Faith Unfolded

The weekend before last , I attended an XA retreat where I truly enjoyed the worship and fellowship with fellow Christ Ambassadors.
One night, the pastor preached a powerful message called “Don’t Bail Out,” and on another, he encouraged us to immerse ourselves in the Scriptures. As I listened, I thought, “Wow, Sego, this is exactly what you’ve done.” I thanked God for His amazing presence in my life.

Trusting God Despite Uncertainty

Back in 2022, I applied to several master’s programs in counseling and was admitted to Southern Illinois University, but without funding. I told myself that I would not let this opportunity slip away. but will inquire of the Lord .Like David, who inquired of the Lord for direction:

“And David inquired of the Lord, ‘Shall I pursue this raiding party? Will I overtake them?’ ‘Pursue them,’ he answered. ‘You will certainly overtake them and succeed in the rescue.’”
— 1 Samuel 30:8

I prayed, “God, I have been admitted but have no funding. What should I do? You are the Lord who knows best.”

While waiting for God’s direction, I immersed myself in Scripture and came across Judges 18:6:

“Go in peace. Your journey has the Lord’s approval.”

This reassured me that God accompanies and protects us when He sends us on a path.

Perseverance Through Rejections

I started applying for graduate assistantships but faced many rejections ten at first. Though my own understanding told me otherwise, I chose not to lean on it but to trust God. Matthew 7:7 reminded me:

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.”

Psalm 23:1 encouraged me:

“The Lord is my shepherd; I lack nothing.”

And Philippians 4:19 assured me:

“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus.”

Faith Rewarded

Today, as I write this, I have funding and am about to complete my master’s degree. I did not bail out. I trusted God even when it was hard. God never promised the journey would be easy but assured us:

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you… When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned.”
— Isaiah 43:2

I encourage everyone to keep praying because we serve a God who answers. Remember, God will never leave you or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5). One thing I know for sure — we will never call on the name of the Lord and be put to shame. I have witnessed His miracles before my very eyes.

–Segolame Lebogang–