“A LIFE UNDER THE SOVEREIGNTY OF GOD” (Part 2)
Was there a time when you didn't know why you exist and asked, “What is my purpose in life?” You aren’t alone. Many people go through life feeling discouraged about themselves and thinking they don’t have a purpose in life. But that’s not true. Whoever you are—whatever your life experiences, talents, physical ability, or role—you have a purpose. God has created you with a purpose and a part of His divine plan here on Earth. You may not know it now, but it will be revealed to you once you have a relationship with your Maker – God. He created you therefore, He knows exactly what you are capable of and He desired that you reach your life’s purpose. But you have to stay connected with Him because He will lead you to the fulfillment of your purpose. Sister Ana Tuquero, an IT missionary, is living a purpose-driven life for she willingly obeys God’s calling in her life. The things that God did throughout her life have become so fruitful that the people around her are blessed because of her obedience.
After her short mission trip in Vietnam with the instruction from God that she will go for a long term-mission, Sis Ana returned to the Philippines to prepare for it. In early 2001, she started to talk to her pastors and friends about her plan to go on long-term missions. Since she quit her job, she didn’t have her own money but that’s when she saw how God provided for her. She was reluctant to ask for money from her mom, but God would use the people around her to bless her. It was a complete turn of events for she was used to being so independent but now, she has no money and on top of that, she was preparing to go on a long-term mission that would require a lot of money. Some people were questioning her decision. However, Sis Ana wanted to obey God, so she decided to move forward. But there were some instances when she couldn't help but worry about how she could go and stay in Vietnam for long-term missions when her church told her that they will support her in prayers but they can’t promise to support her financially. Then her friend asked her a very compelling question, “Ana, do you doubt God? because I had a dream about you.” Sis Ana realized that God was speaking to her through her friend. God wanted to assure her that He will be with her every step of the way. All she needs to do is to trust Him. She prayed and repented for worrying and decided to surrender her current situation to God. She planned to go to Vietnam on March 5, 2001. As her ‘faith date’ is right around the corner, she still has no cash on hand. That Sunday, Sis Ana was told that there was a scheduled commissioning for her. Her senior pastor agreed to send her off to the mission field, so she gave her missionary call testimony and was prayed over by her pastors and the entire church. She was surprised when the senior pastor asked the congregation for a second offering in four services to support the mission work in Vietnam. The people who attended on that day were used by God to supply her needs. During the third service, Sis Ana couldn’t stop her tears for she knows that the money would be enough already for her needs. The following day, she received a phone call from her pastor saying that they have collected 120,000 pesos which could cover her six months expenses in Vietnam. Sis Anna cried and thanked the Lord for doing a great miracle! She never imagined that it happened in just a day and that her needs would be met. Now, she has the money she needs to go to Vietnam. However, her mom frequently got ill, and she couldn’t bear to leave while her mom was unwell. She asked her pastor to pray for her mom. Her mom realized that she has to surrender Sis Ana to God, and she has nothing to worry about. All her anxieties were gone, and she started to feel better. Sis Ana was also worried about her siblings who are new to their faith in Christ, but God assured her that the Holy Spirit will work in their lives. All of her worries were taken care of by God and Sis Ana went to Vietnam and committed to staying for at least two years. God has taught her a lot of things and she started to build relationships with the locals, especially with the young people through free English classes. She trained the young people, hoping that someday they will minister to their people. After two years, Sis Ana went back to the Philippines. However, her mission in Vietnam isn’t over yet. She has to return to Vietnam but this time she will have to face more challenges.
There’s more to Sis Ana’s story. God is writing her story in the most amazing way which she never thought would happen in her life. For God is the best Author and when we let Him write our story, we would never regret how the events would turn out for He is good, and He only wants what’s best for us. Let’s give praise to our good, good Father. How blessed are we to call Him “Father” – the God who made the universe and rules everything!
Ephesians 2:10 For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
(Written by: Venus Jablo)