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all know the verse, Jeremiah 29:11 which says, “’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.’” For me, this would become my life verse. After re-dedicating my life to Jesus in 2016, I watched others serving in their churches and fulfilling their God-given purposes. I started praying and asking the Lord what my purpose was. I began looking at the talents God gave me, wondering if I was supposed to use one of those talents to fulfill my purpose. There was such a burning in my heart to do God’s will, but I knew that all I wanted to do was help people.

In November 2020, years later, Jacob Hickman preached a message on water baptism that changed my life. In the message, he spoke about not being able to step into your destiny unless you have been water baptized. At the end of the message, he said that he knew there were people in the congregation who wanted to be baptized but were too afraid, and he said if anyone wanted to be water baptized that they should come forward. I was one of those people who were scared. I was saved at the age of thirteen and never had the courage to do it, so I put it off. My heart was racing, and I was scared. I knew I needed help to step out. I turned around to my beautiful sister in Christ, April Saul, and asked her if she would come with me. She did, and I will never forget that special moment when she would be so humble to do that for me. Being water baptized was the most wonderful feeling in all the world.

 

In April 2021, I attended the worship and prophetic conference and received a prophecy from Wayne Drain. It talked about a “dream in my heart that was alive and well, and that I should take faith steps toward that dream.” Only I didn’t know what the dream was. I began praying over the prophecy, telling God that only He knows what this means, and I was believing that He would reveal it in its proper time.

 

God’s response to my continued prayers over it came in July of the same year. I was in my quiet time, and I heard the Lord say that I was going to be an addiction counselor. I did not make the connection at the time that this was what the prophecy was speaking of. That morning, I was listening to a sermon in which some ladies that had been battling addictions talked about how Jesus saved their lives. Immediately, I knew this is what I was born to do. Not only would I be able to help people overcome their addictions, but also help to bring people into the kingdom of God since He is truly the only way to freedom.

 

You see, God saved my husband and I from alcohol addiction in 2016. Also, both of my grandfathers and my dad were addicted to alcohol. That is the environment that I was raised in. In an instant, I knew that God was going to use those experiences in my own life to help others battling addiction.

 

Another one of my life verses is Genesis 50:20 that says, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.”

After I received the call from God, I began to do some research on addiction counseling and what would be required. It is a long journey that entails both a bachelor’s and master’s degree, three-thousand supervision hours, and a provisional and permanent license. I had no idea where I was supposed to go to school, how I would find the time to attend school, or how I would pay for school. Some people might let these thoughts deter them and not pursue their calling. I always think of Matthew 22:14 when I tell this story. It says, “For many are called, but few are chosen.” Another part of the prophecy I had received says to “turn down the volume on the doubts playing in your head.” God already knew that I would have these questions, but He didn’t want me to doubt His plan for my life. So, I didn’t waste any time.

I prayed that God would soften my husband’s heart so that he would understand that God was calling me to do this. I presented the idea to my husband, and he agreed that he would be there to support me as I fulfilled my calling. Then I began researching schools. There were so many choices that I was getting overwhelmed. I pulled out the prophecy and told God, “You said that I was going to be an addiction counselor, so You’re going to have to tell me where I am supposed to go to school.” I had a short list, and the school God chose for me was not on that short list. However, thank God that He did not allow me to choose. The school He chose for me was Liberty University and I was to enroll in online school so that I can continue to be a wife to my husband and keep my full-time job to pay for college. God confirmed to me several times that I was supposed to enroll there, but the first sign I received is when I called the school to find out about their counseling program. I knew from their website that they were a Christian university, but the girl on the phone didn’t mention God once. I shared that observation with her. She came alive after I said that and began talking about all the ways God is incorporated into every textbook, every assignment, and even how the professors send you encouragement, Bible verses, and even devotionals during your courses. She then asked me if she could pray with me, and I knew from that moment that I was supposed to attend that school. I enrolled to begin classes in January 2022. In the meantime, I made an office in my house and purchased a computer and office supplies so that I would be ready.

 

I was also forty when God called me, so I began teaching myself math using YouTube videos and math books I purchased since I was a little rusty.

 

After attending for two and a half years, I am set to finish my bachelor’s degree on December 13th of this year and am enrolled in the master’s program beginning January 13th, 2025. My bachelor’s degree is in psychology for addiction and recovery with a minor in Christian counseling, and my master’s degree will be in clinical mental health where I will work in the field of addiction and recovery. God has blessed me abundantly during these past three years. He is teaching me so much academically and spiritually. The Holy Spirit is present with me in every assignment. I have made the Dean’s List every semester thus far and have a GPA of 3.97. I never in a million years would have imagined I would go back to school or that I would get even one A much less all the A’s I have received. I was also able to pay for my entire degree out of pocket without student loans. I say all this to give glory to God because all of this is not because of anything I’ve done but what He has done in and through me. Having a full-time job, taking care of my responsibilities at home, and being a full-time student, I don’t have time for much else. I know it will all pay off in due time though.

 

Oh, and if you’re wondering, the girl from Liberty University who prayed on the phone with me was right about everything. Every professor sends me devotionals, scriptures, and prays for me. I get to talk about God in all my assignments and with all my classmates. It is truly the best thing in the world!

 

Lastly, I want to offer encouragement that if God hasn’t answered your prayers about what you are supposed to be doing for the Kingdom, don’t give up. He will reveal it in His timing and in His way. When He does call you, be one of the chosen and follow His lead. Even if it scares you, just do it afraid with Him by your side. He is not going to call you to do something that He did not place the potential in you to do. If you want to know more about going back to school, online college, or even about Liberty University, please contact me. I’ve been through it and can offer some guidance and encouragement. God Bless!

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