Q: Talk about a time when your faith was tested. How did God reveal his glory to you?
A: “My faith was tested in 2019 when I was unemployed. It had taken me a while to land a job after applying for every position, company, and location nearby that I possibly could. After some time I finally landed a job; unfortunately it was a terrible one and I was underpaid, unappreciated, and overworked. I kept praying to God to make a way to land a better job where I can be happy and proud of the work I do. Going through the same process of again added more stress. I did not have many interviews and each one was a closed door in my face. I quickly become discouraged. I kept asking God, “Why are you doing this to me? Don’t you know I am at my literal breaking point?” I didn’t know how much longer I could take it. During the week of Christmas, I was waiting to hear back from a potential employer and decided to accept whatever happens. I told myself, “Let it be in God’s will.” I got the call two days before Christmas that I got the job. Throughout the year, I felt that God was taking me through various tests to build my faith more. I believe it was to reassure me that God CAN do anything but it will be in HIS timing. I had to learn to be patient and stand still. I definitely do feel my faith has strengthened because of this journey.”
Q: What does being “Set Apart” mean to you?
A: “To me, being set apart means to walk a different path than others. Everyone has their own journey and are in different chapters to their story. You cannot compare your chapter to someone else’s when you don’t know their story. All you can do is live your truth and separate yourself from the rest of the group. You have to be yourself and own that.”
Q: Talk about a time when you had a storm in your life. During the storm did you draw closer to God or distance yourself from him? How often did you pray/talk to him? How did you keep your peace or what did you do to stay calm? What did you learn?
A: “Earlier this year I suffered a panic attack from driving home at night on the highway. To have that feeling that you are going to die, was the worst feeling of my life. Since then, I’ve been haunted subconsciously of that night and very anxious while driving since then. Over time, I knew that something had to be done and I wanted to go back to how things were before that panic attack. I talked to my grandparents and they insisted I give our Pastor a call. My Pastor prayed over the phone with me and reminded me that Satan has put thoughts in my head and was attacking my mental health and peace. Since then, I started to have talks with God before I drive my car and while I am driving. I usually pray to God, repeat a bible verse about faith, and declare that everything is okay. Over time I felt the fear and anxiety start to diminish and through it all, I felt closer to God than ever before.”
Q: Matthew 5:13-16 says, “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.” “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” NKJV. What are some ways in your opinion, that you can make the earth “saltier” and be a light to those around you?
A: “One way to be a light to those around you is to simply be present, uplift and encourage one another. With all that 2020 has brought up, it has been chaotic and dark for many people. I feel that we must reassure people that there is hope and purpose in what we are going through and seek God to find meaning even if they can’t see it yet.”