God to the Rescue!

Hold on

Don’t give up

You can’t afford to quit now

God has brought you this far

Keep pressing on

Because He’s been there all along

       This was the message that touched and reminded me of God’s unconditional love and mercy.

       When times come that problems or struggles are unbearable, isolation from God is never an answer. His grace comes in the moment we humbly call on and surrender those to Him. Then, peace reigns in us as we learn to trust fully a great God who is greater than all circumstances, fears and worries.

     It was a very tough test being put into a situation where I really thought I would be carried away by my emotion. But, on how I overcame it was still unbelievable. I was certain that I surpassed it with God’s grace. I just want to share what messages God wanted me to realize during that moment. I learned how to recognize when we are struggling for something or when becoming stubborn. We all experience difficulties in life. God knows us deeply and that he believes in us that we can rise above the circumstance. If we fail, God will continue to chase and will never give up on us until we realize that we cannot do it by ourselves alone. He will make a way out of it and will use instruments for us to triumph with Him.

      Most of the times, I have this belief that I can master my own mind and emotion. But I was wrong since in the most difficult moments God has fought the battles for me. He used that weakness to be the very reason to ask help and draw strength from Him.  God alone can truly make the “seemingly impossible” things happen. He is always faithful and stays with us under all circumstances. After being enlightened, God as always, offers a new relationship to be nurtured with endless faith and extravagant love.

Grateful!

     Healing may take a lifelong process. But one truth remains, the Lord God will never give up on us. He never leaves us even in the midst of our imperfections. Thank you Lord for embracing and loving us unconditionally...now and forever!

Worthy To Live

     “I woke up one day realizing that years have gone by and yet still my life hasn't really changed.  So, year after year, I always ended up dreaming for a change. I supposed this will be the same thing for the next few years to come. I am the same person.”  This thought has almost conquered me in the battle I am fighting for. Yes, I am at war to the world and to myself. This world we live in is raging a battle not only to the physical bodies of each of us but more so the very  heart and soul of the humanity.  Every tomb in the cemetery has left unforgettable memories. Worst or best doesn't really matter. After all, every person is worth of high value that can never be condemned. I am still lucky enough for staying awake to choose the path I need to live. Life remains mysterious as it is.  No one can ever fathom the secret that lies in it. There will only be lessons to give us a gist of what life is all about.

     Sometimes, to fulfill one’s ultimate dream is when one starts to fail and become the person he doesn't dream to be. I remembered myself dreaming for almost all of my life. I was taught to do the best in everything and to be the greatest of them all. It was a great feeling having been successful.  Temporarily, it boosted my confidence to do something unusual in life, some stupid adventures that led me to nowhere. I took the risks with passion and willingly fooled myself. I was deceived with the comforts and self-gratification it provides. I have thought that I have done tremendous achievements in my very own selfish desires. Even every after consequence I suffer, it remains a hard lesson to learn. And to perfectly master it, one has to fail many times until lessons are learned on its way over and over again.

     Life is always a big question mark!  A lot of us have been wandering around to probably find the answers to some questions or to create a different identity after having achieved something satisfying. We have not yet truly seen the essence of life. I may not exactly know what each of us really want or need, but it is worth to just close the door of our own world. There is a whole world outside us that struggles a lot and needs our simple gesture of goodness.  The purpose of our existence isn't found in our own world where discontentment and hunger for earthly pleasures continue to swallow us.  This is the reality of the world inside us that we ignore.  We are not only blind of this sad truth but also coward to let go of our foolishness. The story of the person beside you now might change your world.  Open yourself even to a stranger.  You might not be able to give the best shot at the moment. What is important is the giving up of your own world to embrace other’s lives.  

     Every second is precious to every person in this passing world. Before this day ends, I decide to do something that is really of necessity for change, not for my own sake, but for others who are in need of me.  I chose to lose my own “selfish” world to live a meaningful life that is worth fighting for.

"Thy Will", My Purpose

     Yesterday, I was confronted with the one truth that let me realized on my life’s purpose. For quite a long time, I have always been seeking and wandering to find meaning in my existence. There was a time when I asked myself if what I am doing at present gives more value or worth as a person. Does it lead me to where God really wants me to be? At the end of the day, I always have been reflecting on how I could make such life meaningful without being chained by the attachments of the world and live a life that maximizes my fullest potentials as I share the God-given gifts. 

