God is good all the time and all the time God is good! I am sure you have heard of this phrase spoken by our colleagues, appearing in many religious books and in Christian songs. In my lowest and highest point, I learn to praise him and all glory is given to him. I lean on God’s promises totally as he knows me better than I know myself and he has great plans which will be revealed in his timing. To follow Jesus is not easy but it gives me such joy. I feel God is testing me to be stronger and yet he never fails to remind me of his promises, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness”. “Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me”.

          It has been a privilege to work for more than 29 years with the Hotel Industry. Due to the Covid19 pandemic, the Tourism and Hotel Industry has been hit so badly that not only me but many of them especially the lower income are left jobless. In some cases, there are those in higher authority who take advantage or find an opportunity to shut down their companies by offering a “mutual separation scheme” or “voluntary separation scheme” which leaves employees no choice but to accept it. By doing so, those in power can get rid of their employees who have been working for 25 years and above, with utmost loyalty. The saddest part of it is after a few months; the company starts to operate and employs the younger generation with the lowest salary and multitasking in various fields.

        Where is God in all of this? Many, who are frustrated, worried or even those who are barely clinging on to their jobs to pay bills and taking care of their families are losing faith and hope in this One True God! Fear just grips us. How do I trust God even when life isn’t fair and I suffer for no good reason?

         What gives me strength every day is that I am reminded of the beautiful story from the Book of Job. At one time or another, almost everyone has felt like Job. It records the troubling questions, the terrifying doubts, and the very real anguish of a sufferer. The Book of Job can help us in times when we are surrounded with troubles by giving us a glimpse of God’s perspective on our endurance.  Job lost everything and he had tremendous patience and so God blessed him with a double portion of what he had had formerly. This is an affirmation that “God will restore and bless us”. Jeremiah 29:11 “I know the plans I have in mind for you – it is the Lord who speaks, plans for peace not disaster, reserving a future full of hope for you”. God is for us, with us and in us.