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My testimony is about “Leaning on God during the Pandemic”.
Before the pandemic , I had an acupuncture clinic in Chicago’s Chinatown. One day, a lady walked in and asked if I was interested in selling my place. At that time, things were smooth, and business was good. So, I confidently told her that I was not interested in selling. She left, and I didn’t even get her contact.
Fast forward to 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic hits the whole world. My clinic was struggling as the patient level was low while bills were piling up. Three months into that, I tried negotiating with my landlord about rent but to no avail. I was dealing with a loss of over $20,000 in just three months. It wasn’t just the threat of the virus anymore; financially, I was drowning. I felt this immense pressure. But then, I remembered a verse from Luke 12:31, “Seek the Kingdom of God, and all these things will be given to you.” So, I prayed, never daring to ask God for money.
Three months later, when things started opening again, I went back to work five days a week. I had this doctor, Dr. Yang, helping on Fridays and Saturdays. With the pandemic still looming, patient visits were few and far between, but at least it covered the bills. Then, one Monday, Dr. Yang was nowhere to be seen. Ten days later, he called to tell me he had caught the virus and was now in the ICU, on oxygen, struggling to breathe. He asked for some herbal remedies and warned me to stop treating patients, saying it was too risky.
That news rocked me. But I kept hoping patients would slowly return. At my lowest, I found comfort in Psalms 91:5-7, which speaks about God’s protection.
To top it off, Chinatown had its share of unfortunate events.
- On my drive home one day from the clinic, loud bangs which I thought were fireworks, The entire street was cordoned off by police because of a gang fight and one of the bullets made a hole in a pole right where I had been.
- Another time, someone parked their Bentley outside my clinic. When he went upstairs, someone stole it – a car worth $200,000!
- Then there’s the club next door where some folks got into a big fight. Gunshots were fired. Even the cops were hesitant to intervene.
- Every day in Chinatown, there were like 5-10 incidents – muggings, purse snatching, even people’s coats getting stolen.
And if that wasn’t enough, I heard that two fellow acupuncturists, both seniors, passed away in Houston from the virus. It was advised to close again, especially for older practitioners like me.
So, in these chaotic times, what made us any different from any ordinary person? Philippians 4:6-7 says, “Don’t be anxious; let God know what you need in prayer and petition, with gratitude.” I started praying sincerely, hoping God would guide me away from this chaos. The once bustling streets were now silent. Many businesses were selling, and vacant storefronts lined the streets.
But come mid-March 2021, after everyone got vaccinated and masks came off, it felt like there was a light at the end of the tunnel. And get this, that same lady who’d asked about my clinic years ago, she showed up! She and her team were looking to expand their next-door restaurant. And honestly? I was ready for a break. So, I let them take over.
Looking back, this verse from John 16:33 feels fitting: “I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
After these wild couple of years, what I’ve really learned is this: tough times bring you closer to God. It’s during these challenges that we lean on and find strength in Him. I learned how to lean on God completely! And for that, I’m forever grateful. All the glory to God. Hallelujah and Amen.
At the True Jesus Church, we are a community of believers who support and uplift one another. You don’t have to face life’s challenges alone. Join us for a time of worship, fellowship, and spiritual renewal. We look forward to seeing you!Top of Form Please find our church location below:
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Bensenville, IL 60106
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