      “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.” (Proverbs 3:5-6) These verses remind me to always entrust to God all of my plans and heart’s desires. In every time I make decision, small or big, has to be offered to Him so as to find inner peace. I, sometimes, had made irrational decisions on my past which I thought was the right thing to do. But, it was just all my self-centered wants that left me wounded in the journey. After all, I learned my lesson and just moved on.

      God's will is the purpose in our lives. All I know is to live the present with full of trust in the Lord and eventually will reveal His plans for me. Where I am at the moment is leading to His ultimate purpose in me.

Noise in Silence

Often the noises we hear around us become ordinary in our everyday living. But the noise that comes in silence is the most disturbing one. When the usual noise shuts down also starts a noise that chases us.  From that silence in our hearts, a spirit is longing for freedom and peace that only God can give. 

Against All Odds

     The more you nurture the relationship with God, the more you love the service God has entrusted to you. The more also you embrace the sacrifice and bear every pain you can receive along that journey.  Being called to serve ultimately reveals God’s plan in your life surprisingly. Jesus did not only overcome those tribulations because He is the son of God, but because of God’s will and grace, He knew that being crucified is the defeat of the enemy and the salvation of the humanity.  How willing am I to continue and follow His journey even in the midst of worst circumstances? Isn't it amazing that the little sacrifice we do is worth it when we finish the spiritual battle with God on our side? Let the battle continue…no retreat, no surrender!

The Best of Life

              I live only once in this world but the world have given me thousand opportunities to live that life significantly. Seldom do I see living by myself. I always want to spend every single day with the people around me. Then, at one moment I have just realized that I am still alone, even if I was already in the crowd of people.  At the deepest of my inner self is a longing for something unexplainable. Something that is unreachable, unknown.    
         All of us for sure have its different longings, dreams that we want to pursue. Whatever it is, it will always be temporary. Because living on earth is just a part of our existence. Reaching one of those may fulfill one’s satisfaction or a realization for a greater purpose. I have just recalled the days I have started to fulfill my goals and dreams were also moments I missed so many chances. Yes, I was blinded by the comfort and freedom it had provided. It maybe had put me into the pedestal of success, yet, pulled me away from the most valuable people and memories. I enjoyed for a short time the luxuries this world had offered. But I carry the agony of the destruction it had brought to my soul until now.   
   I recognized the lessons brought to me by the past. Though wounded in this journey, I am still hoping that someday, the long lost me will find its meaning in life.  I just don’t know how and when. This gives me the reason to live each new day like a newly- born baby whose life is significant to all. To live in this world is a never-ending search of meaning and purpose not until one can learn to live that life significantly everyday.

A Treasure I Value

There are so many things in life that I have been longing for. Most of them were very simple moments yet very memorable ones. They were the very usual things that happen every day.  I remembered fishing just right in front our house or using our mosquito net just to catch the small fish. Swimming under the heat of the sun with my neighbors and the best part of all, is the meal together with my beloved family.  But gone are those days when I enjoyed that simple life. Life changes as we grow older. I have greater hopes that those memories will come again, in God's time.

                                                                             

I LOVE MY HOUSEHOLD!

      

The Household is the heart of CFC-SFC.  It is where I truly appreciate the essence and existence of what I called “A HOME AWAY FROM HOME”. Being far away from my family is a struggle which I cannot hide from my brothers and sisters in the community.  My first 3 months in this country was filled with so much longing for my loved ones.  I often shared to them that God must have a great purpose for bringing me here in Kuwait. When I started to involve myself to the service, this made me feel the real joy of being a part of the Household. 

I would say that Household has greatly helped me in my journey with Christ.  A Household is where I expressed my praises and thanks to God for the everyday blessings, sincerely asking for His mercy of my imperfections and lifting up the prayers and hopes  with full trust that His will be done. While saying the thanksgiving of each of us, I feel so much blessed, even in the midst of scarcity. There were times when I just cried as I shared through my prayer the answered prayers.  It has helped others as well to recognize God’s abundant blessings to them. It is a manifestation that God provides.  In every state of one’s heart, only God knows and that I cannot hide anything from Him. All I can do is to recognize and humbly seek for his mercy and forgiveness for the weaknesses and failings as a son.  At times that I opened up, I felt relief and peace as well. No more guilt and pain for God is a great healer. Then, I started to become hopeful as I lift to Him my plans and decisions in life.  Claiming the victory with my dear brothers is incomparable. With God, I learned to trust with all my heart and soul.

