His Sovereignty in My Uncertainty – A Testimony

Photo by Eliza Tan

         2016. This past year has been eventful, with many mountains to climb, valleys to travel, and rivers to cross. There have been times of drought and times of storm. And yet, through it all, I find that this is one of the years for which I am most grateful. It was during the past twelve months when I see God come to the forefront of the tapestry of my life. There were many crossroads, which stressed me out and drove me crazy, but I could see that the hand of the Lord has always been there. I think I could summarize my year as: God working in His sovereignty in the midst of my uncertainty.

          Choosing a college was difficult. I was unable to visit any of the campuses I was considering as they lied half a world away. I could only make my decision based on the colleges’ websites, other “college review” webpages, emails with admission counselors, and financial information. Choosing the university I did was a big step of faith for me, and I was pleasantly surprised as I saw how God, in His small, special ways, confirmed that decision multiple times.

          The Lord has reminded me time and time again that He is always with me and that He is all I need. One time, early in my first semester at college, I was emotionally down in the dumps. It was one of the times when I was on the verge of depression. I was sitting alone at lunch when a senior student I had never met before unexpectedly joined me at the table. We talked and I shared with him what I was going through. As the conversation went on, he encouraged me, and I left feeling that he was God-sent and that perhaps it was God’s way of saying that He was still with me. This example, in addition to a number of other instances, showed me how God could speak through situations, events, and people. I am learning to tune my spirit to His and to find His message even in the smallest things.

         I struggled a lot, and I learned many things. I saw myself in a new light, and I am working to see others as Christ sees them. Now, at the end of the year, I continue to meet many people and experience new things. My life is continuing to unfold, and I’m excited to see where God takes me. I am starting to see life as an adventure with my Heavenly Father. Many things are still uncertain, with many decisions to make, but I believe that one day I will look back and say that the Lord has been faithful, always with me at every crossroad.

I walk by faith and not by sight,
For the Spirit of God will be my light.
In times of need, I call to Him,
For He is faithful, through thick and thin.
When I am lost, He is my guide;
When in the dark, He is my light.
He is my strength; He takes my hand;
He picks me up, just as I am.

When times are tough, and skies are bleak,
When roads are long, and stars are hid,
I will reach out, grasping all around,
And find that though I was searching, I was actually found.
I’ll find my grip on His outstretched hand,
And I’ll hold on, knowing He has a plan.
I’ll walk by faith and not by sight,
For the Spirit of God will be my light.

Blessings,

Nathanael Chong