Written by: Melindy
Growing up, I always knew that I wanted to do something for God. However, I had no idea what that would be. For most of my life, I thought I would be a physical therapist or a veterinarian, but God had other plans. At the beginning of last year, I committed to following Him wherever He led me.
In the winter of 2023, I had the opportunity to go to a GYC conference with the theme “But If Not.” This was based on Daniel 3:18, when the three Hebrews faced death and said they would still only serve the Lord if God didn’t save them. To me, the fact that they were committed to giving their whole lives to God, even if that meant being a living sacrifice, was incomprehensible. That is, until I found out who my Savior truly is.
Last year, I was searching and seeking. I needed to make my own decision for Christ. Amid this, God called me to the island of Oahu, Hawaii, to be a colporteur for the summer. I would be lying if I said I wasn’t scared; in fact, I was terrified to knock on the doors of random strangers. However, I knew God was in control and had a plan for my life. Rehearsing Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you,” I set out on an adventure of a lifetime.
That summer shook my worldview. I began to see God’s hand daily, placing me in situations that would grow and stretch my faith.
When I returned from Hawaii after the summer, I had two days to buy a car and pack my belongings before driving halfway across the United States to Southern Adventist University. I was in awe of the incredible miracles God performed during those days. First, He helped me both find and buy a car in literally just a couple hours! Also, while I was in Hawaii, my driver’s license had been lost in the mail, and my passport was reissued. Due to these setbacks, I could have missed receiving them by one day. But God showed Himself faithful, and I received them on time. Then, I struggled to secure housing at Southern, but God provided a little house five minutes from campus right before I arrived.
Upon arriving at Southern, I entered the SALT program, where I met a new part of my family in Christ. These men and women, each unique, were on fire for the Lord! Never in a million years would I have thought that I could grow so much in one semester, but all things are possible through Christ!
Over the course of the semester, however, I realized that the money I had earned from canvassing would not cover my SALT tuition. After much prayer and agonizing with God, I called my mom, hoping she would have some advice.
She told me, “Melindy, God has brought you to Southern, so don’t forget the ways He has led you. You aren’t there just for academics. You are there to show Jesus to a campus full of hurting people. If God wants you to stay there, He can provide. Trust Him.”
After I got off the phone with my mom, I went to the door of my room. Sitting in front of it was an envelope. It had been sent two weeks earlier by a relative I had never met, and who knew nothing about my circumstances. But as I opened the envelope, my heart nearly stopped. Inside was the exact amount needed for my tuition! This providence happened several more times over the course of last semester.
So now, all I can say is, “God is good!” Whatever you are struggling with, I just want to encourage you. God has a purpose and a plan for you. God knows your name and will give you the strength you need for the trials of this semester, too. All we have to do now is trust Him!
