Childlike Faith

One day, when I was little, my dad promised me something (I don’t remember what it was), but he didn’t fulfill his promise. I was so hurt. In my mind, if someone says they will do something, then they are obligated to do it. With tears in my eyes, my dad taught me a lesson that I didn’t begin to understand until recently. With a smile on his face, his explanation for his broken promise was: “A promise is a comfort to a fool.”  My dad likes to joke around, but in that moment, I was not laughing. My childlike innocence caused me to not understand what he said, however, his experienced mind, taught me a much needed lesson. I know you’re probably thinking that after that moment, I never believed anyone’s promises, and have trust issues, but that’s not the case.

My dad was right.

Growing up, I never understood how someone could say something, and not do what they promised. It was so frustrating. I always try my hardest to be genuine, and own up to my words. However, I realized that, I too, have fallen short. What is it about us that causes broken promises, hurtful words, and just being fake? Don’t we dislike when this is done to us? So why would we do it to others?

There’s a common denominator.

In trying to understand this, I learned that we are humans. I’m sure, you’re well aware of that. However, as humans, we love deeply. It’s in our nature. We love, but sometimes we get hurt by individuals who also love deeply, but have been hurt deeply, too. This is no excuse, but it is very real. Some individuals are so guarded that they push others away, just so they don’t have to experience the pain they went through again. I get it. Why does this happen? I wish I could explain that, but I really can’t. Some people burry their issues, rather than addressing it, or are just scared of taking risks.

Hurt, broken promises, lies, and deceit, are all things that we have either experienced, know someone who has experienced it, or even done it ourself. Are we fools for believing promises, like the saying goes? Of course not! Each experience is a lesson that we learn and grow from. Never take it for granted. Honestly, it had purpose. A purpose that you might not understand now, or never understand, but it is part of your beautiful story.

God does not break promises.

“God is not a man, so he does not lie. He is not human, so he does not change his mind. Has he ever spoken and failed to act?  Has he ever promised and not carried it through?” Numbers 23:9

Don’t lose faith in God. Maybe someone has caused you to lose faith in them, but God is faithful. He said in His word that He does not lie. Hold tight to what He has shared with you. If He said it, He will do it.

It’s time to have that childlike faith again.

Stop burying your problems and give them to God. By burying, I mean trying to forget your issues by making yourself busy with things of this world. You might not even realize it, but burying all of that only causes you to hurt yourself, and others. Instead, get in your word, worship, pray, and consume your time with the Lord. The enemy has a way of trying to make you think that because of what man has done to you, that you should lose faith in God. It’s a lie! You just can’t lose faith. But, don’t just take my word for it. Try it out. Trust God with that part of your heart that you have guarded off, or the anger and resentment you have been holding on to. Have that childlike innocence again, trust His promises, and see what happens.

Our hope is not in this world, and definitely not in man. But, when we put our hope in the Lord, our hearts and minds will change. It is then, that we will begin to love and be loved.

Be His Masterpiece.

Love Y’all,

Dee

God is Faithful

One night during my junior year, I was sitting on the floor in my dorm room. I was thinking about my life goals, and future career. At the time, I wanted to go to medical school and be a Pediatrician. However, I was really praying and seeking God, and He was beginning to show me things about myself. I began to realize that ministry was going to be a big part of my life. Of course as a Christian, ministry is a big part of our life, but He was showing me how. That night, I can’t even explain the feeling I had, but it was uneasy. I realized that not only did I not want to go to medical school anymore, but that lifestyle was not going to match up with what God was showing me. I began to get scared. However, I trusted God.

