Unfailing

You are unfailing, God
Your love’s unending
And Your word is eternal
Firm in the heavens it stands


Have you ever been so thrilled, so excited by a promise someone gave you, only to be crushed when that person backs out or just couldn’t fulfill that word? It could be that time your parents promised to take you to the amusement park, but had to retract when they suddenly have to work overtime. It could be that time when your gal pal gave her word to get you that chocolate bar you’ve been craving for but then forgets. It could be that time when your then-sweetheart promises never to hurt you, but now…well, let’s just not talk about that tender issue. Whatever it is, we’ve all had a taste of broken promises, and it absolutely hurts indeed.

Well, guess what. God isn’t like that. He is indeed unfailing.

What was that? I see you chuckling at me with those doubtful eyes searching me for how I could say that statement of God being constant. I could see you being confused, trying to comprehend and see my reason for my faith. I could see your eyes pleading, asking me why I still believe. How could I choose to hang on to God, especially with what happened?

Mrs. Corazon Aquino was one woman very much endeared to every Filipino. How could she not be loved by all? She was, after all, the lady that was at the forefront of the nation’s fight to instill democracy again. It was her courage and boldness that inspired Filipinos to march to EDSA, join hands and fight the Marcos dictatorship.
That is why when Mrs. Aquino was diagnosed with cancer, the entire nation was stunned. Every single Filipino must have included her healing in their prayers. And when her cancer was at its worst, our countrymen must have been willing to exercise their mountain-moving faith just to get rid of that disease that plagued her body. Prayer vigils for the former president were organized. The Ako Mismo website added a prayer wall for her recovery. Even trees joined in on praying for Mrs. Aquino through those yellow ribbons tied on their branches (I saw some in Filinvest before.). It wasn’t clear just how long people were going to pray, but what was clear is that they were willing to shatter Earth just to see Mrs. Aquino healed.

She succumbed to cancer early this morning.

Yet, despite this whole issue of “everyone-prayed-yet-she-still-died”, I still choose to believe my God is able and willing to fulfill his promises. I still choose to hang on to my faith in my Father, like any child would. I choose to see how unfailing He is. Why? It’s simple really. It’s because He was unfailingly beside me every step of the way in that hospital bed six years ago, and healed me from that tumour that suffocated my ovaries. It’s because He’s unfailingly supported and even helped me do excellently (even win) whatever undertakings I’ve been pursuing. It’s because no matter how stupid my mistakes are, no matter how many times I’ve hurt Him, He still unfailingly loves me and welcomes me in His wide embrace.

Why do I call Him unfailing? It’s because He’s always been so to me. He’s constantly the loving, amazing, marvelous, mighty Father God I love. Yes, the human in me may fail Him zillions of times. But I know He won’t.

And hey! His promises are bigger than just some trip to the amusement park. So yay!