“All my life You have been faithful, All my life You have been so, so good With every breath that I am able, I will sing of the goodness of God”.
When I think of the goodness of Jesus Christ and what He has done for me, all I can do is give Him praise and live a life that is pleasing before Him. God has been beyond great to me; he has shown himself mighty and strong in my life. His favour was beyond human comprehension and his peace was ever near me.
God’s way
In July of last year, I started taking my driving lessons. I was told that if I did not buy my license I would never receive it because the examiners were going to fail me. Personally that was not a route I was willing to take. I was not going to be dishonest and cheat my way into getting my driving license.
I made a goal to take my driving lessons and acquire my driver’s license the right way. Despite having a busy schedule, I made the effort to take lessons whenever I had some time off from my schoolwork. I remained persistent and patient, because I knew that with God’s guidance, I would be able to achieve this goal.
Persevere
In February 2023, I went for my first driving exam. Although I felt prepared, I quickly realized that the exam was much more difficult than I had imagined.
On the first attempt in February, I passed the hill start and reversing section, but failed the parallel parking, hence I couldn't proceed. I failed again on my second attempt. I prayed to God and asked him for strength because I thought the examiner was being unfair. On my third attempt, I passed the parallel parking and went forward for the road test, which I failed.
Words could not explain how disappointed I felt in that moment.
For my good
The enemy has a way of showing up when he knows we are in vulnerable situations. It is so easy to give up on our goals when we are challenged.
I knew that in order to achieve this goal I just had to keep on trying and that anything was possible through God.
I told myself I would do this 10 times if I had to. I would not be pressured by the enemy, or by anyone to do the wrong thing. Through it all I was encouraged by my close friends to keep persevering.
I went to the examination depot and waited on my name to start my exam. This time I changed the vehicle I normally use for my exam. Although I was nervous, I knew that I was ready to take the exam again.
At the end of the road test I was the happiest person alive! I finally passed my driving exam! My heart was full of joy because I knew that with the help of God and my instructors I earned that success. I was honest and God worked it all out for my good, just as he had promised.
Trust God:
As children of God, we are not exempt from difficulty. Actually, we face hard times so that God can work out his purposes through us. God wants us to exit each season of testing being refined as pure gold. Let us be encouraged that whatever our situation is, we can bring it to Jesus. We should cast our cares on him because he deeply cares for us.
I trust with all my heart that once we are God’s children and we are walking uprightly, he will withhold nothing from us. Once we are faithful, God will work it all out for our good.
I am Victoria Richards, a fourth-year medical student at the University of the West Indies, Jamaica. Serving the Lord brings me joy. I enjoy sharing the gospel through singing, writing poetry and encouraging others.