Humans make plans, but God directs their steps. You can trust this divine GPS. You set your goals in your mind. However, the Creator lines up the path for you. To find the right way, start with prayer, seek wise counsel, and follow the peaceful nudge in your heart.
I am happy! Yes, I am! I found joy, freedom, and peace of mind when I discovered what I believe is the secret to a happy life after living in the Philippines as an expatriate for 28 years.
Think of a maze. You cannot see the exit from the start. You might guess which way to turn and hit a dead end. But God sees the whole maze from above. When you ask Him for help, He gently guides you around the walls to the exit. Proverbs 16:9 reminds you that a man plans his course, but the Lord directs his steps. Read more about this truth on Bible Hub. When you surrender your daily choices to God, you take the stress off your own shoulders. Trust that His plan is always better than yours.
I was brought up in a religious family and lived in a parish house until my 10th birthday. Our Christian life was rooted in a strong religious tradition. Though I was used to it, my attitudes were often very ungodly. Many times, I was prone to anger and did all kinds of unpleasant things to others. I gave more attention to worldly things until I became deeply immersed in what we call “worldly trends.” I did those things simply to enjoy life without caring about the people around me.
But then, suddenly, “someone” — let’s call Him GOD — intervened. He directed my path. I received many different challenges and tasks — especially when I decided to stay in the Philippines for good.
Sure, I have always been able to travel around the globe. But believe me, not every trip — or even every single day — was satisfying or successful.
Today, I am no longer surprised by the painful trials I suffered in the past. Instead of being surprised, I try to rejoice because I have learned that trials are meant to test your faith — perhaps even during the COVID-19 pandemic.
When I got the idea to write this piece, I rummaged through some very old books belonging to my late “Lola” — born in 1899! — and found a faded document that had more or less crumbled to dust. It was handwritten by an unknown Dutch soldier, apparently in mortal agony during his final battle in World War II; the document was dated November 1944. I would like to share it with you, my dear reader, because it also reflects my past — and perhaps yours, too:
“When I stopped my ungodly behavior, I learned to pray. But when I prayed, I asked for power to become popular, and He made me weak and taught me how to be obedient. When I prayed, I asked for health so I could do great things, and He gave me afflictions so I could do better things. When I prayed, I asked for riches and abundance, and He gave me poverty so I could become wise instead. When I prayed, I asked for strength to receive people’s glory and fame, and He gave me weakness to make me feel how much I need Him. When I prayed, I asked for everything needed for a wonderful life without problems and trials, living like a king, and He gave me LIFE!”
I didn’t receive anything I prayed for while living in the Philippines as an expatriate. But I received everything in time, when I no longer expected it. More or less against my own free will, all my unspoken and unutterable prayers have been answered. I am truly blessed.
That is also how I feel right now. I am what I am today, NOT BECAUSE I PRAYED FOR IT, but because all my unspoken prayers have been answered.
Humans think — God guides!
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