Trials - God's Mercies in Disguise

“What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise?” So the song “Blessings” by Laura Story goes. And they are. My family has just experienced God’s immeasurable mercy and witnessed His profound wisdom far beyond human understanding. The joy I feel at this very moment surpasses all the joys I have ever experienced in the past. Allow me to share that joy…

My youngest son, during a physical examination done for their OJT (On-the-job-training) requirement, was found to have PTB (Pulmonary Tuberculosis) – something my son could hardly accept. At 19, Nikkie is a scholar in the university where he is taking up Computer Engineering course, at the same time he is currently the president of their student council. He is a committed and dedicated student leader – actively participates in almost all activities in their school and even in related outside campus events. He is an artist – he loves to draw, he can play the guitar, he can sing and dance well and he even designed my blog! To us, his family, Nikkie is full of fun and displays a lot of sense of humor. He is sweet, who embraces me a lot & says “I love you, mommy” before he goes to school & before he goes to sleep, caring, thoughtful, playful, mischievous at times, talks a lot, and dances in comical steps that would make us laugh! He dreams of finishing his studies; find a good job, and help us free our way out of poverty. To my son, the illness seemed to kill his dreams. More than anyone else in our family, I was specially the one who understood my son’s suffering and sentiments, not because I am his mother but because I am an MDRTB survivor. This disease (MDRTB or Multiple Drug Resistant Tuberculosis), which needed 18 months of painful treatment using second-line anti-TB drugs, almost took me away from my love ones. But God, in His infinite mercy and compassion, helped me survived and brought me back to my husband and my 3 boys. But that would be another story.

Nikkie started with the 6-month treatment program immediately in a hospital affiliated with their university. He goes there every afternoon after his OJT hour to take his dozes which are free. I assured him that as long as he is faithful in taking the medicines he will be fine. I told him there will be side effects but since they are first-line anti-TB drugs, they will be tolerable & that he can still continue with his normal life. But I was wrong. The medicines my son initially took had adverse effects on him – he developed rashes so severe he was rushed to the emergency room. The doctor opted for a different approach – he will be treated with branded medicine. The hospital gave my son the free samples of the said medicine they have in their stocks. But once the supply is out we have no choice but to buy the medicines outside – something we don’t usually afford.

I prayed, asking the Lord to help us find a way to get my son’s medicines and to spare him from further adverse effects of the drugs. I even begged Him to heal my son. I know there is power in persistent prayer. I also believe that God works in ways that far outweighs the intellectual minds of men. And I chose to hold on to His words “I will show mercy to whom I will, I will take pity on whom I will.” (Exodus 33:19) I am relying solely on His merciful heart.

I started to ask friends if they knew anyone, doctors or medical representatives who would be willing to give their samples of the medicine my son needs. But days passed and the sample medicines the hospital gave to my son were running out. We barely had any money then.

One day, a very dear friend who knew nothing of our predicament, called unexpectedly. She remembered her promise that she would take us out sometime for lunch but since she is too busy with her work she will give us money as her gift for my family. My heart was beating fast when I heard the news, and I could almost feel the tears coming out from my eyes. God has heard my prayer! My husband immediately bought my son his medicines that would supply him for a week. The next day, the hospital called my son and told him that they have 12 pcs of the medicine for him to pick up (good for 4 days!) – Again, another proof of God’s providence.

One Tuesday morning, as I was browsing through the list of friends I have in my Facebook account, I saw the name of a young lady nurse whom I met a year ago during a video-taking of TB patients. She is working in a firm that caters to the needs of TB patients as one of their missions. I asked her if she can help my son with his medicines. After narrating to her the details of my son’s case, she promised that she will do her best to help. The next day, I received a forwarded text message from my friend. The text came from a doctor who holds a key position in the Department of Health stating that she personally knew the wife of the owner of the pharmaceutical company which manufactures the drug my son needs and that the owner has pledge to supply his medicines for the whole 6-month treatment! I was so overwhelmed with joy that I cried! What I felt that moment was indescribable. All I was thinking was God. He heard my desperate plea for my son. He felt my suffering and compassion for my ailing son. He saw my struggles in finding the right medicine for my beloved son! And most of all, He loves my son more than I do. What have I done to deserve such grace? Nothing, absolutely nothing! I have nothing to boast. All I have are weaknesses and sins. The Lord did all these because He is a loving God and is merciful to me. I can find no better answer than this.

Was it all purely coincidence? How can I explain the timely events of the past with the present? Everything was planned according to the design of the Almighty – a design to show His power, His mercy, His compassion, and His unconditional love. My being an MDRTB survivor paved the way for me to meet this young lady friend of mine who would become the bridge that would connect me to the one who would supply my son’s medicine. And what amazes me more is that the doctor she talked to personally knew the owner of the pharmaceutical company which manufactures the drug my son needs. Everything fits in so perfectly well that it would be impossible for a human mind to explain clearly the perfect symmetry of this blissful design. And it all started with a trial. Could it be then that trials are God’s mercies in disguise? Yes, I believe they are. Trials are God’s mercies in disguise.