That summer, I applied to a research program. By the grace of God, I was accepted to do research at a pharmaceutical lab. While it was difficult at times, I absolutely loved it. It was exciting to not only learn about certain drugs, but to actually do some experiments to see their effects was truly amazing. It was after that experience, that I realized pharmacy is what I want to do. It became clear to me that when God has placed something in your heart, trust that He will not leave you confused and He will order your steps. “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” Proverbs 16:3

That summer I also went on a tour at a Pharmacy school that I was really interested in. This school was great because it is affiliated with the lab I did research with. I fell in love. This school, was not too big, or too small, and I could see myself there. I began to get excited. My excitement quickly turned to fear when I had to register for the PCAT (Pharmacy College Admissions Test). This exam is a big factor during the admissions process and I had less than three months to prepare. During those three months, school started, and my family was going through a rough time. I did not study. Test day came, and I failed. I thought to myself, I will never get into pharmacy school now. But, through encouragement from family and friends, I persisted. I signed up for the next testing date, which gave me two months to study. I studied a little more, but still did not feel qualified. However, this time I did better, but it was still a score not good enough for almost all pharmacy schools (I’m not exaggerating).

I knew pharmacy is what I wanted to do. With my low PCAT scores, I realized I had to take a different route. I looked up schools that didn’t require it. Perfect idea, right? So, I applied. But, I did not include the school that I initially fell in love with, because I did not feel good enough. I heard back from one school, and I was excited. But, yet deep down my excitement was not because I loved the school, but because a school was actually interested in me. I went for an interview and a tour. I did not like this school. Yet, I masked my true feelings with joy and excitement, and talked myself into thinking this school as perfect, but it wasn’t. I knew which school was right.

Weeks went by and I didn’t hear a thing from the school I had the interview for. I was hurt. I prayed, but I knew what I had to do. I applied to the school I knew I wanted to go to. A few days later, I received a phone call and it was the school I applied to a few days prior! They wanted to interview me. My hands were shaking.

The day of the interview came. I was scared, sweaty, and anxious, but it all felt right. I was given an individual tour, and the staff was amazing. They offered me lunch, a newspaper to read, and when the interviewer was running late, they were so apologetic and tried their best to make me comfortable. I felt so appreciated. The interview was quick, and that scared me. I thought that I didn’t speak enough, and I didn’t convince them of my passion for pharmacy. However, I didn’t lose faith.

Less then a week later, I received a phone call congratulating me on my acceptance to the Doctor of Pharmacy program. I knew it was not me, but it was God. I applied to this school very late, My GPA just met their requirements, and my PCAT was not even close to competitive. So how did I even get accepted? When God has placed a desire in your heart, you don’t have to doubt that He will direct your path. That night in my dorm room, I knew that God was doing something, and I had to trust that. Throughout the whole process, God orchestrated EVERYTHING. It is still mind blowing. “It is not that we think we are qualified to do anything on our own. Our qualification comes from God.” 2 Corinthians 3:5

I wanted to share this testimony with you all, because I wanted to show you just how faithful God is. There were no coincidences. Even when I doubted His plan, and applied to schools that I thought I was more qualified for, I did not even get accepted! Gosh, God has a plan for us, and we don’t even have to worry that He will not follow through. When you don’t feel qualified to do what God has placed in your heart, learn from Jeremiah. “I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my prophet to the nations.” “Oh Sovereign Lord,” I said, “I can’t speak for you! I’m too young!” The Lord replied, “Don’t say, ‘I’m too young,’ for you must go wherever I send you and say whatever I tell you.  And don’t be afraid of the people, for I will be with you and will protect you. I, the Lord, have spoken!” Jeremiah 1:5-8. Jeremiah was scared because he didn’t feel qualified. But, God reminded him that he is qualified because He will be with him. Just like God was there for Jeremiah, He will be there for you.

God loves you dearly, and His plan for your life is far better than what you could have ever imagined. Trust Him. I pray that sharing my testimony encourages you to trust Him with your future. I hope to continue to share my journey through pharmacy school, and I’m thinking of even starting a vlog, but I’ll keep you posted! I’d love to hear your testimonies and experiences about God’s faithfulness. Stay encouraged, and continue to Be His Masterpiece.

Love Y’all,

Dee