There is still much more in Household that reveals God’s magnificent power on our lives. More than the sense of brotherhood that I felt is the love and care shown from one another like my real family.  I will never sacrifice my Household over all other things. It is because I know that it is the Household that keeps me holding on and makes me the person God wants me to be. I love my Household and forever will be treasured for this priceless gift from above.

STOP, LOOK AND LISTEN…

Weather changes; leaves falling from its branches; friends come and go; but time keeps on counting into second, minute, hour and day … Sometimes, we feel that time moves too slowly or too fast. But, actually, a second remains a second.  Nothing has changed.  It is just how we see things and everything around us that makes us feel this way.

Our perception has a big part on what we had become in the past and what it will make us in the future.  The way we perceive at present has a great say on if you want that history be repeated or choose to make a change for something you hope to be in the future.

Whatever life’s happenings we have had before, our present always defines our lives.  But, with the question on  who has the final say on what best defines each of our lives, I believe that it is only God, who knows the best for us.  That is why listening to what He wants us to decide is very essential and yet ignored by most of the time.

Listening is more than a skill to be learned, it is a GIFT to EVERYONE to be treasured. At all times, He has always made ways for us to listen. He speaks to us in so many situations in our lives, may it be through all the people around us or in the experiences we faced, good or bad.

            So, how do we listen? We listen to Him by seeking His will, especially, at the times when we are confronted in quite moments.  It is in silence that we are confronted with the truth. That truth determines His will. It’s either that message we deny or accept wholeheartedly, even if it hurts or it does not fulfill our heart’s desire. I once asked a priest on how we know that a decision is on God’s will. He answered that when that decision you need to stand, is not your will. Mostly of us, pray for only our will but not really God’s will.  We equate our heart’s desire to our own will. But God always know our heart’s desires.  It may not be our will which will be done but there must be a greater reason why. Surely, it is always for the best. That makes it noble to listen, in our hearts, to our Lord’s will.

            One day will come that we will just be amazed of what it will reveal to our lives by listening to His voice.  We will come to realize that there are no certain in this world except God’s promise to all of us. And that He will always be with us whatever happens. We just have to learn on how to listen with a sincere heart to whatever calling He wants us to listen. For this moment, let us take time to STOP and reflect on how the Lord has blessed us with a bountiful life or on how He saved us from total darkness. Then, LOOK at the positive side of life at all times. Be joyful as we face the challenges encountered at present. But never ever forget to LISTEN to His will before making a stand or decision in life. For it is in listening that God’s plan for our lives will be fulfilled.

" A Taste of Heaven"

(A personal experience during the Garage Sale For A Cause- Be A Champion for Baby Chino”)

It was one of the most joyful moments I have experienced in my life. While saying a thanksgiving prayer, I just can’t help but cry. I knew it is more than tears of joy.  I would say that I had “a taste of heaven”. That blissful day I am referring to, is the “Garage Sale for A Cause- Be A Champion For Baby Chino” which happened last December.

It all started with the great desire of the SFC Social Ministry Head to extend a help the child for his heart operation. His parents are both missionaries of Couples for Christ in the Philippines. We have gathered boxes of unused clothing, anything that can still be used. We have set a target amount to raise the fund. Since it was the first time to have the garage sale, we met challenges on the process of the planning. Though there were much oppression from the other side, with God’s grace and enlightenment, we were able to manage and execute the plans well.

What and how it happened was just so surprising.  We did not expect that the amount raised exceeded to what we expect. I have realized that it gave the people the opportunity to practice generosity. Somehow, it became an instrument to do an act of charity. We extend our warmest thanks to the community for supporting the program. With my co service team, we have appreciated more the beauty of service. I knew that it was also a memorable experience in your lives. My heartfelt thanks for the heart of service you have shown. Be grateful for being given the privilege to help other people through your time and effort. Most importantly, to all of those who willingly donated their “wealth and possessions”.  For without your benevolent heart to help the child, we could not have experienced a foretaste of heaven, no matter how small the help given. What matters most, is the act of kindness that will always be treasured in our hearts. Indeed, you are Baby Chino’s Champions!

