by Lily A. Montesines-Capalad
Before encountering Christ, my life was a rhythm of routine—simple, ordinary, and outwardly content.
There were moments of joy with family and friends, especially during special occasions (birthdays, anniversaries, reunions, feasts and other holy days).
Yet, beneath the surface, something always felt missing. I had what many would consider a good life: a family, a home, and a stable job in an American company.
But even these blessings couldn’t fill the quiet emptiness within; something always felt incomplete. I still found myself wondering if there was more to life.
Deep down, I sensed a void that success and comfort couldn’t satisfy. The words of Scripture echoed in my heart:“What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?” (Mark 8:36)
A seed was planted one day while I was casually flipping through TV channels searching for the sermon of various televangelists.
I landed on The 700 Club and was unexpectedly drawn to the stories being shared.
Though the moment sparked my curiosity, it was fleeting—I returned to my daily routine and shelved the stirring in my heart.
Five years later, the Lord moved more directly. A fellow member of the Philippine Association of Secretaries applied for and was hired at our company.
We quickly became friends, and in time, she began to share her faith with me. She gave me booklets and reading materials from her church, and to my surprise, I devoured them with eagerness.
I had never been so captivated by spiritual content. It was as though a hunger I didn’t know I had was finally being fed. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.” (Matthew 5:6)
This hunger led me to open the Bible. Not just to read it, but to examine it closely.
I wanted to see for myself if what I had been reading aligned with God’s Word. To my amazement, familiar verses took on new life.
I began to understand teachings that once felt obscure, especially regarding worship and the meaning behind God’s appointed times.
The clarity I received lit a fire in me. I eventually decided to be baptized, marking my surrender to Christ and receiving the promise of the Holy Spirit.
“Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 2:38)
But following Jesus did not exempt me from pain. I faced many trials: health crises that made me think I wouldn’t live beyond a year, especially after reading a medical abstract my sister sent me about a patient in their hospital with a condition similar to mine.
I also suffered financial loss from a scam and experienced deep betrayal from people I once trusted. Yet, even in my suffering, I was never alone.
The Holy Spirit became my constant companion. I experienced a peace that surpassed all understanding—an inner joy that no trial could take away.
As the Bible says, “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7)
At one point, I even felt so secure and full of joy in God’s love that I was ready to leave this world behind and be with Him.
Yet He gently reminded me: I was not saved to escape the world, but to be His light within it. Though I am no longer of this world, I am still in it—for a purpose.
I am here to live out His commission and to be a living testimony of His grace, truth, and power.
Jesus never promised a life without hardship, but He promised His presence. “In this world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
He gave us the Holy Spirit as a Helper—to guide us, strengthen us, and keep us walking in truth.
As I continue to walk this path, I hold tightly to His promises and keep my heart grounded through prayer, Scripture, and spiritual discipline.
What began as a moment of curiosity became a lifelong journey of transformation. From emptiness, He brought fullness.
From questions, He brought truth. And from a life of routine, He gave me eternal purpose. “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10)
A short prayer:
Lord, sustain me by Your Spirit, that I may walk faithfully and joyfully as Your true disciple. Help me reflect Your light in both the quiet and trying moments of life, until the day I see You face to face.
LILY A. MONTESINES-CAPALAD lives out her faith as a follower of Jesus Christ, continually growing in God’s Word and shining His light in her community and beyond. She remains deeply grateful to our gracious Provider for opening the opportunity to have testimonials published through the Hawaii Filipino Chronicle.
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