Tonight I found out from my mom that two of my high school friends, Pat and Joy, successfully transferred to the University of the Philippines Diliman and will be enrolling there this coming school year. When I heard the news, I was so happy for them I congratulated both of them on Facebook. It was touching to read all those heartfelt messages from our batchmates expressing their happiness for their recent success, just like when they found out I made it to the dean’s list for the first time last year. It was overwhelming to know that everyone is happy for each one’s triumphs, for the fruit of their labor, and for the sacrifices paid off.
I entitled this “Not now, but later” because of this shattering truth: God has a way of answering our prayers; truly, He always answers us with yes, no, or wait. If it would lead us to the direction He wants to lead us with, He answers our prayers. Unfortunately, if we want it so badly but God thinks it is not right for us, then He says no and can lead to disappointment. On the bright side, when something is in the cards for us but is not yet the right moment to happen, He tells us to wait for the proper time.
Let’s take this for example: you have this childhood dream of becoming a doctor. Why? According to the press, doctors make a huge sum of money, travel abroad, cure the sick people, have the title “MD” next to your full name, and most of all, a good reputation. So in your elementary and high school years, you excel in Science particularly in Biology. Then the time for college applications arrive, you choose a pre-med course as your first choice. Time flies and the decisions arrive. The envelope is in your hand, waiting for your triumph or heartbreak, and you open it…to your heart’s dismay. According to the letter, this university wants you to avail of one of their available slots in Communication Arts. The days go by, you confirm your slot in that course, and you have doubts running in your mind. You ask to yourself, “Why am I here in Communication Arts if all I wanted is to be a doctor?” Your dreams were shattered by not getting qualified in your first choice, but you suddenly realize that something better is in store for you. So you go to college, learn your major, and unexpectedly enjoy it. In the end, you graduate with a degree in your backup course in addition to getting a reputable job. You ask again, “What my life would have been had I taken pre-med?" The answer: life would be so much different. Chances are, you might not get the success or happiness you had when you took up Communication Arts.
God really moves in His mysterious ways, that’s why He always tells us to wait whenever we pray for something that might not yet be right at the meantime. You might not get that dream the first time, but as you persevere you get closer to it until you finally succeed. Take a look at Joy and Pat - in fact, the three of us share the same experience. When college decisions arrived in January last year, we were saddened to know that we didn’t get in our dream schools. Despite the rejection, we didn’t let it take over our journey as college freshmen. We believed that God has better plans for us. So while I did everything to prove to everyone that I deserve to be in DLSU even with all the backlash, Joy and Pat never gave up on their goal to get into their dream schools. A year later, happy to say God has answered our prayers. Aside from being successful in our own right, my two friends finally succeeded in transferring to the premier state university in the Philippines. At last, they were able to get what they wanted and what is right for them. I guess it was God’s way to let them realize that all things work together for good.
With the good news I’ve heard about my two friends seeing their goals fulfilled, I reflected once again on the road that has been the past year. Before I went to college, I wasn’t really excited knowing that I would be studying in a university that was not my priority. But a year later, I cannot thank God enough for being a Lasallian. Aside from being in a course I am interested in, I would not have been happier in my life right now if not for the friends I’ve made and for the opportunities handed out to me. To rephrase what I said in the previous paragraph, God makes everything work together on our behalf.
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and he will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6)
