Author: Nicole Obligacion

It has been three days since my birthday, but, my eyes are still sore from the never-ending tears of joy. I want to share with you how the Lord has been so personal and gracious to me this week. Through this, I hope it encourages you (and my future self!) to remember that God will always be good and faithful; that we are very much known and loved by Him.

DAYS BEFORE MY BIRTHDAY

I wanted to celebrate my 30th birthday by buying seafood at the wet market and indoor plants (finally) at another open market. But, when my ear infection happened a few days before it, I had to cancel my plans. Out of my frustration, I honestly told God “Yun na nga lang magpapasaya sakin sa birthday ko, Lord, tapos tinanggal Niyo pa.” This came from a heart that was struggling because I was pressured and insecure, as I was approaching my 30th birthday.

Right after that thought, it was as if the Lord told me: “So, your joy is dependent on your plans and desires? Am I not enough for you, Nicole?”

This humbled me so much as I remembered how I also got disappointed this year, when the Lord allowed my 2020 plans to be cancelled. But by His grace, He immediately changed my perspective. He helped me thank Him and enjoy His presence. Even in the midst of cancelled plans, unanswered prayers, and discouragements… His grace, love, goodness, and presence are MORE THAN ENOUGH for us. That gave my heart so much peace!

AT GRABE LANG. Wala man lang akong idea sa mga haharapin ko on my birthday. Although I was 50% deaf (temporarily, because of my ear infection), I still enjoyed spending time with the family! I was also deeply blessed by the time, words, acts of service, and gifts that family and friends graciously gave this week.♥️

All throughout that day and even this week, God orchestrated many things that basically shouted “I SEE YOU, NIC! I LOVE YOU!”

It’s so humbling to know that God chooses to love us, even after knowing everything about us.

I shared more about how personal and gracious the Lord has been in the ff. blogs. I pray that through these, you will be encouraged!

12 Highlights of My 30th (Part 1)

12 Highlights of My 30th (Part 2)

Thank You, Jesus! Again and again! You deserve to be praised!

Romans 5:8 – “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

Psalm 139:1,3 “O LORD, you have searched me and you know me… you are familiar with all my ways.”

Deep down in my heart, I realized that there is a longing to be understood by others. But, I’m learning that no one or not everyone can understand me completely in this lifetime — and this shouldn’t discourage me.

ONE WHO IS TOO SENSITIVE

I was told that I was a hypersensitive person or someone who easily gets hurt. This came from instances in the past where I would be vocal to others about how he / she have hurt me or others, especially when topics close to my heart are joked about.

As I was processing this with the Lord, there was a huge ache in my heart because I was trying to figure out specifically how to improve and move forward. I was very much aware of how high my empathy is and how I quickly pick up on my feelings and others’. But at the same time, because I feel deeply, I also speak out when I feel hurt or when I see something that needs to be addressed. Sometimes, this is good. But there are times when this isn’t needed.

TWO SCENARIOS

A sensitive person may view others as being insensitive. This usually happens when others joke about certain topics or people or when they make unnecessary comments. On the other hand, others who joke or comment about these may view someone who feels deeply affected by it, as being too sensitive or emotional.

Both may not (or never) understand where the other person is coming from.🙃

THREE TAKEAWAYS

I felt the Lord speak to me about how I can move forward with what I can control. He impressed on my heart these three things:

1. We were not created to understand each other. But, we were created to love.

If the goal was to understand / be understood, then it will allow someone to gain more knowledge or try to get the attention of others. Then, he/she may eventually use this to control the situation or the people involved.

But thankfully, we were created and commanded to love the Lord and to love one another instead. This kind of love that God continues to show us is unconditional and it is the example of love that I should be applying. It means that I should love EVEN IF I don’t always understand or agree with others. Even if others don’t understand where I’m coming from. Even if I was hurt or will eventually get hurt by others.

2. God knows and understands us, even when no one else can.

God created us and knows us more than we know ourselves. This truth comforted my heart as I let go of the need to be understood by people. I simply don’t have to put that burden on others and others also don’t have to put that burden on me. The Lord already knows what is in my heart, He cares for me, and I can freely open up to him. It’s the same for others as well.

Once I learn to accept this, it will eventually show in my behavior. I wouldn’t need to constantly bring up the wrongs of others nor would I have to beat myself up when I make mistakes or have struggles that don’t seem to end. I also wouldn’t expect from others and feel disappointed when they don’t understand me and my concerns.

3. God is God and I am not. I am also not the “Holy Spirit Jr.”

I am encouraged to surrender difficult things and people to the Lord. Not having the burden to constantly let others know of their blind spots. But, bringing my concerns up to God first and trust that if it is His will, the Holy Spirit will speak to their hearts and help them change. As the Holy Spirit is also moving in me. Besides, if the Lord wants me to rebuke others in love, then I believe He will clearly speak to me as well.

Even as I counsel others, I am reminded that I may not fully understand them too. Only God can. So, it is very important for me to lead them to Him instead.

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At the end of each day, I am reminded that life isn’t about me or any other person. But, about our gracious God who chooses to love us constantly. How amazing it is to be loved by this same God who knows and understands us completely.