Testimony can sometimes be a weak point for me. God has provided me and my family with so much that it is truly overwhelming, and being the tenderhearted pile of mush I am, I often cry when I share with others God's blessings. I sat in last night's evening service, anxious for the sharing of God's gifts and blessings. I pondered what I would say for several minutes, eager to share, and then, my opportunity passed as quickly as it came. So, I will share with you what I had intended to share with my church family, with hope that they may come across this and know my story.
This year has been filled with trials and tribulations, both with work and school. I'm not sure if everyone knows that God led me to my current job so that I may earn my degree. This task, which has been long and daunting, is extremely important to me and my chosen path. I am eager to prove to myself that the dark days I weathered helped me to get here, and also to have graduation pictures of myself taken and made into life size. The last part isn't as important, but just as serious.
As time passed, I became like many others; I let how busy I was cloud the bigger picture. I knew that I would have to work Sundays, so I committed to attending evening services each night to maintain my relationship with both the Lord and my church family. Then, came a choice. I made it without thinking. I agreed to meet with one of my class groups on Sunday nights at 6 p.m. I justified this with the busy schedules of others, because I, like my mother and hers, always put the needs of others before mine. As the weeks went on, I grew tired, weary and homesick, which I had never felt until then on my journey.
I woke up on a Friday morning, blinded by fatigue and on the verge of tears. I prayed to my God. I told him that I was tired and that I missed my church family. I told him I needed a break; I told him that I needed time. I cried on the way to work as I prayed, and barely composed myself before walking through the door. The day went on, business as usual, until the evening. My co-workers and I received an email concerning our store. The message stated that we would be closed on Sundays, and that the store was closing early the following Monday for a big announcement. Immediately, speculations began to fly about the future of our store and whether it would remain open, but I was frozen. What I had prayed for was happening, just like that...I would get to be with my church family. I would get to have a day off. I worried, as usual, but the comfort I felt with an answered prayer was unmeasurable.
I went to church that morning to hear a message that was waiting for me. A message about my Pastor's experiences at work, and a message about absence from church. Most importantly, it was meant for me to be reminded that I am a sojourner in this world. All my work here is to prepare me for my real home.
That Monday night, it was announced that our store would close, and that we would be relocated. I will most likely be working in Richmond now, which was a prayer I had prayed for months. The power of God is utterly breathtaking. His love leaves me awe struck. We are all part of His plan. When it seems as though you can't take another step, grab His hand.
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