Finding Strength in Adversity: How the Pandemic Became a Blessing in Disguise

Anj Temblor on top of a mountain

The COVID-19 pandemic brought the world to a standstill, leaving a trail of devastation in its wake. Lives were lost, economies crumbled, and our daily lives were upended. Yet, amidst the chaos and despair, a profound transformation took place for many individuals, including myself. 

In this article, I share my personal journey of how the pandemic became an unexpected blessing in disguise, unveiling inner reservoirs of strength and resilience that I never knew existed. Through my story, I hope to inspire others to find hope, embrace change, and discover the silver linings in the most challenging of times.

On March 11, 2020, a day that should have been joyous as it marked my birthday, I found myself overwhelmed by a sense of hopelessness. The weight of financial struggles burdened me, with my apartment rent due on March 15th, and the impending lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic added to my distress. I felt trapped and wondered how I would survive. To make matters worse, my family was unable to provide support during that challenging time. Left with no other option, I turned to a friend for financial assistance.

Amidst my worries and fears, I sought solace in my faith, seeking guidance and strength from the Lord. In a moment of desperate prayer, I found comfort in the words of Deuteronomy 15:4-6: "There should be no poor among you, for the Lord your God will greatly bless you in the land he is giving you as a special possession. You will receive this blessing if you are careful to obey all the commands of the Lord your God that I am giving you today. The Lord your God will bless you as he has promised. You will lend money to many nations but will never need to borrow. You will rule many nations, but they will not rule over you."

These divine words resonated deeply within me, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the uncertainty. As I read and embraced the promise within those verses, I felt the comforting presence of the Lord engulfing me. All my fears and worries dissipated, replaced by a profound sense of hope and optimism. 

I realized that even in the depths of my despair, there was a divine plan at work, and that the Lord had not forsaken me.

With face-to-face classes halted and communities locked down, I seized the opportunity to explore online work. Although unsure of where this path would lead me, I persevered, fueled by the hope I had gained from the Lord. Despite encountering numerous rejections after applying on various job platforms, a divine intervention occurred. The Lord led me to rediscover an old message from a man who had reached out to me three years earlier on LinkedIn, seeking suggestions on places to visit in Davao. In a humorous twist of fate, I replied, expressing my need for employment. To my surprise, he responded and informed me that his company, Rev365, was hiring. Through a video call interview, we discovered our shared faith, he shared his own faith journey, and I realized it was no coincidence that we were connected and I was eventually hired as a Rev365 employee, an answered prayer from the Lord.

Gratitude filled my heart each day as I embraced my new job. Then, I recalled the Lord's promise from Deuteronomy: "You will receive this blessing if you are careful to obey all the commands of the Lord your God." Seeking guidance, I asked the Lord to reveal His command to me, and He directed me to Proverbs 3:9-10: "Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the best part of everything you produce. Then he will fill your barns with grain, and your vats will overflow with good wine." Committed to obeying this command, I wholeheartedly dedicated my first salary to the Lord. To my amazement, I witnessed His abundant blessings in my life. I was able to support my parents, pay my bills, pursue my studies, and fulfill my needs and desires. I transitioned from being the one borrowing money to being the one able to lend it, experiencing the truth of His words: "You will lend money but will never need to borrow."

Anj Temblor sitting on a chair waiting for her order

Today, as I reflect on my journey through the pandemic, I am filled with immense gratitude to the Lord for using Rev365 and the person I mentioned earlier. Through this company, I not only found stability and financial security but also had the opportunity to complete my Bachelor's degree. The past three years feel surreal, as the pandemic, which once seemed like a curse, turned out to be a blessing in disguise. I give all glory to the Lord alone.

Rev365/Montani is an exceptional company that has provided me with incredible opportunities for growth and development. I am immensely grateful for the impact my manager has had on my professional journey, as he has consistently motivated me to enhance my skills and explore new horizons that will undoubtedly serve as valuable assets in my future endeavors. Without his unwavering guidance and support, I would not have been able to sustain a fruitful three-year tenure with this company. To you, sir C.A., I extend my heartfelt appreciation—you truly are the best!

To those who find themselves in a state of hopelessness and weakness, I urge you to seek strength and hope in the Lord. Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us to trust in Him with all our hearts and not to rely on our own understanding. When we acknowledge Him in all our ways, He will make our paths straight. Isaiah 40:31 assures us that those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength, enabling them to soar like eagles, run without growing weary, and walk without fainting.

The journey from hopelessness to blessings has been an incredible testament to the faithfulness of the Lord. Through unwavering trust, obedience, and reliance on Him, I experienced a complete transformation during the pandemic. It is my sincere hope that others facing similar circumstances will find solace, strength, and hope in the Lord, just as I did.

Thank you for taking the time to read my article. If you are interested in learning more about me we can connect with each other.

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