“Feel the presence of God” – Seeds of Faith – January 10, 2022

The news today, January 10, 2022, is that the Philippines got its highest daily tally of Covid-19 positive cases at 33,169. This marks the country’s highest single-day tally so far and also the first time that it breached the 30,000-mark in daily infections.
This news is scary because they were a few cases only before the Christmas break. Now the positivity rate is so high compared to other months.
As we look back at the life of the Israelites, what can we learn from the Bible that could help strengthen us amidst this situation.
First, trust in God as we face the unknown.
The Israelites were slaves in Egypt for more than 400 years. Not anyone in that generation knew were Canaan is located. They had to trust God.
In Exodus 13:17, it says that God led them to a longer route rather than the shorter one. So, it is only by God’s guidance that they knew the way.
So, as we face the many unknowns, and the ever-changing protocols and announcements, let us trust in God to lead us.
Second, God’s presence will continue to reassure us.
Exodus 13:21-22 say, “By day the LORD went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night. Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people.” In these very remarkable verses you can see how God’s presence was felt by the fleeing Israelites.
Imagine their situation. This was the first time that they were out of Egypt. This was the first time that they have tasted freedom. They had so many doubts and they even argued that they want to go back to Egypt.
The pillar of cloud and the pillar of fire have reminded them that God is true to His promises.
So, as we face this pandemic, let us be assured that God’s presence is with us. We may not see a pillar of cloud or fire, but the Holy Spirit is with us. Let us feel the comforting presence of God as we go through this chapter of our lives.
May God bless us all!
Sincerely,
Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on
Director, Office of Communications
Central Philippine University