Before attending this year’s World Youth Congress, I often found myself drifting in the waves of uncertainty, fear, and spiritual dryness. My faith felt fragile, like a boat tossed in a storm, unsure of its direction. I was trying to move forward, trying to stay afloat, but often felt like I was sinking under the weight of everything I couldn’t control. There were moments I felt distant from God, even though I knew in my heart He had never left. My prayers seemed hollow, and my spiritual life lacked fire. I was showing up, but inside I was tired. Worn out. Empty. I longed for clarity, for something to anchor me again.
But then, in the middle of that inner storm, He met me once again—not with thunder or lightning, but with silence and mercy. He didn’t remove the waves, but He stepped into them with me. In His mercy, He calmed the storm—not the one around me, but the one within me. It wasn’t a dramatic moment. It was gentle, like a whisper in the wind reminding me that I am seen, known, and deeply loved. His presence brought a peace that no words could fully explain—a kind of peace that silences fear and replaces it with steady trust.
During Day 2 of the Congress, my fellow Core Servants and I returned to the venue after the Core Servants Assembly. Suddenly, I received news that one of my members had sprained her ankle while we were away. At first, I got scared because she was crying from the pain, and I couldn’t help but overthink—wondering how she could possibly enjoy the rest of the Congress in that condition. Later that evening, during our worship session, I told her that she could sit down to rest her foot. But she looked at me and said, “Tatayo ako, Ate. Gusto kong i-worship Siya.”
That moment humbled me deeply. Despite her situation, despite the pain she was feeling while standing, all she wanted was to worship the Lord. She knew that God was her strength, even in the midst of her pain. Her faith reminded me what true worship looks like: choosing Him even when it hurts.
Through this Congress, I was reminded that I am not alone on this journey. I have my Chapter, my fellow servants, my #pamiLyAGUNA—the people who walk with me, pray for me, and encourage me through every season. Their presence reminded me of the power of fellowship, of how God uses others to reflect His love and faithfulness. In their support, I saw God’s hand gently guiding me back. I realized that my journey of faith was never meant to be a solo voyage. I was never meant to carry my burdens alone. I was meant to walk with others and with Christ.
Most importantly, I was reminded that Jesus Christ is with me—always has been, even when I couldn’t feel Him, even when I doubted, even when I felt unworthy. His love reached into the hidden places of my heart that had grown weary and restless and gently breathed life into them again. He gave me rest—not just physical rest, but rest for my soul. In His presence, I didn’t have to perform, prove, or pretend. I could just be. And that was enough.
The World Youth Congress didn’t magically take away all my struggles. I still carry responsibilities, questions, and wounds. But it gave me something far greater: a deeper trust in the One who holds me steady—Jesus Christ. He is my Hope, my Anchor, my Refuge, and my Strength. No waves can pull me away from Him because He is the solid ground beneath me. He is not just a shelter from the storm; He is the God who walks on the water, who invites me to step out in faith, and who lifts me when I fall. He is the calm in my chaos, the light in my darkness, and the steady hand that never lets go.
My journey doesn’t end here; it continues. But this time, I sail with a better understanding—with courage, love, and with Christ. I no longer fear the unknown because I trust the One who commands the winds and the waves. I’m no longer just surviving; I’m moving forward with grace.
And when the storms of life come again—and I know they will—I will not panic or despair. Because I know where my anchor lies. I know whom I belong to. I know that even when the waters are rough and the skies are dark, my soul is safe in Him.
I’m Donna Dela Cruz. I am no longer a solo voyager; I am with my crew. Together, we will sail through the storm with unwavering faith because we are anchored in Christ.
