Faith and Trust

We can all admit that times recently have been tough. For me, the last half of my high school senior year was cut short due to COVID-19. I don’t even remember my last day of high school.

I had worked so hard in the classroom to be given the honor of Salutatorian for my class at Tri-Cities Christian Academy, and had also done well as a dual athlete. My plan was to attend Carson-Newman University on a Track and Field scholarship in the fall. Sadly though, my track season ended before it even could start up and left me without a scholarship. My dream had always been to become a college athlete and compete, but that door closed.

It would have been very easy to get down and be sad, but I knew God was with me. I prayed and prayed trying to find what I thought was peace about this pandemic. A message that Mr. Matt Murphy taught about peace really changed a paradigm in my mind that has helped me stay positive. He said, “Peace, in most people’s minds, is whatever someone is going through, if you pray about it, it will go away. But peace is having assurance and confidence that in any situation, God is in control and He will always be with you.” This really hit home with me. Having that true peace let me put full trust in the Lord and the plans He has for me. Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” This has become my life verse that I will always hold onto. Even though I may be just an 18 year old kid, there have been many hardships and struggles in my life. Knowing that God is good and He will provide for me, as well as for anyone who puts their trust in Him, has made all the difference.

A great characteristic about Grace Fellowship that I love is the want to stay connected with people. On Sundays, I watch the livestream of the main service. After the message, I get on my computer and enter a Zoom call with my Vertical small group, which is a 6th grade group I co-lead with Mr. Andy Oligny. Also, the Grace Students senior guys have a Zoom call in the afternoon so that we can talk and maintain those connections. It is truly amazing that with all in the world that is going on, we can meet up online and still learn and teach and give the Good News to others.

Recently, God has been working in my life and has set up a new route that I will go on. I love tinkering with engines and mechanical objects and will now be attending Northeast State Community College where I’ll study for an airframe aviation license to become an aviation specialist.

Yes, these are tough times, and that wasn’t my plan, but God knows everything and He will provide for us all. Remaining faithful through the hard times and trusting in Him allows us to see His blessings instead of disappointments. I trust in His plan for me.

Adam Pigeon