Part 1 - Nothing Happens Without A Reason

18 January 2025

Good morning, Dear Buddies -

We managed to spend time with Rosemary Chng (our health coach and dear friend) yesterday afternoon. It was a wonderful meeting that was long overdue. I have not seen her face to face since last April. She’s the business owner of Elixir Botanica; whose supplements I take daily which has helped me in my recovery process.

Why the long absence? Well, she suffered a massive stroke in June last year. By all medical indicators, she should have been on a one way ticket to heaven. But she’s here and is a living and walking miracle. The doctors can’t explain how she bounced back. She looks normal and is doing things that “normal” people do. You would not believe that she was ever a stroke patient. Of course it took much prayer, faith and determination - plus family support - to see her through this.

Rosemary was encouraging us as she shared her faith and healing journey  - and how she survived because of the Lord’s intervention.

She had previously worked at the National Cancer Center (NCC) and is familiar with medical terminology. Looking through my medical reports, she knew why the SGH oncologist who saw me did not provide much hope for my recovery. In fact, the prognosis and survivability rate for my condition was very poor. It dawned upon me that I may not have made it to 2025.

But here I am still alive and kicking. God had other plans for me. My body’s response to prayer and the meds have been positive from the recent scan, I am on the road to recovery. Thanks be to God.

Looking straight at me, Rosemary said with conviction that there is a reason why we survived these life-threatening diseases.

Nothing happens without a reason if our lives are committed to Christ.

Rosemary and I (along with Ps Yuli) had walked through the dark valley. It can be fearful at times but we know that the Good Shepherd is with us. (Psalms 23).

I can’t fully explain it but I know that Jesus has been with me throughout this journey. Even when they were wheeling me in for the first surgery last Sep, I was not afraid and was ready to meet with Jesus. That assurance carried me through till even now as I’m journaling my thoughts. I just know that He’s with me.

Rosemary said something that I can attest to. Whilst we KNOW that we have to trust God in our situation - it’s not tested until you are hit by a crisis.  When the ‘firestorm’ comes, our trust can be challenged by other negative emotions eg fear, anger.

So is it right to feel this way as Christians? Shouldn’t we put on a brave face?

Far from it. Look at the example of Jesus at the Garden of Gethesame.

“Then he (Jesus) said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me.” And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.”” - Matthew 26:38-39 ESV

Jesus, the Son of God, knew what it was like to face fear of his impending and cruel death. But Jesus was obedient even unto death (Philippians 2:8).

Like Jesus, for Rosemary and I, we did face fear. And at times, the “spirit of fear” (2 Tim 1:7) tries to intimidate us.  For Rosemary, she will just say out aloud, “Get lost” and go pot a plant (she’s a botanist and loves gardening).

When (not if) a negative emotion like fear comes in, what do we do? In our condition, I dare say that it comes more often to discourage and weaken our resolve.

The Way We Deal With Hopelessness and Fear:

And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death.” - Revelation 12:11 ESV

1. One weapon we both use is the BLOOD of the Lamb.

2. The second way of defeating the enemy is by our TESTIMONY. What you speak out, declare, pray forth - all comes from what you believe/ know of God.

3. And the third is that we have an unwavering COMMITMENT TO STAND in the face of adversity.

I firmly believe that there are no coincidences in life. I have NOT asked God why I have this condition but I have prayed that God will provide me the grace and strength to fight this infirmity. And he has indeed been gracious by answering these requests.

I will continue to testify of God’s goodness through this journal. And I will testify of his healing whenever and wherever I’m able to.

And I will testify of this Buddies’ group who have prayed for and supported us all through this time. ALL of you are truly amazing.

Have a blessed Friday and I really hope to see all of you face to face soon.

Agape.

Paul Wong