Who carries you through those difficult times? Whom do you ask for help? Who is there every step you take? Who guides you on the correct path? Who NEVER lets you down? Who do you praise and give thanks to when things go right? For me the only answer is GOD. I read these two passages every day:
“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 (New Living Translation)
“I am holding you by your right hand ~ I, the LORD your God. And I say to you, ‘Do not be afraid. I am here to help you.’” Isaiah 41:13 (New Living Translation)
I am asking you to take a moment with me to praise our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for all the wonderful things He bestows upon us every day! If not for Him, His guidance, His divine plan for me, and His wisdom I would not be here today. It is He, and He alone who facilitated my passing my FTCE Educational Media Specialist PK-12 Certification Exam.
In case you are not a believer, and are a cynical thinker, here is my rationale:
I had a very short time to study, no prospect of money to pay for the exam, and wasn't sure God wanted me to go down this path. His light shone through. He gave me support, created the intelligence to answer the questions correctly, and gave me sprinkles of light to show me this is indeed a chance He wants me to take in my life. For example, the contact who had originally posted the job opportunity helped to create the actual exam. What are the odds of being able to speak with a creator of the test who encouraged my taking the test. I listened to their every word, and figured out some areas I needed to highlight in my studies prior to taking the exam. Pretty amazing don't you think? A coincidence you say, just a coincidence. Well, I personally don't believe in coincidences. I believe in God's divine plan, and His path for us. When things which you may call coincidences happen to us I KNOW it is God's creation. Do you really think meeting your perfect mate at a concert with thousands of people attending was just a coincidence? What are the odds? I don't know. Math is not my best subject. I DO know, however, that God is in our lives, every step we take. He gives us direction, which if we follow we will be very successful in life.
Let's look at my situation: I obediently followed the direction God showed me that He wants me to go. As a result, I passed the exam, money is coming from a scholarship program at the FSU MLIS-School Media Specialist track (created to assist only 3 students take their FTCE certification exam), and God's Will is leading/directing me to be successful and to shine in His light.
So once again, can I hear a HALLELUJAH, praise Jesus/God, and AMEN to glorify our Lord and savior Jesus Christ! He died on the cross to assure we would live. God generously gave His only begotten son, Jesus Christ, so that we could live! I don't know how many of you would do that so unselfishly for others. Would you? God wants us to follow in His son's footsteps, and be as generous, loving, Godly, spiritual, and righteous as Jesus. Remember the phrase, "What would Jesus do" (often seen as the acronym, "WWJD" on wristbands)? We should ask ourselves this at least once a day, if not every time we are faced with a question about how to proceed. If we follow His example we will be helping to make the world a better place, one person at a time.
Today I leave you all with these words, and this message in the hope that you take stock of your life, and listen and obey your Father God! In the name of His son Jesus Christ I give thanks and pray, AMEN!
