And I can smell fatalism a mile away.
“I don’t know how my kids will study this year. Bahalana.”
“I don’t think I’ll ever get another job. Bahalana.”
“I can’t quit smoking. I just can’t. Bahalana.”
“Will we ever own our own house one day? Bahalana.”
“Some people are really unlucky. Bahalana.”
Many Filipinos accept their circumstances as if it’s God’s will. It’s their destiny. Their unchanging fate.
This Bahala Na trait makesFilipinos one of the most flexible and adaptive people in the world. But we can also be one of the most passive. We forget that God wants to work through our work. We forget that God calls us to be world-changers.
Let me shout this from the housetops: The will of God isn’t your present circumstances. The will of God is love, service, faithfulness, kindness, generosity, sacrifice, growth, abundance…
But Bahala Na doesn’t have to be fatalism.
It could mean a real deep faith and profound surrender towards God.
But deep faith doesn't mean being resigned to what happens. In Hebrews 11, you find there the Heroes of Faith in the Bible—but if you look at the names written there, you’ll realize they’re Heroes of Faithful Action.
I pray for God’s mighty blessings upon you today!
May your dreams come true,
Bo Sanchez
Talk 4: Tiwala vs. Bahala Na
Allow God To Work Through You
We know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God…(Romans 8:28)
Do not fear, for am I in the place of God? As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.” (Genesis 50:19-20)
Moses answered the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.(Exodus 14:13-14)
But those who hope in the LORDwill renew their strength.They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary,they will walk and not be faint. (Isaiah 40:31)
Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you. (Luke 10:19)
Personal Reflection and Group Sharing:
1. Do you have a defeatist, resigned attitude towards life’s circumstances? When?
2. Do you trust in God? How is your trust an active trust?
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