2017: Every misfortune I had was a chance for a miracle from God

I rarely pen my personal thoughts on this public space. But, I think it's time to stop, reflect and thank God for His wonderful mercies. This year has been quite tough and rough — we were inflicted with many misfortunes and had to go through a hell lot of trials and tribulations. Looking back, every setback was a setup for a greater comeback! Saw the stop sign in the middle of nowhere below and this verse appeared in my mind, “Listen to this, Shermaine; stop and consider God’s wonders" — Job 37:14.

Stop and consider the wonders of God — who controls the clouds and makes lightning flash?

At the end of 2016, I asked the Lord for a verse over the year. I got Romans 8:37b, "We are more than conquerors through Christ who loved us." What is there to conquer when there are no battles? How can we say we are victorious when there are no challenges?

There is spiritual warfare out in this world — everything in this world will turn to dust. After we die, our bodies will turn to dust. Even the trees, the turtles, the chairs and electronic gadgets we have will all eventually turn to dust. What is eternal is in the unseen. 

1. September: My dad had to go through surgery

In September, My dad had a tumour on his salivary glands which had the potential to be malignant. Turns out that it was benign but the doctors still encouraged him to remove it. Thank God that the surgery went well without complications and my dad was hospitalised for only FIVE days! I'm also very thankful for my managers who were really understanding. My family and I turned out to be closer, and my dad and I would 'fellowship' over the Word really often after that. "But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds,' declares the LORD" — Jeremiah 30:17

2. October: I contracted Cellulitis while in Korea

My swollen leg after contracting Cellulitis in Seoul!

I'm super thankful for this group of friends whom I went to Korea with! God knows hoooow much I love travelling with people :D Of course, what can be more dramatic than getting bitten by some insects in a house of Seoul and  contracting Cellulitis because of that? Cellulitis is a condition where there is potential for death because it is a virus on the blood vessels. The doctor gave me... FIVE injection. I'm very thankful for Ivan, Hence, Tracy and Ai Ling— they were with me throughout the trip and were very considerate!

3. November: My mum had to go through an emergency operation

My mum's injured leg which required 14 stitches! 14 means double completion

On the 1st of November, I received a whatsapp message from my mum that she is hospitalised in Thailand because she had a bad fall, and had to go through emergency operation overseas. Several doctors told us that it will take her at least FIVE months before she can walk again... so we had to hire extra help, and she's a wonderful addition to the family! Thank God that in less than a month, my mum could start walking again without the help of any walker!!! She can't walk far yet, but the speedy recovery is miraculous.  “by his stripes you have been healed.” — 1 Peter 2:24

Can you see the number 'FIVE' in every situation? Wooooooow, I just realised it while writing the post! Biblically, five is the number of grace (undeserved, unmerited and unearned favour). I'm just so amazed because I was without a church but He raised a mini-church in my workplace. This mini-church is so tiny that it initially made up of 3 colleagues. But heck, Matthew 18:20 says that "when two or three are gathered in my name, there I am in the midst".

If you feel that there isn't much hope left in whatever situation you're in, watch the video below for yourself and see how God can make the impossible things, possible. I've experienced His everlasting love countless of times — I hope you will start asking Him to show you who He is too!

You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. (Jeremiah 29:13)

If you'd like me to pray for you, please drop me an email at littletinysun@gmail.com with the subject title "Prayer Request for 2018"! Prayers and thanksgiving move Him — "Ask and keep on asking and you shall receive... seek and keep on seeking and you shall find..."