The Story of a Snowflake, Part Two

I am posting my story on Miracle Monday because I feel like my life is a miracle. So, for more inspiration this Monday, please visit my friend Beth at A Mom’s Life.

Last week, I shared the first part of my story. If you didn’t get a chance to read it, you can do so here. Again, this is a long read. I hope that you find it worth the time to read. I tend to be an “open book”. Sometimes that can be good and sometimes that’s not so good. But, I hope that you find it encouraging.

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I was in middle school when I began to realize the truth of the situation my mother was facing. She would not leave my step-father because she was afraid she could not support herself and three girls. It was this realization that set my course in life.

I decided that I never wanted to be stuck in a marriage. I saw college as my only way out. But there was not any money to go to college. I knew I would have to work hard for an academic scholarship. And work hard I did. I took as many Advanced Placement courses as I could take. I joined as many clubs as I could fit into my schedule. In high school, I joined the debate team. Then, when I turned 16, I got a job to pay for my debate trips and other expenses.

My schedule became very grueling. Of course there was school during the week. I would also work Tuesday and Thursday evenings. On Friday I would leave with the debate team for a tournament. We usually would not get home until late Saturday night. Then I would get up and go to church Sunday morning and work in the afternoon. And since the quest for an academic scholarship was never far from my mind, I was always working hard to maintain a fairly decent grade point average.

It didn’t take long for this schedule to catch up with me. By the middle of my junior year in high school, I was completely worn out. Late one night, the pressures became more than I could bear. I cried out to God, the tears streaming down my face, begging Him to take over. I realized I couldn’t do it on my own any longer. The load was too heavy. The burden was too great.

As I mentioned before, I had been saved at the age of 7. We were in church every time the doors were open. But, I didn’t know what it meant to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. All of that changed that night. As I gave everything over to God, an incredible sense of peace flooded over me. I will never forget that feeling.

Things didn’t change overnight. I still kept a grueling schedule. But for the first time in my life, I realized I wasn’t alone. I didn’t have to do it all by myself. God was there and that was enough.

I finished high school with honors. It was a good feeling. I graduated 6th in my class. I also received a partial academic scholarship for the college of my choice. Between the scholarship and student loans, there would still be some money I would have to pay. But, I felt confident I could pay it. I knew it wouldn’t be easy. But, I knew how to work hard. And I knew I wasn’t alone.

Jeremiah 29:11 is quoted so much that we often lose sight of its meaning. But, I want to share it with you anyway, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

As I look back over my life, I can see God’s hand in it. I can see His plan. I can see His goodness. He has prospered me. He has given me hope. And He has given me a future I never could have imagined.

Yes, times are difficult for my husband and me. We face some big decisions ahead. There are many unknowns. But, as I look back over the past, I can trust God with the future. I can trust that He still has plans to prosper me. He still has a hope and a future for me. His word never changes. And neither do His promises.

My friend, I pray you know the same. May you know that you know that God has a future for you. He has not forgotten you. Whatever your situation, whatever your challenges, God is there. Trust in that. Lean on His promises. They are true…both now and forevermore.

Thanks for reading my story. Next week I am going to share the Story of a Marriage. When I look back I am amazed at our story. I hope you will enjoy it, too!

In the meantime, I hope you have a great week!

Your friend,
Alicia

As I mentioned on Wednesday, let’s remember to pray for our nation. Now is an important time. We cannot give up!

Dear Lord, we thank you for this great nation you have given us. May we not grow weary in praying for it. Father, we ask that You heal our land. In You alone, we put our trust. We trust You for the right president to be elected. We trust You for the future of our economy. We trust You for the future of our liberties and freedoms. We give You our all. We give You our lives. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.