Don't Count Me Out
Tiana sat at a table by herself at Taco Joe’s when she saw a familiar face walk toward her and wave at her. It was Melissa, Tiana’s college roommate. As Melissa got closer to Tiana’s table, she could see a look of despair written on her face. “What’s wrong?” Melissa asked as she sat down at the table. “Nothing. I just feel like life can be so tough at times,” she said sadly. “I know what you mean. It is tough. I’m so thankful we have Jesus. He is always with us in every season of our lives.” “I know, but what do you do when you feel God called you to do something and it doesn’t happen?” Tiana said with a sad look on your face. “What do you mean?” Melissa asked. “It all started one day when I was at work. I was trying to figure out what career move I should make. As you know, I work for a great company, but I feel God has called me to do more than work an 8-5. I thought to myself, “I have my bachelor’s, master’s, and I’m somewhat musically talented. I feel like God has blessed me with multiple talents and I want to use them all for his kingdom. “Mmmhh,” Melissa said as she nodded.
Three of my favorite things are writing, law, and singing. I asked God which route he wanted me to go and three things happened. I was at church one day and the pastor spoke about continued education. He said, “If you have your associate’s get your bachelor’s and so forth. Before each service, I prayed and ask God to speak to me. Melissa continued to listen to Tiana’s story. Another night, I went to bible study at a different church and one of my friends happen to be there too. I hadn’t told her my career struggles and I just continued to ask God for direction. She also had no idea I prayed about my career move. I approached her after church to tell her goodbye and she stopped me. She said, “I believe in my heart that you are going to be an attorney.” “Really? I remember in college you always talked about how much you wanted to be a lawyer,” Melissa said. I would always tell you and the girls that if y’all ever got in trouble to call me.” The pair chuckled.
Tiana continued her story. “I was taken back by what she said because nothing like this had happened before. I said, “Excuse me” because it caught me off guard.” She said it again, “I feel in my heart that you are going to be an attorney, but you need to pray about it.” I was so excited, and I continued to pray. The last thing that happened was I had a dream. In the dream I was at a church and there was a lady pastor that was preaching. She looked directly at me and said, “You are on the right track.” Instantly, I knew in my heart what she was talking about. She was referring to me going to law school.” “Wow! That definitely sounds like that could have been God speaking to you those three times.” “I know. After that, I enrolled in a prep course for the LSAT and a few months later I took the test and I did horribly. My heart was crushed because leading up to the prep course, I fast and prayed and I still didn’t do well. My friends and family encouraged me to study and take the test again, so I did. I took it a second time and I did better, but my score was still not good. When I took the GRE to get into the master’s program, I did horribly. By the grace of God, I got into graduate school and later received my master’s degree. I figured that since God came through before, he can certainly can do it again.”
“I submitted all my documentation and applied to law school despite my two failed tests. It seemed like an eternity for me to receive the decision. A few days ago, I finally received the decision and I had been rejected.” Tiana’s eyes began to fill up with tears as she spoke. “It’s ok girlie. This is all apart of God’s plan for your life,” she said as she handed Tiana a tissue from her purse. Tiana took the tissue and wiped her eyes. “It hurts because I went through the entire process of prepping for the test, taking it twice, to only get rejected. I honestly feel like this is what God called me to do and wham the door shut. It hurts so bad. I know that this is all part of God’s plan and that somehow a testimony will come out of this, but right now I just don’t see how,” Tiana said.” “It is tough. One thing I heard a pastor say that stuck with me is, “Don’t doubt in the dark what God has told you in the light. God placed this dream in your heart for a reason and if it is God’s will for you to be an attorney he is going to fulfill his promise. It may seem dark right now, but things are going to get better,” Melissa said.
“Thank you. The other day I had worship music on and I praised God and claimed my victory while in tears. Tears literally streamed down my face and I kept claiming my victory.” “That’s right. You claim the victory in faith. Also, make sure you continue to stay close to God even through this trial. It’s so easy to draw away from God when storms hit. When we are in a storm, the last thing we feel like doing is thanking God for anything. We may think, “How can I praise when my heart hurts? It’s in those times we need praise, pray and draw closer to him.” “You’re right. Everything you said is so true. That’s exactly how I felt. I was hurt and I honestly didn’t feel like praising, but I did it in spite my feelings.” “That’s awesome! Remember that God sees everything. We only see a small spec of the picture, but God can see the whole picture. He knows the necessary things you need to grow spiritually and he knows the things that you will face in the future. It may be devasting now, but it won’t be later. You tell the enemy and those that are around you, don’t count me out. You are not defeated. Pray and ask God to give you clarity and if he gives you the okay, study and retake that test again. He will take care of the rest.” “Aww, thank you so much. I really appreciate you.” You’re welcome. It’s not done till God says it’s done.” “You’re right. I’m not defeated, and all things work together for my good. Even this,” Tiana said. “That’s right,” Melissa said. The two women continued their conversation.
THE END