"Forget not all His benefits", "Recount His wonders", how many times have we heard those words but never took time "to count our blessings". As the years went by, I came to realize the importance of writing. As a human being, I am prone to wander, more likely than others. Thus, I believe only writings remain so I would like to share this testimony, related to what happened to me in 2015.

The God of surprises

2015 was a special year. If I were to give it a title, it would be "God surprised me"! At 25, I was living a pretty ordinary life between a job and my studies at college. At that time, I could have never imagined that in a few weeks, my life would turn upside down. As I am writing this, I recall a verse saying:

No eye has seen, no ear has imagined and no mind has imagined, what God has prepared for those who love Him. (I Corinthians 2:9, NLT)

At fifteen, little did I know…

Ten years ago, I finished my high school years. Back then, with a whole life ahead, I had a specific idea of the kind of life that I would live. My mind has made up that I would do this specific job, that I would drive this specific car, that I would settle with this type of guy, I have even dreamed of the design of my home! I was this very ambitious girl. And you know what? Life does not always turn out the way we think it would. Indeed,

“We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps” (Proverbs 16:9, NLT).

So, to tell you, my college years have proven me wrong by being a "mess”. I started with something I liked, Graphic Design. Later on, I moved on to Communication. And I did not stop there, I have decided to pursue an Environmental Conservation major.

I admit that at some point in time, people were even asking me what was wrong. Why couldn't I fit into the "ordinary university journey"? And I myself even wondered the same. Now, as I am looking back, I could get a glimpse of God's plan behind these seeming failures. My mess is turned into a message as the pieces of the puzzle come together to form a beautiful patchwork. Yes, the promise of God remains true:

For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. (Jeremiah 29:11, NLT)

Now, I realize that I needed this long process. Each step of the way had its role to play in God's way of educating me.  Unlike human beings, God never makes mistakes. He allowed me to choose those majors that I even questioned more than once. All along this journey, HE has been there for me, guiding me, counseling me, and teaching me where to go and what to do. His grace has followed me all along the path. In a word, He was my Teacher, the Best Teacher of all time.

That this is a big world

Throughout my studies, I had several opportunities to meet people and make new friends, especially Christian ones. Without this huge Christian community, I guess I would not be the person I am today. Actually, when I was a kid, I was so shy that this weakness became my stumbling block. I could never imagine speaking in public! But through the years and seasons, I was given responsibilities that enhances my social skills. I gradually discovered that I could speak, share and teach people… With the grace of God, of course! God has made my faith grow, made me stand firm, and taught me a lot through youth camps and fellowships… I always encourage newborn-again Christians – those who have accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior  – to actively attend Gospel-based Christian communities.  Life on earth is not just "this 70 years of work-fame-fun-success"! It is a lot more. Jesus came to give us life in abundance…

Two causes in my heart

Studying Environmental Conservation has helped me a lot in being more cautious of the treasure upon which I walk every single day. As far as Madagascar is concerned, the island is one of the poorest countries in the world despite its amazing natural resources. It is not until I started this major that I came to realize how important it is to fight for the preservation of the natural wealth of a country. Moreover, the fight against poverty has become heavy on my heart. I am now eagerly willing to bring my contribution to the welfare of my fellow people. By myself, I cannot do much, but either small or huge my contribution may be, I know it always matters in God's eyes.  

God has opened the way 

One thing is sure, God sees what is on people's hearts.

"The LORD looks on the heart.” I Samel 16:7

On a sunny day in May, I received a mail congratulating me on a scholarship. 

I am so grateful that He granted me the favor of this unexpected scholarship. A gift from heaven. 

The deadline was very close when I could start to prepare for everything. From the processing of my papers, to the perfect timing of the interview I had to pass and in between the hectic schedule as in the meantime, I was preparing my Thesis presentation... I see His divine intervention. 

God is good. So good.

Without Him, I would have given up when difficulties started to show up… 

Now, I look forward to pursuing my studies in "Leadership and Community Development", which happens to be a significant asset for the rest of my life adventure and gives me hope for my own country, I can't help but be so excited! There is more! Who knew that He would send me to the land where a rose could blossom from a garbage dump, five decades ago (South Korea).

It is just amazing!

The best is yet to come

I firmly believe that this world needs educated Christians who are living Christ’s values on a daily basis. Jesus called us Christians as the Light of the world, so let us shine. As we walk this journey of faith, let us fix our eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful and the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace. To end, I wish to conclude this testimony with a quote:

“In reviewing our past history, having traveled over every step of advance to our present standing, I can say, Praise God! As I see what the Lord has wrought, I am filled with astonishment, and with confidence in Christ as leader. We have nothing to fear for the future, except as we shall forget the way the Lord has led us, and His teaching in our past history” (EGW)

(August 2015)