“Were you excited to move to the States?” Is one of the most frequently asked questions I get, and one of the most complicated to explain. Honestly, no, I wasn’t. I wasn’t too excited to leave my family, friends, and the home I grew up knowing. However leaving my comfort zone and being “forced into the unknown” I couldn’t wait for, I couldn’t have been more excited.
You might be rereading that last part, thinking “maybe she made a typo, no one wants to be outside of their comfort zone.” Well you read it right. I do!
Being pushed outside of my comfort zone is one of the biggest reasons I came to the States. Yes it’s been insanely hard, and yes I miss my family like crazy, but it’s also where I have come to know God in a way I have never known Him before. Comfort zones are nice, but nothing ever grows there. I knew that making the transition didn’t come without its trials, meaning I had to rely on God 100%. I trusted that He would provide for my needs, and He did.
I moved here with essentially no “solid plan.” I mean I knew I came here for cosmetology school, but other than that I had no idea. I had no job, no permanent place to stay, no plans for school yet, nothing. All I had to rely on was God and His promise to provide; and it was enough! I was excited to see what God was going to do. All I had to do was pray, trust, and wait.
This past year has shown me the power of prayer, more specifically the power of prayer with a purpose.
As many people know, being a student is very costly, and it’s definitely a time of living pay check to pay check…at least it is for me. There have been times where I’ve had $4 to my name with payments around the corner, and the only thing I could do was pray that God would take care of it.
One time in particular; I was sitting in my room having a mini freak out moment (and when I say “mini” I actually mean major.) I had $10 in my account with a car, school and phone payment due the next day, as well as needing to fill up my tank to get to work. There was nothing else I could do but give it to God and pray. There in that moment I prayed so purposfully that God would show up and do a miracle by providing that money. After spending time in the word and praying I felt Gods presence, and oddly enough (considering the circumstances) I felt peace about it. Not even five minutes later I got a knock on my door; it was a friend giving me my mail that had just arrived. Inside the envelope was a check for the exact amount I needed. Down to the last cent!!!
God’s faithfulness at that moment hit me like a ton of bricks and I couldn’t help but cry. (and not that “pretty cry” some girls do. No, I’m talking about that “ugly cry” we only do in front of our best friends)
I saw God’s faithfulness in that moment, I mean how could I not?! He’s been providing for me this whole time, whether it be financially, providing a place to stay, a car to drive, or a job – His hand is in it.
The God I serve is a God of mercy, love, and compassion. He never fails to provide, show up, or surprise me. He knows my needs before I know them myself, and He sets into motion the answers to my prayers before I even speak them out loud. He is good!
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:6-7
There is power in prayer, and there is power in the name of Jesus!
-A
