr. Liza Asis
Regional Pastor
Hong Kong, Macau and China