Praise Through the Pain

 

“Sing joyfully to the Lord, all the earth; raise your voices in songs of praise.” – Psalm 98:4

 

It’s easy to sing joyful praise songs when everything is right in your world, isn’t it? When you enjoy good health – Alleluia! When love reigns in your family and relationships are amiable – Glory to God! When abundant blessings flow like ticking a dream destination off your bucket list – Hosanna!

 

But when things go wrong, can you still praise God?

In 2012, I had the privilege of interviewing Connie Velasco, one of our Feast Alabang attendees, for Kerygma Magazine. Three years before she was diagnosed with breast cancer, her husband had died of lung cancer. She had undergone 12 surgeries, 32 radiation sessions and about 30 or so chemotherapy sessions. In a span of 7 years, she almost died 7 times and had been hospitalized more times than she can count. To her, it felt like a thousand already. Her doctors had turned her down for treatment as there was nothing more they could do. She also went through a time when even her finances were drained.

 

But every Sunday at The Feast, we’d see her in her wheelchair front and center praising God. Even if she’s in constant pain, she still strove to look her glamorous best. She even goes to her chemo sessions all made up complete with a fashionable hat, becoming an inspiration to the other cancer patients. And despite her condition, she still served in whatever way she could. For instance, she designed the magnificent stage for the Kerygma Conference 2011 Faith Stream. She praised God with song and service.

 

A lot has been said and written on why we should praise God during difficult times. Personally, praising God through my pain helps me to forget about me. I’m reminded how big my God is, bigger than my troubles. And I remember those other times I was broken, and His Amazing Grace mended me. Praising God is not about what we do for Him but about how it transforms us.