Web Novel: SET APART

Written by Abby Caymol | Mar 20, 2024

Abrielle

I have been single for seven years. While I admire some people, nothing has materialized into a relationship. My life has been dedicated to serving God and supporting my dad. My mom left us when I was 15 years old, and since then, my dad has never dated anyone. He has devoted his life to caring for me and serving at the Church. My dad’s commitment to his ministry has greatly inspired me. Psalm 136:1 says, “Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good. His love endures forever.” Despite everything, my dad has always been grateful. He has taught me that God’s love can overcome any challenge. Even on the darkest days, His love remains.

I am still determining where I got this character trait, but I inherited it from my Dad. He’s a very strong person who has gone through a lot in life. He has always advised me to never give up, especially on love, because love covers a multitude of sins. When my Mom passed away, my Dad became both a father and a mother to me. Despite his difficulties, he never complained about anything, even in tough times. Whenever people ask him how he raised me over the past few years, he always answers that Jesus was his fortress, keeping him on solid ground. He believes that everything he needed for us was provided from above.

“Dad?” I called out hesitantly as he washed the dishes. “Yes, Joy?” my dad replied. My parents had given me the nickname Joy. Dad told me he and Mom were overjoyed when I was born. They were filled with happiness when they first laid eyes on me, and even while I was still in the womb, they called me Joy.

“Dad, I want to know the secret to enduring and contentment,” I asked my Dad. “Well, both have different meanings but are connected in one. The secret to rooted endurance and contentment is having your faith anchored in Jesus,” he replied. His response was enlightening. “Faithfulness is the key to God’s heart,” he added. “When you are faithful, it will give you the same attitude of mind that Christ Jesus had. Jesus endured the cross and death because of His love for us. Secondly, when Jesus broke the chain of selfishness, He replaced it with appreciation, selflessness, and contentment. He is the author and key holder of the secrets that lead to a righteous life for God,” he explained. “But now, these secrets have been revealed to us,” he added.

I love having conversations with my Dad. Although I appreciate his bright explanations, he often reminds me of Proverbs 2:1, 5-6, and 10. “My son, If you accept my words and store up my commands within you, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth comes knowledge and understanding. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.”

My dad is a devout believer who acknowledges and praises God in everything he does. Whether he is washing dishes or achieving something great, he always gives thanks to God, who he believes is the ultimate source of knowledge and wisdom. “Thanks for sharing that with me, Dad. It’s something I’d like to ponder before I go to sleep,” I remarked. “Cool beans,” Dad responded casually.

I went to my room, cleaned up, and lay on my bed, which felt cold and refreshing. Fall is almost here, and I’m excited about it. My room was dimly lit and freezing, with only the light from my lampshade illuminating my Bible on my side table. I wish my fairy lights were working, as they usually help me to sleep.

As I gazed at my Bible illuminated by a small ray of light from the lampshade, I reflected on my father’s earlier words about the importance of endurance and contentment.

Out of nowhere, I felt a sudden pain in my heart. I realized that I needed to manage whatever emotions I had for Jeremiah and learn to be content with what I already had in my life. I am passionate about spreading the gospel, and spending time with God brings me immense joy. I am content with everything I have and don’t need anything more. However, some things have added to my happiness, and I fear this newfound joy might distract me from my love for God. 

“Dear Heavenly Father, please guide me in the right direction. Grant me the same knowledge and wisdom you have blessed my Dad with. Lord, give me a heart that can withstand disappointments when your answer to my prayers is no. Help me find contentment in the fact that my true joy is found in You. I pray all this in the mighty name of Jesus.”