By Mercy Zou Taithul

While I was in college, I couldn’t wait to get out of college and start my adult life. And then, within a blink of an eye, I am in my senior year at Augsburg University, wondering what the future held.

My senior year had both challenges and joys; it was a tough year for me dealing with anxiety and depression. As the restrictions around COVID-19 eased, most gatherings switched back to in-person events; it was nice to be back to normal life again. I felt my leadership skills increase by participating in favored organizations; my confidence returned, and I was able to make a bunch of new friends.

During my last semester, life started to get real and scary. It was filled with both excitement and worry. For instance, I was really excited for my commencement, yet it scares me when I think about what’s next for me.

Still, while I do believe that God will open doors for me, it is a natural human reaction, when facing anguish, to be stressed. We sometimes overthink the variety of futures before us because we don’t know what will happen even in the next single second.

Life can also change that quickly if God intervenes. My faith and hope cause me to believe that deeply.

TO MAKE A LONG story short, I didn’t have my Optional Practical Training (OPT), an apartment, or a job. So, in July I moved down to Atlanta, Georgia, to stay with my close family uncle and aunt at their house.

(I do want to mention that being an international student is a lot more challenging than being a domestic student. Why? Not only do we not have our family here for support, we have to figure everything on our own, even while continuing to carry some part of responsibility for our family back home.)

“Still, while I do believe that God will open doors for me, it is a natural human reaction, when facing anguish, to be stressed.”

I quite enjoyed Georgia’s warm and sunny weather. It was wonderful to be with my aunt and her family. During my time there, my aunt, uncle, and I were searching for jobs, but we had no luck. One day, I got an email that my OPT was approved and I was overjoyed, yet I still had no job to start. I prayed at the very moment, “Thank you God for what I just receive, I know you hear my prayers. Now, it’s been more than three months. I’m ready to work, if you think it’s time show me what you have in store for me. If not, give me the patience to wait for your timing. Amen.”

Then, one afternoon a pastor from Augsburg and I were chatting over phone. I explained my current situation. Not too long after we hung up the phone, he sent me the application form for a position in “faith practices and neighboring practices” with the Minneapolis Area Synod. I looked at the job description and was very interested in its focus, mainly because it says in the Bible: “Love thy neighbors as you love yourself.” During my lifetime, I want to serve the Lord in this way and share the gospel.

I CAN CONFIDENTLY say that the position of Assistant for Administration and Communications for Faith Practices and Neighboring Practices is indeed a calling for me. I believe that God opened this door for me, because after hunting jobs for three months, I got this job in three days. (Amen.)

To my surprise, this position is more than what I had imagined. In just two months, I have been able to meet an amazing group of people. I have learned so much, including from my synod staff colleagues; Dr. Catherine Meeks, the featured speaker at the 2023 Bishop’s Theological Conference; and Peter Block, who spoke at the opening Faith Practices and Neighboring Practices Retreat. Being surrounded by such people (and the synod staff’s weekly Wednesday devotion) keep me feeling connected to God.

“I believe that God opened this door for me, because after hunting jobs for three months, I got this job in three days.”

Psalm 121 says, “I lift up my eyes to the mountains. Where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” When Mary and Martha waited for Jesus after their brother Lazarus died, Jesus showed up in four days even though the sisters gave up. Having no hope, they asked Jesus why he waited so long. But Jesus rolled the stone away and told Lazarus to “wake up.” And, someone scream and said, “He’s alive!” These are the two main things that I remind myself in every circumstance – to know where my help comes from and to be patient, putting my trust in God.

Friends, if you’re struggling today or not receiving what you’ve been praying for or wondering why Jesus is not answering to your prayers, I want you to remember that he’s working on it; he has a better plan for you; and he will make it happen on his time. Trust his timing, and don’t stop praying because he’s closer than you think.