Throughout my life, and many other lives, God works through opportunities. Every day we are presented with choices that carry us through our life. Many of these choices help us to become who we are and develop a sense of purpose.
God has provided many opportunities for me that has helped me become the person I am today. Some of these opportunities were filled with joy, laughter, and beautiful memories. Some situations I didn’t understand why I went through them until it was over. However, each opportunity helped me become the person I am today. Each one had an influence on my life and each one had a touch of God’s provision.
The People in my Life.
Growing up, I had a loving family that inspired me to try new things and to never give up. They pushed me to be the best that I could be, and pushed me to find my talent and joy. I would not be who I am without my family. From every family gathering, dinner, or conversation, I was able to grow and be inspired. God is present within my family. He is forever moving through them even through the most troubling times. Not every day was perfect, but growth doesn’t always happen in the perfect.
I have had friends who have challenged me and made me rethink how I lived. Through long discussions or exhilarating adventures, I have grown to love life and be who I am. I have had teachers who have inspired me and have taught me how to pursue my dreams and what God has called me to do.
Every person in my life has helped me become who I am today. I could be living a totally different life right now if it wasn’t for God placing these people in my life. Many of these encounters would not have happened if I didn’t say yes to new opportunities that were presented to me. It is incredibly amazing how every encounter and situation has an effect on our lives and how we move forward from these opportunities.
Choices I made.
I never expected to become an educator or go to college at Evangel University. If it wasn’t for God’s calling on my life, I probably wouldn’t have chosen it and found how much I truly love it. If it wasn’t for the opportunities that were presented to me, I would have never pursued my dreams.
I can go all the way back to sixth grade where I helped my Kindergarten teacher in her classroom. I grew a lovely friendship with Mrs. Cline and in High school I helped her again in her room. Once a week, I would arrive early in the morning to pray with her and a friend. Through these prayer sessions, I grew closer to God and relied on him more. During this time, there was a lot of tension within my family and I was able to find comfort through these prayer filled mornings. These morning prayers were such a blessed opportunity. I was able to see how much God was working within my family and my life. This teacher has been such an inspiration to me and has helped me to see the joy in teaching. Mrs. Cline was able to strengthen my faith and love for God.
I would have never known about Evangel University if my friend didn’t have us tour it since her sister once attended there. I would probably not have applied for it and it probably wouldn’t have ever made my list of colleges. However, God placed that opportunity in my life so that I was able to seek it and pursue it.
Through my high school years and mainly my senior year, I didn’t know how to choose what I wanted to do or where I wanted to go for college or my future. I felt so desperately alone and confused. However, one spring day at Revolution Church, Mrs. Sherrie came to talk to me and pray over me. I don’t remember much of the conversation except that I wasn’t trusting God in order to let Him guide my choice. As she was praying over me and I was fully open to hearing God, He spoke to me education. From that day forward, I have pursued education and loved every minute of it. I wouldn’t want to choose differently. If it wasn’t for that Wednesday night church or Mrs. Sherrie, I don’t know if I would have ever opened up to God to hear him tell me education. Another opportunity that I will never forget.
As I was still deciding on where to go to college, a pastor spoke about seeking God alone in His creation. One day, I went outside with a blanket, bible, and myself. For hours, I sat there talking to God, reading his word, and just being silent in his creation. As I was about to call it a day, I heard God say “Evangel.” The years that I have been at this college have been life changing and incredible. I have seen God move in many ways either through friendships, chapels, healing, or many other incredible journeys. I know that this was where God wanted me to be and I’ve seen him working in many many ways here. These have been some unforgettable moments and opportunities that have strengthened my growth in God. Not all of it is easy, but a lot of it inspires growth.
Lastly, I went through a tough spiritual battle for eight months with words and thoughts that were not my own. As much as I had tried to fight them and pray against them, they would never stop. Those were some of the worst months of my life in which I felt alone and incapable. However, if it wasn’t for that situation, I would have never left the comfort of my dorm for a new beginning. I would have never found my Emmaus church and grown in the community. I would not have had the fellowship I have found today. If it wasn’t for that spiritual battle, I wouldn’t have been able to see God’s presence, glory, and peace fill my life. I would never have been able to feel that beautiful fulfillment of an indescribable peace washed over me. I saw God in a whole new light after that and I wouldn’t want to have it any other way.
Not long after my spiritual battle ended, God spoke to me about going on the World Race. I might not have heard of this mission’s trip if it wasn’t for going to Evangel, studying education, or being so close with God after my spiritual battle. God gave me many opportunities and situations that guided me to this moment now. There were and still are people who have inspired me and encouraged me to take these next few steps toward my Race. I would not be writing this blog or preparing for this Race if it wasn’t for the opportunities that God has given me.
God has directly spoken to me three times now, and each moment has been incredible and unforgettable. Each one was a calling to move and aligned with my hopes and dreams. I never would have thought to be in this moment, doing what I am doing now. However, I have never been more happy and confident in what I am doing.
This season of Thanksgiving means so much to me. It is not only a time for food and fellowship, but it is also a time to reflect and be thankful for how far we have come. Life is not always easy, but growth is evident through it all. There are so many opportunities that have brought us to the place we are now.
Especially after committing my year to God through this World Race, I have found God to be more prominent in the opportunities he provides me. He has enabled me to be open too new circumstances. He has helped me to become more connected in the places I reside in such as school, home, and church. I have never felt so loved and encouraged by so many people. It is incredible what the Lord can do!
Many blessings,
Laura Leigh Armstrong