To Baby Chino, who in one way or another, touched everyone’s heart and opened the door for us to feel the real joy of helping, thank you so much. To our Almighty Father, who always provides, all these things are done for your greater glory. We praise you for all the wonderful people we have met in our journey. I hope and pray that we may not forget the essence of sharing and giving in our everyday living.

 

FACING THE MUSIC…

FACING THE MUSIC…

Each has its own music to face.  The music I refer to is the challenge that we face in our lives. Have you ever felt you are worthless, empty, or tired of life? Did you feel like giving up?

Most of us are still dreaming of the past. We wanted to go back and wished for living that old life meaningfully. And because it is impossible to do so, we ended up blaming ourselves and tend to forget that there is more to life which our naked eyes can’t see.  Many of us are already at the peak of our success. Yet, when alone and when silence speaks to us, we felt so hollow. We ignored when loneliness confronts us. There is a longing for a real joy besides the outstanding accomplishments we have reached. While many dying people are hoping to live longer on earth, many of us are depressed in living life. After choosing a thing which we think can give us worldly pleasure, it turned out suffering the consequences of such decision. What makes it more miserable is, when we fail to recognize that there is a God who is always there for us, like a father, who comforts us whenever our souls are down and weary.

We have to accept the truth that we are hungry of God. We need to nourish the spirit with the very act of goodness that He implanted on the deepest of our hearts and souls. Living in this temporary world is a great mystery to be unfolded. These challenges we encounter will ultimately reveal the very purpose and reason for living. The moment we learn to make God the center of our lives, then, we can start to appreciate the beauty of life.  He knows, since conception, on what we will be going through. Cast away the fears and worries when we trust our God.

Every second of our lives counts. Whatever we feel and like to do and in our lives matter most.  Let the music be played on how much willing we are on letting our God rule our lives. At the end of day, after letting go of the nightmares and facing the music, we can still say, “Thanks for the music!”

STAYING AWAKE!

                “LIVE LIFE AS IF IT IS THE FIRST AND LAST…”

THIS LINE HAS A GREAT IMPACT ON ME DURING THE SERMON OF A PRIEST AT THE HOLY MASS.  AT FIRST, I WAS CAUGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF MY OWN FEELINGS. I FELT THAT THERE WAS A BATTLE INSIDE ME. THE MESSAGE BECAME CLEARER WHEN WE WERE ASKED TO ANSWER IF WE ARE READY, AT ANY TIME, TO DIE.  FOR SO MANY TIMES I HAVE ENJOYED SO MUCH FREEDOM, EVEN TO THE EXTENT OF BECOMING LOST. 

I TRIED TO RECALL THE SO MANY BLESSINGS THAT LIFE HAS OFFERED ME. IT MADE ME REALIZE THAT THOSE WERE ABUNDANT BLESSINGS. THOUGH, THERE WERE TOUGH PROBLEMS, I AM STILL SO MUCH GRATEFUL FOR THE SO MANY CHANCES HE HAS GIVEN ME.  THERE WERE DISCONTENTMENT ALONG THE WAY. YET, HE HAS MADE WAYS THAT LEAD TO A SIMPLER LIFE, A LIFE WHERE PEACE REIGNS.

WHEN TIME TESTS ONE’S PATIENCE IN WAITING FOR SOMETHING, THERE MUST BE GREATER PURPOSES WHY IT HAPPENS. THIS IS A REALITY THAT EVERYONE HAS TO UNDERSTAND. WHILE LIVING HERE ON EARTH, WE HAVE TO LIVE TO THE FULLEST THE VERY PURPOSE OF OUR EXISTENCE.  WE ARE CALLED TO GIVE THE BEST OF THE TALENT, TIME AND TREASURE WE POSSES.

LET THAT FREEWILL BE USED TO WHAT GOD WANTS YOUR LIFE TO HAPPEN. IF WE CHOOSE TO FOLLOW A PATH WORTH OF LIVING, THEN, WAITING IS SATISFYING AND FULFILLING.  HE JUST WANTS US TO BE AT ALL TIMES AWAKE FOR AT ANY TIME, OUR LIFE ENDS.  THEN, WITH ALL HUMILITY, READY TO STAND FACE TO FACE OUR GOD.

