Spiritual Life

These are challenging times for me and some of my friends and all I can do is to pray that they will be able to overcome the trials they are going through. Devastatingly, a friend who has been my “shero” as an advocate of women’s empowerment recently passed on due to lung cancer. Another friend, who I thought has survived the threat of pancreatic cancer is experiencing the return of this vicious disease. Still another friend is going through one of the most difficult crisis in her life with the unexpected demise of her father. We love our friends and all we can do to assuage their pain and anxiety is to share our faith and prayers, firmly believing that God is good and He answers our prayers.

The Holy Bible is replete with inspirational promises. Max Lucado, renowned author on spiritual matters compiled some of these in “God’s Inspirational Promise Book.” I would like to share with my friends these verses found in Isaiah 41: 10, 13. “Don’t worry, because I am with you. Don’t be afraid because I am your God. I will make you strong and will help you; I will support you with my right hand that saves you….I am the Lord your God, who holds your right hand, and I tell you, Don’t be afraid, I will help you.”

Two years ago I went through an

Aurora S. Cudal-Rivera

unexpected heart procedure, after I complained of a numbing pain on the left side of my chest. It was discovered by my cardiologist that my coronary arteries were blocked and I have to undergo angioplasty. I became anxious and fearful about the whole procedure. I was assured by my health care providers that I am in good hands. This was when my faith was tested. I silently prayed and recited Psalm 23; “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for you are with me; your rod and your staff they comfort me …. Surely, goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

After praying, a feeling of peace swept over me. Fear and anxiety were replaced by hope and trust. My muscles relaxed and I felt the reassuring presence of God in me. I prayed for the doctors and nurses as God’s instruments of healing.

After two hours, I felt a gentle hand on my shoulder and a sweet voice telling me that the procedure is over, four stents were inserted in my heart arteries and I can go home later in the afternoon.

God is the Great Physician. I pray that He will touch my friends and all those suffering from pain and illness, with His healing hand. “God’s help is near and is always available, but it is only given to those who seek it.”