An Eternal Weight of Glory— A Testimony of Faith

So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.
— 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

What better testament to this verse than in the life of Nanay Ana, a woman strong in spirit but hindered in her physical body by paralysis of her legs & a chest injury. We were first introduced to Nanay Ana on our second day in this barangay (village) as we went house-to-house introducing ourselves and inviting people to a Bible study. She lives in her home high on the side of the mountain, her bedroom window view overlooking the beautiful mountain landscape, with her son-in-law who stays at home with her as her caretaker. 

The view outside her window

Some may look at her situation in life and feel pity— and while our hearts are broken for what she has endured— we look to her as an inspiration. 

Though her body may be forced to remain in her bed, her faith is growing all the more because of it. We visit her daily to pray over her for healing if it be God’s will, read Bible stories, & fellowship with her. We have also helped guide her through simple strengthening exercises that she can do with her son-in-law. 

Bible study with her grand-nieces

Though we cannot speak her language, we have been encouraged by the determination & faith with which she speaks. We see it written on her face as she hears Bible stories and shares her thoughts with us through our translators. She speaks with utmost trust in God, fully believing that He is capable of healing her if He chooses, but content with the suffering He has placed in her life, as they are what led her to read God’s word for herself for the first time. 

As we read in James 1:2-4 (ESV), we can count it all joy when we face trials of various kinds, for we know that the testing of our faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that we may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. Nanay Ana has pursued steadfastness of her faith by seeking & trusting God through the many trials she has faced, knowing that they only serve to draw her closer to her Savior. 

The Lord doesn’t always work in the ways that we would choose for ourselves, but His ways are higher than our ways. We do not have to lose heart, because as we trust in and obey our Lord Jesus Christ, our inner self is being renewed day by day. The things that are seen are temporary, but the things that are unseen are eternal. 

Pray Nanay Ana will truly experience God's love and completely trust in Him for her every need.

-Lenna

Rural Healthcare