Unquestionable Faith

                Believing isn’t only about what one personally desires. But, in the pureness of one’s heart, a miracle will happen. No matter how uncertain things are. Full blessings are stopped because we have reservations. When we believe, we come to trust to our Lord fully.

While I was inside the church, a little boy was praying intently. He knelt down and closed his eyes, as if he is seriously talking to God. Then, he tried reaching out the cross. The faith showed by of a 4-year old child has a simple message yet touching. It has moved my heart into a prayer,

“Lord, let my faith be like of this child.

With your grace, enlighten me at all times to deepen my faith to you.

Make use of me to be a blessing to others in their faith to you.”

Jesus’ presence is never gone. He is just right there in our hearts. He challenges us to live out the faith even in nothingness. With firmer faith, we become a reflection of Jesus to others and God’s glory shines within us.

Faith in Nothingness

                    

“Because thou hast seen me, Thomas, thou hast believed “happy those not having seen, and having believed….”. These two completely different things reminded me of my personal experience. I was raised up believing that Christ is our savior and that He is our Lord and God. With that faith, I have always been hoping that one day, when judgment comes, there is Jesus who will save me from eternal death. But life’s journey is filled everyday with different lessons to learn. I admit that with my faith, there were moments when time has tested and challenged me. I have realized that even if I believe on Him, I was not consistent in living up that faith.  In some point of my life, I became like Thomas, who only believed after seeing.

I have made such a terrible mistake. I had that fear to face the consequences. I worried too much of my future. During that miserable time, I had an idea of taking my own life. I was hopeless. At the same time, I lost the trust to ask for someone’s advice. I kept it by myself until I reached the point where I just knelt down and called on Jesus. The only last hope that I felt His very presence. I cried out to Him all my remorse and asked for mercy to forgive me. There was relief and hope began to spark in me. From that day on, I started believing that He is just there beside me. It was not easy to move on. All I knew was to entrust everything to Him and completely surrender whatever is in my mind and in my heart.  Both good and bad memories kept flashing on my mind. Within that great dilemma, I felt that the saddest moment in my life was when I fall into sin. As I continue with this battle, I rededicate myself as to restore the broken relationship with Him. As His follower, I have to regain the strength of my spirituality. I asked to help purify the inner desires of my heart and mind.

The appearance of Jesus to Thomas might not happen again. I wholeheartedly believe that our Lord God has lived with us in spirit in the presence of the people around us.  He is right there in our very heart and soul just waiting for us to recognize His greatness. If ever time will test us again, one truth remains and that is God has never given up on us. He will chase on us whenever we depart from Him. I affirmed His generosity to us as he has always been a Father to me. That unconditional love that He wants me to savor until my last breathe is incomparable. No one can tell when each of us dies. Life is uncertain. But no matter how vague my future will be, He will remain our only Lord who deserves praises and thanks. For without Him, I can’t imagine where I am now.

That scene when Thomas touched Jesus’ wounds won’t happen anymore. The very pain and sufferings we carry in everyday of our lives are just the ways that will let us recognize that we suffer with Him. We are called to bear each of our cross and overcome the tribulations with His grace. Deeply in my heart, I believe that with those experiences, it has somehow awakened me and made me dependent on the Lord in all my ways. For in the most difficult situations in my life, I was taught to be with our Lord.

In His time, these will be replaced with eternal joy as He promised. I remembered the poem, Desiderata of Happiness, which says….

“After all the shams, drudgery and broken dreams, life is beautiful, strive to be happy…”

Just learn to believe…and see the beauty of it amidst the nothingness… For God, our Lord will be there for us now and forever…

               

L O S T and FOUND

“We are given the complete freedom by God that we tend to forget the responsibilities attached on it and oftentimes going beyond the limits of our boundaries…”

If many things in life cannot be explained, it’s also tantamount to say that there are many things that can be explained especially any number of circumstances under our control.

Like any other young men and women, I am one of those who have so many “Why?” questions. I always wonder “Why did it happen?” I grew up from a place we called a “barrio”. Life was so simple by then. At the moment I graduated my baccalaureate degree, I luckily landed on a job in the city. Having been working alone and far from my family, my life was exhausting yet rewarding. I underwent so many challenges that test my character. It is a fact that the young today are prone to temptations. Sometimes, it cannot be denied that the person whom you considered as your friend can also be the very person who can make you life miserable. I would say that life in the city is entirely different from the life in the barrio I have been longing for. Mostly, I felt that everything seems to be too complex to understand. I struggled not only to the lifestyle but also to myself as to go with them or not.

