Student Servant

Life as a student is indeed difficult. In order to enter a particular profession, you need to make physical and mental efforts in studying all your lessons.

I started serving the Lord through dancing at the age of 10 (5th grade). Two years later, I stopped in the ministry because I needed to focus on my studies. But later on, I found my way back in serving Him through the multimedia ministry. I was appointed as one of the satellite coordinators at the age of 15. I was full of doubt at that time and told the Lord that I was not ready for the leadership He had entrusted me because of my young age and because of the feeling that I might not be able to balance my studies and my ministry. But then He said in 1 Timothy 4:12, “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.”  I was so afraid then because I thought I might not be a top student anymore since being a leader is not an easy task. Then He spoke to me saying, “My child, do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand (Isaiah 41:10).”

I spent most of my time at church doing my responsibilities while being busy for the Kingdom; I didn’t even notice that God had already poured His blessings in my studies. The Lord never fails in keeping His word. In the middle of the busyness for the one-week national event of the church (Outpour Worship Camp 2016), I received a message from our school principal saying that I needed to be ready with my valedictory speech. I was so surprised and speechless. I couldn’t even say a word because I was already bursting in tears. I finished 10th Grade as a Valedictorian (April 2016). I couldn’t stop myself from saying, “I love you, Lord” over and over again. He has fulfilled His promise that He will be with me.

But the Lord’s provision and blessing did not stop there. After the church’s national event, I was appointed as the Multimedia Support Head. It was indeed another BIG responsibility for me. I once experienced God’s faithfulness in my life so I did not doubt Him.

In the middle of my Senior High School life, overlapping responsibilities came along the way. I was struggling  for being a Student Council leader, a regular student, a church leader and a daughter all at once. To cut the story short, after months of struggling I gave up my ministry and started focusing more on my studies. Then I realized it was a tough year without God. I couldn’t even have my devotion and read the Bible because of the stress and worst, I experienced depression and I started isolating myself from a lot of people. But His word in Psalm 45:6, saying, “God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day” reminded me of His unconditional love and unending grace. I was faithless at that time, but He remained faithful in keeping His promises that He will be with me each step of the way.

 

Last March 27, 2017, I received an academic award (entitled With High Honor). I don’t deserve this success, but God chose to bless me and my studies over my stubborn heart. He remained  faithful even though I’m faithless. It was indeed His trophy in my life and all I have to do is to be a living testimony for His greater glory.

Being a student and a servant at the same time is indeed exhausting. But without God, you’ll be going through a dull and drained life. To all the students who are struggling, I encourage you, pray not merely for your studies and exams, but may we also learn to discipline ourselves and be good stewards of our time so that we can really use it for God.