The Secret Of Being Content
Guest Editorial: U’i Tyrell

(Editor’s Note: U’i and her husband Jody lead the West House Church of the Honolulu International Christian Church.)

“I know what it is to be in need and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:12-13

 

Helplessness has drawn me close to God over and over again! About two years ago, I was diagnosed with Papillary Thyroid Cancer. I had so many helpless thoughts of not being around to see my four beautiful children grow up. I went through two surgeries and radiation, and because of answered prayers, it’s been in remission ever since. But something frightening happened to me a few nights ago. I was asleep and I tried to take in a breath of air and my throat locked up on me. I couldn’t get air in or out, I couldn’t speak. My husband rushed to my side and tried everything he could to help me breathe and calm my fears. It was such a helpless feeling! It reminded me of the time when we went in for our ultrasound for our first pregnancy. Sadly, the doctor announced that there was no heartbeat and that our first child had died in my womb. I felt utterly helpless. Another memory that flashed through my mind was when I was six months pregnant with our second child. I was in a terrible three-car accident on the freeway! I did not know if our baby would survive. I felt an overwhelming sense of fear and foreboding. I was helpless.

The word HELPLESS in the dictionary means:
1. Unable to function; without help.
2. Deprived of strength or power. Impossible to control.

It’s in these very moments, when we feel the most helpless, that God can renew us. He can give us strength, build our faith and give us hope to continue on our life’s journey. When I was helpless, not able to breath, not able to do a thing to clear my airways, it was in that moment God was at work, coming to my aid and giving me the determined spirit to not give up!

It is through these times He can also help those around us build their faith and turn to God, when they see the wonderful miracles that come from our “prayers and petitions”. (Philippians 4:6) One day, shortly after my second surgery, I went to the store with my daughters to turn in our photo for our holiday card. I was at the checkout when my daughters stepped away for a minute to look at some reading glasses across the way. All of a sudden I couldn’t breathe. I did everything I could to get the cashier’s attention, waving at her to show her I couldn’t breathe. She never looked up from her register. Then in desperation, I looked over at my daughters and pointed at my throat. They instantly ran across the aisles yelling “Help! My mom can’t breathe! Help! My mom can’t breathe!” I could see the fear and helplessness in their eyes. I soon collapsed and awoke to firefighters asking me where I was and who I was. When I was driven away in the ambulance there was nothing more anyone could do. My husband and kids prayed for me as did many other family members and friends. Although they were not the ones going through the crisis, they saw what was happening and went to God for help.

The word HELPER in the dictionary is defined as “one who, or that which aids, assists or relieves.” That day, at the store, many people asked God to assist me, relieve me and heal me. God has been that “helper” for me and my family time and time again. And He can be that help in your life. He can be there to help you when things get out of control, when you feel weak and during those times when you feel the most alone. The Bible says, “No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; He’ll never let you be pushed past your limit; He’ll always be there to help you come through it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13 – Message Bible) If you pray “believing and not doubting” God will strengthen you and be the “help” you need to heal your relationships, heal your family, your finances and your future. (James 1: 2-7)

This year I have seen God move more than any other time in my life and I believe it is because I am close to Him. Sometimes I did not know what to pray, “but the Spirit Himself interceded for [me] with groans that words cannot express.” (Romans 8:26) In January, Jody, my husband, was restored to the Lord! In April, Jody’s father Tili was baptized into Christ! (His mother Joyce has been a faithful disciple for 16 years.) Then, so exciting for all fourteen of us in the Honolulu Remnant Group, the City of Angels Church sent Kyle and Joan Bartholomew and the nine- member mission team to join us! In the past five months since the inaugural service for the Honolulu International Christian Church, God has blessed us with 11 baptisms, five restorations and three place memberships!

I became a Christian 15 years ago while a student at the University of Hawaii. As a college girl, even though I was very fired-up to be a disciple, I thought myself invincible and that nothing catastrophic would happen in my life. Yet, God has taught me and humbled me so much through all of my hardships. Therefore, every day I wake up with a new appreciation for life. I thank God everyday for the gift of breath. And I am grateful to spend another day with my family and friends while helping those around me. I don’t know how long I will have to endure these challenges with my health or what else will come my way. What I do know is that, “I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation.” It is with God as my “helper” that I can do everything in this life, because He gives me the strength to do it! Let God be your strength!

Valerie U’ilani Tyrell