          Not until I was invited by someone from Couples For Christ to attend the Christian Life Program (CLP) for all interested singles to become a member of the Singles For Christ (SFC). Of the twelve talks or lectures I had attended, Talk 9, is the most memorable one. We confessed our sins to the priest beforehand. I actually cannot fully describe that feeling. My pasts kept flashing on my mind and so with the pains I experienced made me cry so hard. After an hour of reflecting, I felt God’s presence through the Holy Spirit. I felt so light. When I was asked to give a testimony, I said “I am Nino, a name which means “child”. A child who was once lost but now found…”

          For me, since that day was my birthday that was the greatest gift I ever had in my life. He has given me more than what I expect for. I received a priceless gift I would treasure forever. During the Dedication Rites, I was able to express my heartfelt gratitude to God Almighty through a letter…

May 3, 2008

Dearest God,

                        For quite long years, you have been so generous to me throughout my life. You have entrusted me with the gift of life. You have endowed me great talents and skills. You have blessed me with the abundance of love and care through my family and friends.

                        With the insurmountable problems I met on my way, I became so weak and enslaved by sins. Oftentimes, I doubted your mercy and power over the dilemmas I encountered. But still, you did not forsake me because you knew that deep inside me, I struggled to fight evil. And you learned that I have even a little courage to face my fear of renewal.

                        Thank you for your instrument of peace, to the Singles For Christ. You helped me look for the answer in my search for inner peace. Truly, you taught me to do better things today for me to be the best person in the future.

                        You said that everything on earth has its own time and season. Now is the time that I am awakened from a deep sleep of my faith to you. This is the season of diversion from evil to goodness. This is a perfect time to bury the mistakes of the past, to cultivate my broken relationship at present, and to persevere up to the harvest time of the gift of eternal life.

                        I know that to follow your path is not easy. Within my journey, it is essential for me to change for the better. As I embraced the call for transformation, I came to realize that change per se is not the key in my pursuit to happiness; it is a basic necessity to unlock myself from being slave of evil. To effect a change in me does not happen in just a blink of an eye but rather it requires patience and strong will every now and then to persevere until the end. I need to be faithful and to be righteous at all times. I have to see life in a positive way and to live with it to the fullest.

                        I believe that man by nature is good. Thus, I commit myself towards constant renewal, to live up the truest essence of a Christ-centered life, to serve as the salt to those who perceive life as bitter, to be the light to those who are trapped in darkness, and to be a person with great contributions to society worthy of emulations.

                        At last, I am now free! Set free me from nonsense worries and materialistic world. I have now the freedom to do good things daily. It is with my fervent hope, which you may always guide and live with me in my quest. I surrender everything in your name.

                        Since I have found a new home, a new family, the Singles For Christ, I have nothing to ask anymore. Since I was born with your will, I will also die in my service with YOU. Amen.

                                                                                                            Your son,

                                                                                                            Nino S. Ruiz

                                                                                                            SFC, Batch 160

From that day on, my  life's perception changed. I remember a saying that says “Evil will only triumph if good men will do nothing.”

UNDYING FAITH

                God knows the state of one’s heart. He sees if one truly believes in Him. I remember surviving the most terrible situation I've been in. I had a great fear of the consequences of the wrong choices I made. Feeling hopeless, I called on Jesus. His divine presence I felt, was my only hope. I cried out to Him all my remorse and asked for forgiveness. Since then, I stopped fearing and started trusting Christ.

                Very often, our faith is like that of Thomas. We tend to give up on ourselves and our faith when challenges come. We become desperate with these uncomfortable feelings. We are getting used to having a “God of Comfort”. We doubt when we start to experience difficulties. However, the appearance of Jesus to Thomas is a great affirmation that the Lord always makes a way to deepen our faith in Him. He pursues us and never gives up on us whatever situation we’re in. He draws us near to Him and holds on to us. He embraces us lovingly.

When we believe, we come to trust our Lord fully. Indeed, miracles happen to those who faithfully believe, even in the midst of nothingness.