Certain in Times of Uncertainty
Words by Grace Baguio, Filipina residing in Dubai
While Covid-19 shakes our job security, Jesus has got us covered.
Almost two months ago, I started to personally feel the seriousness of destruction that Covid-19 was bringing in here in the Middle East, where I am currently residing and working at the same time as a Teaching Assistant in Foundation Stage.
Initially, I was supposed to be back to work by the first week of April after a month off, our Spring Break. But the unexpected dawned on everyone - Covid-19 cases kept increasing as the days progressed, which led to a lot of closure in the region. Many companies had to lay off their employees or just pay them half or a quarter of their monthly salaries. The Ministry of Education had also mandated that the rest of the term for all educational institutions had to move online. I also learned that a lot of schools had let their teaching assistant staff go on unpaid leave.
Knowing these facts bothered me greatly, negative thoughts started creeping into my head like “ Oh no! What will happen to me now?”, “Will I still get a salary?”, “Where will I get funds for my rent and other necessities?”, “ How I can provide for my family back home?” and other sorts of questions arose within me.
Then, I felt a sudden whisper within me saying:
“Don’t worry Grace, I’ve got you covered!”
And then I remembered my initial journey here when I had no job for more than three months, no direct relatives to ask for assistance (another story of God’s faithfulness to share) yet I was never homeless or helpless!
Being reminded of those early experiences, I was led to talk to God and in tears I said to Him:
“Lord, I know that You already knew what I would be feeling right now. Sorry that I reacted in fear and worry over things that have not come yet. Lord, You’ve been with me before, so please enable me to have faith that You’ll let me get through this as well. Let YOUR will be done LORD...!”
After that honest talk with Him, I felt His incredible peace and joy filled hope from within.
Days went by and some friends, both from here and from my home country (especially my mother) asked how I was doing. So I honestly told them of the probabilities of the situation due to Covid-19. Some of them started to worry about me, but thankfully I had already talked with the Lord about these things so I was able to affirm to them that I would be alright:
“Jesus has been with me before and I know He will be with me now, especially this uncertain time.”
At the same time, I asked them to pray for God’s will to be done in me which they all willingly agreed to do so.
Fast-forward to the 8th of April; after an afternoon nap, I received an email from our school head confirming that they would still pay me until the end of the term and assured me that I would still have a job for the next school year (2020-2021). I was in tears of joy! I even exclaimed at the time:
“THANK YOU LORD! THANK YOU LORD! THANK YOU LORD!”
Still in tears, I messaged my family and friends who I had asked to pray for me and told them all about the blessing that God had given me during this Covid crisis. All of us were in awe of God’s faithfulness in answering our prayers.
God’s goodness is indeed CERTAIN in times of UNCERTAINTY! To God be the glory!
I would like to share with you a few of the things that God has taught me during this time, and the things He has been affirming me up to this moment through HIS Scriptures;
Let FAITH arise over fear:
“Why are you so troubled? Do you still have no faith?” - Matthew 4:40
“……In this world, you will have trouble, but take heart! I have overcome the world.” - John 16:33b
Claim God’s PEACE:
“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” - John 14:27
Cast your CARE on CHRIST:
“Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous be shaken.” - Psalm 55: 22
Rest on HIS PROMISES:
“The LORD Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. ” - Deuteronomy 31: 8
Connect with your christian community:
“Two are better than one…
Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves.
A cord of three is not quickly broken.” - Ecclesiastes 4:9a,12
Words by Grace Baguio
May 24
