Last September 30, 2017, my college barkada and I got-together in Shakey’s Magallanes. While we were eating, I noticed something unusual with my right eye. My vision was gradually deteriorating. I was getting anxious so I kept going out of the restaurant to check my vision and I was constantly putting eye drops on both eyes (due to my dry eyes). My friends noticed.
By 3:30pm, I told my friends to take me to the hospital. I know I couldn’t drive and I need medical help. Upon check-up, the doctors’ findings devastated me. I just had a Retinal Detachment and I need to be operated as soon as possible or I could go blind.
Later, my wife, Rhea, and our daughter, Andie, arrived which dampened my anxiety a bit. Afraid, lost and unable to do anything…. I just sat down and prayed to God for guidance and faith. God truly is good!
The operation was a success, but the recovery was the hardest part… for 11 days I was not permitted to sit straight or lie down on my back. The only allowed position for me at all times, whether awake or sleeping, was either to lie flat on my stomach or sit with my face down staring at the floor. It felt like a punishment.
The first (2) two days after my operation was pure agony, it was hell for me… my whole body ached; I had no appetite and irritable most of the time. I clammed shut. I started to lose confidence, spiraled into self-pity and hopelessness. I was going to depression.
God rescued me from falling into depression. Instead of focusing on my situation, I decided to focus on Jesus and His healing grace. I immersed on Gospel songs and got to truly worship God with all my heart and spirit. I read His Word again and meditated on them. And for the next (9) nine days, it was just me and the Lord.
I realized God never left my side! The Lord led me to people He used as His instrument of my physical healing (thus preventing me from getting blind) and spiritual healing (finding Jesus again in my life).
The experience of almost becoming blind physically made me realize. I was blind afterall but now, I can see! I was lost and was found; a prisoner and was set free; dead and came back to life. I found Jesus again in my life. I am forever grateful to Him! All praise to our loving and living God!