God’s Best Over the World’s Best
My pregnant unmarried mother was left to raise me alone with the help of her parents on a country farm. The parish priest refused to baptise me because I was illegitimate. When I was 5, I gained a dad who I saw as a superhero, but who’s abuse left me disappointed and further rejected. I grew up in a community that left youngsters mentally ill due to drug use, or teen parents. I did not meet my biological father until I was 16 and he did not show interest in having me in his life. Males did try to take advantage of my vulnerability and many a time I heard people say, ‘I never expected you to turn out so well…’, ‘wow you turned out alright after all…’ Because I did not know any better, I wondered why they’d say these things, until I saw the hand of God over my life.
I have not had an easy life like everyone out here. Life is just tough. It is in recognising that, which drives us to seek for more. The only thing that can make this journey endurable is submitting to God and His will for our lives. While my life has neither been easy, nor have I reached eutopia, I have peace. I have rest and I have a lifeline. John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
I often sense the envy of others for my life and I just think, ‘If you only knew the work and effort.’ I have accomplished much in my short life, but it has only been through the grace of God and my trust in him. I have fallen and made mistakes, but He has seen me through and rewarded my repentance and obedience. Maybe your circumstances have left you depressed, addicted, or taking care of a child you didn’t plan for, but there is nothing that God cannot redeem. Look at me. I cry when I’m overwhelmed and feel like it’s just too much for one person, but Jesus, Matthew 11:28-30 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
The world’s best for me was to be some dead beat, teen mother who would not amount to much. But God has taken me to medical school, found me the man of every woman’s dreams, given me two beautiful children and I’m even spoiled to live in a place many could only dream of and still pursue my passions. I’m not a victim but a victor, I get to enjoy relationships with those who hurt me with complete forgiveness and reconciliation and still be grateful for all they’ve done, despite. That is God’s best for me.
