I had a five dollar bill in my pocket and the clothes on my back.
It began with an ugly breakup. I was going the way of faith and my ex stated clearly that he would not be coming along. Seeking a full-time job and finding an apartment seemed the most sensible thing to do. However, I had recently applied to and been accepted at the college of my choice. I decided to roll out of town and move into a dorm at school. With no idea how I would pay my tuition and rent or even eat, I listened to the inner prompting telling me to go forward with my plan.
After reviewing my completed forms, the financial aid officer assisted me in obtaining government grants that paid my full tuition for the year. I also received a living stipend equivalent to the cost of housing and a meal ticket. You could have picked me up from the floor!
I proceeded to the housing office, only to find that the dorms were full. My tuition would be covered and I could take meals at the dining halls, but I had no where to live on campus. I sat down and began to cry.
A senior student approached me and said she had a chance to move into the campus apartments, but only if she could find someone to take her place in her off-campus room. I explained that my living stipend would not be available for two months and I had no way to pay the rent. Angelique (I kid you not!) assured me the landlord would understand.
So, I obtained a room in a house with ten girls, a place to live across the street from the campus. I could walk to my classes and the dining halls. I carried my laundry to a nearby dormitory. My part-time job on campus supplied the occasional new pair of jeans.
The path of faith leads to peace. If we ask God to direct us, he will. We can take comfort in knowing God’s mercy will be there for us. Our job is to trust and believe, with all our hearts, in his wisdom and power. Sometimes, life will take us to pleasant places and we can be thankful. Other times, we may find ourselves in the land of discomfort. Then, we can acknowledge him by yielding our will. In the end, we can be sure God will direct us to a safe and happy place.
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding. Acknowledge him in all your ways, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6
One leader from each of the twelve tribes of Israel was dispatched by Moses to scout out the Land of Canaan to judge its suitability as their future home. Ten of the twelve spies showed little faith. They saw fortified cities and giants occupying the area. They did not believe that God would help them to succeed in conquering this promised land.
Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid, nor be scared of them: for the LORD your God is he who is going with you; he will not leave you nor forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6
The ten spies who lacked faith were struck with the plague and died. The Israelite community believed their conclusions, and for their lack of faith, were made to wander in the desert for 40 years. Joshua and Caleb were the only two of the twelve sent who came back with a good report. They believed God could help them. As a result of their faith, they were the only two men of their generation who were permitted to enter the promised land.
Our faith includes a bit of risk. God has planned a life for us that leads us to situations where we must look to him as our source of guidance and strength. He will always be present to help make us successful. Missing the opportunity to take some risk can lead to a lot of regret. I am very glad I trusted God when circumstances told me I should not. I met my life partner, the most perfect guy for me…at college.
What are your current fears? Where do you need to be strong and apply courage to move forward today? God calls us to some risky situations in this life. He desires to see us step out in faith.
Susi Robinson Rutz 