Is the end coming soon? by Bless Salonga

With the current political climate in Libya, the recent flood in Queensland and Victoria, the tremendous aftermath of earthquake in Christchurch and Tsunami in Japan plus the on-going famine across the world – it makes you wonder – is this really the sign of our end?

Have you found yourself so wide awake in the middle of the night fearing for your life because you never know when that next after-shock is going to hit?

Have you been in a financial quicksand where you feel doomed and struggling to keep afloat, paralysed by indecisiveness or choosing death as the easiest option yet you’re worried about the people you will leave behind?

Have you seen any of your loved one endure the pain and treatment of cancer; emotionally and mentally lost not knowing (when) it will end?

How many times have you heard people complain about the weather, the internet, being fat, homework, the boss and of course the famous in-laws?

How many times have you heard people complain about having less than their siblings, workmates, friends, neighbours or partners?

How often have you seen cases where people want to blame everything and everybody for what’s happening to their lives?

Why are all these happening? Is it fair? Do we deserve these? I have heard people say, “I never run out of challenges.” Why?

Yes, we all have had our share of loss, worries, fear, anger and all those not-so-good memories we wish we never experienced. But is it all that bad?

In the greater scheme of things, how significant is your problem compared to those who are dying of starvation, of unwarranted war, being fallen victims to negligence or crime, exposed to extreme political or cultural practices or social inequalities?

I lost my father at a young age of 16. My family was devastated and I blamed myself for his death in the last 10 years; and I was sure my family did. I got married at an early age and my marital life, though it seemed lavish was not a truly happy one. I had my share of wrong decisions; trusted the wrong people and was trapped in an emotional pool soaked with unrealistic expectations. I was lost but my God found me.

It was an overwhelming experience of joy, forgiveness, hope and love. My heart was filled with positive spirit I could not even begin to explain. That day, I saw things differently. Why? I accepted that we all have a cross to bear and victory will only come if we learn to walk like Christ.

Jesus walked with compassion, understanding and love. Is it fair? Do you think He deserved the whipping, cursing and spitting? He was tormented and laughed upon? For what? Yes, it was because of our sins; because He wanted to save us.

If Jesus was willing to sacrifice Himself for love, why do we hear some parents complain about how difficult it is for them to shoulder their kid’s problems? Why is it too hard to communicate? Why do we kill ourselves with worry when little challenges arise? Why can’t we appreciate what we have rather than being too occupied by jealousy, malice and gossips? Why do we dare see how heavy our cross is, compared to others rather than weigh how much valuable lesson that cross rewards?

Has it ever occurred to you that God may have given you that cross knowing you are more than capable of carrying it; and that all you have to do is keep focused with faith and be humble enough to call for His name?

No one knows when the world will end but what matters is how the end of our journey will look like. How steady are you in carrying that cross to get to the finish line? Did you get distracted? Did you cheat? Was Jesus always in your heart? How well did you carry yourself amidst various challenges? Did you carry that cross with pride?

And when finally you have reached your destination, be strong to bury the nails of the past. Just remember that old rugged cross does not stand for suffering. It signifies your patience, your faith and how you have overcome doubts, fears and challenges. For each cross standing is your victory!