Faith Story by Lucia Wong
I have a skin condition that causes reactions when exposed to sunlight, certain medication or chemicals. I even have severe allergies towards grass So when my doctor suggested early in the year that I take the vaccine, I hesitated. I even allergies to some anti-allergy medicines; what if I’m have an allergic reaction to the vaccine? You can imagine my anxious or worried feelings!
News or reports that I read did do much help either. Some people I knew had their vaccines mentioned that they had fever, body ache, and even numbness. I told them that they could take paracetamol if they had any of these side effects. For me, I am allergic to paracetamol too! Whatever could I do…
I started to pray about it. As I did, I realized that I was anticipating all those negative thoughts. “What if, what if….” So, I decided to request prayer support from my Connect Group, GustoH2). I asked them to pray for me to focus on God, and God alone.
Philippians 4:6-7 came to mind “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God.”
Instead of asking God for no side effects, no soreness, no fever, etc, I started to thank God in my prayer. I thank God that I have Him to turn to, I thank God that I can surrender my anxieties to Him. I thank God that He will turn my fear to faith… and over time, my prayers started to focus on thanking Him, and not just asking.
When the day finally arrived for my first dose in April this year, I felt the peace within. God blessed me even more – He sent my doctor friends to be at the hospital with me. They even took time off just to be with me for both my vaccination dates.
Getting the vaccine actually hurts less than the flu shot. Apart from minimal soreness and feeling a little tired, I never felt sick, I did not have a fever, or body aches. I knew these are all God’s blessings and grace.
I am so blessed because I am His child