Living in God's Miracle

Six years ago, I received a breast cancer diagnosis that plunged me into a severe crisis. It was a battle not just physically, but emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. My stability was shattered—my mood swung wildly, and life felt deeply uncertain. Yet, through that entire struggle, God never gave up on me.

My survival was more than just overcoming an illness; it was a victorious fight powered by God's miracle. Living in that miracle requires deep faith, especially when surrounded by darkness and doubt, constantly asking, "How will God intervene?" That struggle was real. But despite the hardship, God performed His healing miracle. As Matthew 17:20 reminds us, it doesn't take huge faith; even a blink of faith, as small as a mustard seed, is enough for God to act, making nothing impossible.

God's miracles always have a purpose. The ultimate miracle is Jesus's sacrifice on the cross, offering salvation for everyone—all we have to do is receive it. Matt. 21:22 promises: "You can pray for anything, and if you have faith, you will receive it." To truly live in God's miracle is to recognize His presence every second.

This miraculous life doesn't exempt us from negative forces—depression, illness, financial struggles, or spiritual doubt. These trials are designed to test us, offering a choice: give up or stand out. Choose not to give up. God is always with you. Allow yourself to grow in faith and become dependent on Him, not your circumstances. Remember, there's a star in the blue sky, and if you can see it, that's called a miracle.

The Beautiful Ending

Climbing Osmeña Peak, the highest point in Cebu, was unexpectedly tough, especially without proper preparation or gear. Halfway up, I joked internally about why I was punishing myself. Yet, the desire to see the majestic landscape pushed me past the rocky sections. I made it. The view from the peak was breathtakingly beautiful, proving the difficult effort led to a spectacular outcome.

In life, our deepest struggles and moments of failure are the equivalent of that rocky climb. It's a harsh reality that often leaves us unable to see a positive future. When our lives feel like ruins, helplessness sets in, making it hard to imagine beauty or blessing rising from such impossibility.

This is where God steps in. Making beautiful endings out of impossible situations is His specialty. God wastes nothing; every trial serves a purpose. It's remarkable what He will do with a broken life if you offer Him every shattered piece. By consistently seeking God’s light through the darkest of times, we will inevitably witness Him reverse our impossibilities.

In the face of life's challenges, draw near to God. He hears your pain and speaks comfort in your lowest moments. Bring every hardship—your deepest heartbreak, hardest failures, and most painful days—to Him. We have the assurance that "in all things God works for the good of those who love him" (Romans 8:28).

The Osmena Peak of Cebu
Photo by Anne Ruiz

In Thirst for Him

Despite the constant hustle of life, we sometimes feel a deep emptiness that relentlessly nags at our inner self until we choose to address it. When this happens to me, I intentionally step away from the busy world: I take a break from work, put down my gadgets, and interrupt my usual routine. This time is dedicated to solitude and seeking God, and it is always worthwhile.

Did you know that feeling that void is actually a thirst for God?

Spending time with the Lord is more than just petitioning for answered prayers; it's about acknowledging and thanking Him for every moment of our existence. It means asking Him to fill us with His love and heavenly joy. While worldly success is satisfying, a life saturated with God's love is truly blissful. This love is freely given—you don't have to strive for it; simply receive it. The moment you seek Him, God can begin filling your life. The Bible promises, "If anyone thirst, let him come to me and drink" (John 7:37).

ARUIZ Photography

The Side Mirror

My routine commute on a trisikad (pedicab) was unexpectedly halted by a moment of profound wisdom. The driver, a truly creative soul, had uniquely installed four side mirrors on his ride, each intentionally angled in a different direction. Intrigued by this unusual setup, I asked him to explain the necessity of so many mirrors.

Photography by Anne Ruiz
Talisay City, Cebu

 

He explained the mirrors' symbolic functions: checking his appearance, watching the road, gazing at the sky, and appreciating his riders ("the beautiful face of my passenger"). "Ultimately," he shared, "These four side mirrors are the reflection of my happiness. Although I am just a trisikad driver and lack many possessions, the true reward is that every penny I earn ensures my family is fed."

I was deeply moved. This encounter wasn't about transportation; it was about perspective. This man demonstrated that true contentment doesn't require complexity; it is found in deliberately choosing to see life with gratitude—in self, in surroundings, in others, and in purpose. He is an amazing human whose simple, profound wisdom is worth far more than the fare I paid. 

"Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done." Proverbs 19:17

Trust In the Lord

After enduring a severe cancer diagnosis, I made a profound vow to myself: once declared victorious, I would travel to a place of unparalleled beauty. My moment came when I was officially declared cancer-free. To celebrate this life-altering triumph, I traveled to the pristine shores of Boracay Island, one of the Philippines’ most breathtaking destinations. This journey felt miraculous in itself; I never anticipated the resources or opportunity to go, but God’s provision was ultimate and flawless, guiding me to witness the magnificent, refreshing beauty of His creation. This experience became clear evidence that God’s work in my life transcended the physical. He did not merely heal my body; He completely restored the deep, abiding joy of my salvation, proving that true victory is found in wholeness.

Your might is incomparable, oh Lord.. With a mere thought, You can create. I can’t even fathom it. I am small and weak. Yet, in my weakness I feel Your strength. You bring comfort and peace, and I trust in you, Lord.

               

Sunsets in Boracay Island
Photographed by Anne Ruiz

Wait on God

Be still and wait on God.  It’s not about you making something happen, it’s all about waiting on God to make it happen for you. His timing is perfect even when you feel like it’s taking to long. Know that God knows exactly what you need when you need it.   He knows where He wants you to be in life at any given time.   Don’t be discouraged.  Just wait patiently on the Lord. 

Be Grateful Today

Photographed by Anne Ruiz
Talisay City, Cebu

I went to the seashore with the intention of capturing a flawless sunset photograph. Yet, the real picture of the day was taken when I stood at the seawall and saw Manong, the local trisikad driver whom I call with respect. He was laboriously lifting a weighty sack of sand and gravel he had gathered from the beach. When I inquired about his purpose for this difficult task, he explained, "I'm selling this sack of sand gravel in order to get some food for my grandchildren." Witnessing his dedication to manual labor at his age, all for the sake of his family, was a humbling, immediate reminder.

If you have been spared the need for such relentless sacrifice, let this be the moment you recognize the sheer abundance in your own life and begin living with deep gratitude.

@beinspiredbyanne