Romans 8:28

I will be a college graduate (passing my finals in the name of Jesus) by next weekend…

It’s crazy because it feels like just yesterday I posted a blog about starting my senior year and how much I was going to trust God through this year. Woo! Well, let’s just say senior year has been a year that I’ve definitely had to trust God with.

Trusting him with everything from academic struggles, friendship changes, leadership insecurities, purpose, self esteem, the future everything.. It’s as if everything I’ve learned in my relationship with God over the past 3 years was being tested this final year.

But, at the same time through the tests and trials and through the ups and downs I’ve really started to see the truth in Romans 8:28,“All things work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose”.

This year really became more than just praying to God to help me pass my exams…

My number one thing I’ve actually learned and experienced this year is that prayer is truly powerful and it changes things. I’ve always prayed as a Christian and known its importance, but through this school year I’ve faced some situations that I couldn’t fix or figure out myself and I really just had to leave to God.

Through my small tests of faith I’ve witnessed God answer prayers in my life like never before and I’m like, “Wow, God you are really REAL and you really do love ME.”

For example, last semester I was struggling financially a bit , which kept me in prayer and seeking God for provision. I then attended a Christian conference (BASICcon) and as I was getting ready to pay my remaining balance , they said that I owed zero dollars. I was in such disbelief!

Like Jesus you really did pay it all ! HAHA

But I was also very thankful because if I gave my remaining balance I was just going to have $30 to eat for the rest of the weekend (which wasn’t enough). So it was definitely a blessing from God! Just writing it puts a smile on my face all over again.

Also, last semester I ministered through spoken word and that was all God none of me. Through seeking him he gave me boldness, strength and anointing to go forth. (Because if you know me I do not like to public speak or even speak at times Lol. )

Through all of this I’ve learned that no prayer is too big or too small for God. God cares about you praying for your aunt who has cancer and he cares if you pray for a good night sleep, like he’s always listening and present even when he seems far.

I personally remember all those times freshman through junior year where I felt like God was just so far and didn’t answer my prayers but  now that time has passed it all makes sense. It all makes sense why I didn’t get the job I wanted, the time my heart got a little broken, didn’t get an internship etc. At those times I felt alone, forgotten and hurt but now I get it. God had better and he had a plan.

We can only see the small picture, we can only see what’s in front of us but God sees everything, he sees the whole picture. We truly just have to push past what we feel/ see and trust him even when it hurts or even when it feels like nothing will ever work out.

“For we walk by faith not by sight” 2 Corinthians 5:7

“Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.” Hebrews 11:1

God is good and a God who doesn’t change. He’s still the same God from the bible who through his son  performed all those miracles so, he’s still able to do something with our lives. Don’t give up!I’m just so thankful that God is a constant and that he doesn’t change his mind about how he feels about us or that he doesn’t take away his promises.

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” Hebrews 13:8

“Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.” Mather 24:35

But yes, now I am graduating and I’m heading into the unknown. *suspenseful music * I’m a little nervous, but at the same time I’m actually excited. I’m excited to see God move differently,  to teach others the things I’ve learned over the past four years, looking forward to new beginnings and just leaving some things behind. I know that I will have some rough days and I’m going to miss college but every season must come to an end. Praise God for no more Biology !!!! I will always look back at college and know that that was the place I truly fell in love with Jesus and where I experienced how real he is.

But yes, thank you for reading and thank you for coming on this journey with me. I pray that we continue on this journey together of life and I’m excited to continue to share all that I learn along the way as God leads.

 

Love you ,

Giselle Parris