MANY BELIEVE THAT optimism is normal to those who have yet to face significant adversities or challenges in life. When discussing their ambitions and goals, people may have different desires, but ultimately, they seek the best outcome and the best things for themselves and their loved ones.

For faithful servants of God who always aim to continually please Him, no matter what situation they are in, they know what to do so that they would receive God’s abundant blessings. This was part of the Bible-based sermon of Brother Eduardo V. Manalo, the Executive Minister of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ), when he led the brethren in a worship service at the house of worship of the Local Congregation of V. Luna, Ecclesiastical District of Quezon City.

Brother Virgilio A. Del Rosario Sr., district supervising minister, led the opening prayer and Brother Romer D. Galang prayed after the preaching of the Executive Minister. The prayer for the voluntary offerings was led by Brother Ernesto V. Suratos and the benediction was said by Brother Bienvenido C. Santiago.

“Brother Eduardo Manalo was once assigned in V. Luna back when it was still one of the areas overseen by the Cubao Local Congregation. Him remembering us and leading us in a worship service brought so much joy and inspiration to the brethren,” said Brother Cesar Villa, the said congregation’s bishop. He mentioned one of God’s teachings written in the Bible taught by the Executive Minister that the chosen ones of God need not fear troubles and worries in life as long as they remain firm and steadfast in their faith. The words of God are delightful and uplifting to him, especially when he was afflicted by severe illnesses.

Brother Cesar, who was enlisted in V. Luna since 1982, witnessed the growth and success of the Church Of Christ in the area. The innumerable times he has led the brethren in various activities have given him vigor and spiritual strength over the years. But tragedy struck when he experienced a heart attack in 1999. Two mild strokes followed in the consequent years. He said, “I saw them as trials, and to overcome them, I held on to what God can do. I believe that He upholds us so that we can continue to serve Him no matter what hardships we face.”

Since Brother Cesar knows that only God can help him recover and that His plans for him are the best, he never ceased from praying to Him. Every time he recovers from his health complications, he used most of his time in fulfilling his Church duties. With God’s grace, he was ordained as the bishop of their congregation on July 14, 2017. “I have firm faith that through prayers and the anointing of oil for the sick, the Lord God helps me recover from my illness and gives me strength. I never felt that He abandoned me. I always feel His loving-kindness and compassion,” Brother Cesar said.

Brother Eduardo Manalo also reminded the brethren that despite wanting the best in life, hardships are still unavoidable in this world. When things are out of their control or do not go according to plan, still they have every reason to be optimistic in life. Even when they experience sufferings, or have illnesses that weaken the body, God’s servants remain firm in the faith. They take nourishment from the comforting words and promises of the Almighty Father that He will protect and care for them.

This is the conviction of Sister Rosalinda Castro, the local congregation’s choir leader. She was stricken with a kidney disease and had to undergo dialysis three times a week. By holding on to what God can do, she was never hindered in her worship and duty.

She said, “I continue to show the Lord God that I long to worship Him despite my condition. The worship services make me strong because I firmly believe that God grants me strength to go on.” As she learned from Brother Eduardo Manalo’s Bible-based preaching, the worship services should never be neglected. Instead, these holy gatherings must be a priority to true servants of God because worship opens the doors to His abundant blessings.

“I made a promise to God that I will strive to continue worshiping Him as long as I live. My entire household and I will continue to pray earnestly for my condition. With God’s profound mercy and love, I ardently believe that He will do what is best for me,” said Sister Rosalinda. Recently, her dialysis sessions have been reduced from three times to twice a week and her overall condition continues to improve. With conviction, she expressed that when God’s faithful servants entrust everything to Him, nothing is impossible.

The brethren and Church officers in the V. Luna Local Congregation, including Brother Cesar and Sister Rosalinda, and their families, remain immovable in their faith and hope that no trial or suffering will ever hinder them from worshiping and giving glory to the Lord God. No matter what they experience, they will always strive to faithfully obey all of God’s commandments for this is pleasing to Him. 

By Jasmin Bernardo