Have you ever faced a storm in life that made you feel like everything was spinning out of control? When you were stuck between hard choices, unanswered prayers, or moments of pure confusion, wondering, “Where is God in all of this?”
Three years ago, my family and I took a journey of faith when we moved from the UK to Singapore. Little did we know that this move would not only test our faith but refine it. As we journeyed through this season, God reminded us of His faithfulness, even in the most difficult moments.
We made the move during the height of COVID-19 and were hit with unexpected challenges, including the loss of my father-in-law. We had to transition from the UK to India to deal with family matters and formalities following his passing. After spending a few months there, we headed to Thailand because, at that time, Singapore was not allowing travellers from India due to the Delta variant. What was supposed to be a brief stay turned into four months of waiting due to border closures. It felt like an endless delay—our plans and expectations halted.
Yet, through it all, God was teaching us patience and trust. Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
Finally, we entered Singapore on August 11th, 2021. God provided me with a good job that brought us to this country. Our hearts were full of hope. We wanted to stay closer to India to visit our parents more frequently and to support them. But then, another storm hit—financial challenges. We had accumulated a significant debt of three crore from a business we had started, and although we had sold our house to pay off some of it, there was still a large amount outstanding. Even in this financial storm, God was present. He began to provide for us in ways that we couldn’t have imagined.
It reminds me of Philippians 4:19, “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”
But that wasn’t the end. Just a few months ago, my company announced that it was shutting down its Singapore office, and I was given two months’ notice. I was on a work permit, meaning our future in Singapore was uncertain. Everything we had been building for three years was suddenly at risk. I asked myself, “Where will we go? Back to the UK? To India? What should we do?”
In moments like this, when the future is unclear, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But as pastors, my wife and I knew we had to stand firm in our faith. God had placed a burden on our hearts for the Indian community in Singapore. Two years ago, we had been ordained as pastors and had joined an alliance of Indian churches to stir revival. We started a youth group called “Kingdom Generation” to bring young people back to God. The work was fulfilling, and we saw how God was moving in powerful ways.
But this job loss made us question everything. How could we continue in ministry if we had to leave Singapore? We couldn’t share this with our congregation or our families for fear of causing them to worry. We felt trapped, uncertain, and overwhelmed.
In the middle of this storm, we took a step back and remembered God’s faithfulness. Like the disciples who panicked in the storm while Jesus slept, we realized that we, too, were letting fear get the better of us. Jesus said to the disciples in Matthew 8:26, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” That verse struck a chord with us. God had not brought us this far to abandon us now. We decided to change our approach. Instead of praying out of fear and panic, we prayed with faith and confidence, trusting that God would deliver us just as He had in the past.
We began to declare the promises of God over our situation. Romans 8:28 assures us, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” We believed that God had a purpose for us in Singapore, and He would make a way.
In March of last year, we applied for permanent residency in Singapore. Normally, it takes six to twelve months for the status to be approved or rejected. By May of this year, we had waited 14 months with no response—far longer than the typical timeframe. But during this extended period of waiting, God was working behind the scenes.
Just one month after I lost my job, our permanent residency was approved. For most people, getting PR status in Singapore in less than three years is nearly unheard of. Yet, God opened a door that no man could shut (Revelation 3:8). And just one month after receiving the PR status, God provided me with another job.
Isaiah 40:31 encourages us, “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Through it all, we had hoped in the Lord, and He renewed our strength. We saw first-hand how He was not only sustaining us but also preparing us for the next chapter of our journey.
As I reflect on this journey, I realize that each storm was an opportunity to deepen our faith. When faced with trials, we could have easily stumbled or been overwhelmed by fear, but instead, we chose to trust God. James 1:2-3 tells us, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.”
To anyone reading this, I ask: what is your storm? What are you going through right now that feels overwhelming? What’s the Red Sea in your life that you’re waiting for God to part?
It’s time to change the way you pray. Instead of pleading with fear and doubt, start praying with faith. Declare the promises of God over your situation. The enemy wants to steal your faith, but don’t let him. Stand firm in the knowledge that our God is faithful. He has delivered you before, and He will do it again.
Remember the words of Hebrews 11:6: “And without faith, it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”
Today, I encourage you to surrender your storm to God. Whatever you’re facing, know that He is the author and finisher of your faith (Hebrews 12:2). He will carry you through. He will not abandon you. He is faithful, and He will fulfill His purposes in your life.
