Life can have more than one act, more than one chapter. Sometimes when you start a new chapter later in life, you are more focused and determined to be the best you can be. God gives us the privilege of renewing our minds every day.
When I graduated high school all I wanted to do was to get a job and get my own apartment. I realize now that if you don’t have plans for your future, it’s subject take off in any direction, maybe good, maybe bad. In my case I got married and started having children because that’s what everyone else was doing.
Growing up, whenever someone would ask me what I wanted to be, I would always say I wanted to be a teacher. I have always dreamed of being a teacher, but by not having planned out my life, I just went with the flow. So, after working on a job for more than 30 years, I decided to go back to school.
Going back to school was a real challenge for me because now, I have a husband and a grandchild. It took everything in me to stay focused and keep up with my classes. School had always been easy for me but having been out for so long, I was struggling. I found myself praying, "Lord just let me get through this semester. I'm having a problem trying to study. I don’t know why I decided to put such a burden on myself." I found myself praying everyday and every time I worked on assignments. Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”, became my mantra. Whenever people would ask me how do you do it, I would repeat my scripture to them. I didn't focus on my struggles. I didn't talk about how long I'd been out of school. I just focused on God's promise.
I know it wasn’t me, it was God who strengthened me. The bible tells us to be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
With this scripture in my heart, starting college at the age of 50, I was able to accomplish an associate degree, a bachelor's degree and two master’s degrees while working a full time job, working on a certification and taking care of my family. Now I have been a teacher (which was my dream) for 16 years and plan to retiring after this school year. I am eagerly looking forward to the next chapter of my life. Look at God work. To God be the Glory.
Let me off you this daily dose of scripture to strengthen and encourage you today.
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
Bertha Allen, a native of Cuney, Texas, was raised in Dallas. She is a graduate of Paul Quinn College and Dallas Baptist University, where she received degrees in Business Management. A charter member of Church on the Rock Community Fellowship, Bertha is a widow and has four daughters and two grandchildren.
Amen! It is never too late! Thank you for this message of encouragement to keep moving forward. With God I can do all things because he is my strength!