Faith Through the Storm: How Jesus Guided Me from Rejection to Redemption

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.” James 1:12

I want to share how Jesus Christ and my faith carried me through one of the toughest seasons of my life. In 2009, I graduated from college, right in the middle of a harsh recession. Like so many others, I was eager to step into the world of work, but opportunities were scarce. I applied to over 100 jobs, receiving rejection after rejection, and I started to feel lost. But even in that uncertainty, I held onto my faith, trusting that God had a plan for me.

One day, while driving around, I ran into an old friend. We hadn’t seen each other in four years, but he remembered me from when we worked construction together. He told me he was excited to see me and talked to his boss about hiring me. I started working construction again, 60 hours a week in the blazing Florida sun. It was exhausting and at times felt hopeless, but I kept praying and trusting that this wasn’t the end of my story.

During this season, God spoke to me. He assured me He had more in store for me and told me to go back to school to earn my Master’s degree. It was hard to believe because of how impossible it seemed at the time. But when God speaks, you listen. I didn’t tell anyone my plans, though. Many people around me said I had “ruined my life” and that construction was all I’d ever be good for. Their words were heavy, but God’s strength lifted me up every day.

So, while working long days in construction, I woke up at 4 AM every morning to study for the entrance exam. I studied at night, too, after finishing my full day’s work. This went on for months, and there were many days I felt exhausted, unsure if I could make it through. But I leaned on my faith, knowing God would carry me when I couldn’t carry myself.

The day of my exam finally arrived, and wouldn’t you know it, my truck broke down. The testing center was 40 miles away, but I didn’t let that stop me. I grabbed my bike and left my house at 4 AM, determined to get there on time. Halfway through my ride, it started to rain. I stopped, covered my belongings with trash bags, and kept going. The ride was long and grueling, but God was with me every pedal of the way. Listening to worship music—Lecrae, Andy Mineo, Tedashii, and my favorite, Kareem Manuel’s “Until Forever”—kept me focused and reminded me of God’s promises.

When I finally arrived, I was drenched, while everyone else showed up dry in their cars. The testing room was cold, and I was soaking wet, but I didn’t let it phase me. The exam felt like the hardest test I had ever taken, and halfway through, fatigue set in. I could barely keep my eyes open. In that moment, I prayed for strength, and God gave it to me. I made it through the exam and then waited for what felt like the longest five minutes of my life. When the score finally appeared, I passed. Just enough to get into the college of my dreams.

I was soaking wet, but nothing could dampen my joy. God had been there for me every step of the way, even when things seemed impossible. He gave me the strength to keep pushing forward and reminded me that His plans are always bigger than mine. That day, I biked four hours home, celebrating my quiet victory with Him.

Soon after, I applied to several Master’s programs and was accepted into two universities. I put in my two weeks’ notice at the construction job, and while most people were upset, my supervisor, who had been like a father figure to me, said he was proud. That meant the world to me.

I went on to earn not just one, but two Master’s degrees. This journey wasn’t easy. God never promised that it would be. But He does promise to be with us through the trials and tribulations, and He always is. He gives us the strength to keep going, even when we’re ready to give up. If we trust Him, He leads us to the blessings He has in store, even when the road seems impossible.

So, if you’re going through something hard right now, don’t give up. God is working behind the scenes, moving mountains, even when you can’t see it. Have faith in His plan, believe in what He has in store for you, and remember—He is always with you.