WEB NOVEL: SET APART

Written by Abby Caymol | Apr 4, 2024

Jeremiah

I’m unsure if it’s just me, but I didn’t have to run to catch the bus today. Instead, I stood in line with my colleagues and waited for it to arrive. It felt great to have extra morning time to look for a parking spot. However, as the bus ran late, I checked The Fruit app and saw that Abrielle had uploaded a new reel. I had already added her to my favorites list to watch any new encouragement videos she posted quickly. Her message in the video was: “Hi everyone! It’s Abrielle! Bringing you a daily dose of love! In 2 Timothy 2:21, If you keep yourself pure, you will be a particular utensil for honorable use. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the master to use you for every good work.” These words from the Lord guide us on how to lead a life that pleases God. We are special utensils trained to have a mindset focused on Jesus and ready to be used for every good work. I hope you feel encouraged today. God bless you, and have a great day!” The reel ended.

A particular Bible verse has uniquely spoken to me since I started watching Abrielle’s reels about God. This has made me curious to research more about it. Recently, I have been learning some valuable life lessons, and I am determined to work on improving the areas of my character that need strengthening. Standing at the bus stop, I hoped the back seat would be available. When the bus arrived, everyone boarded and selected their preferred seat. A little later, I noticed that Abrielle glanced in my direction while she was stuck rereading a book and sitting alone.

I glanced at the book the woman next to me was reading before taking a seat. The title of the book was “The Purpose Driven Life.” I checked my phone to see if there were any notifications. I searched for the book she was reading and learned that Pastor Rick Warren wrote it. The book seemed intriguing, so I read the synopsis, which piqued my interest. I plan to visit the bookstore on my days off to purchase it. In addition, I looked up 2 Timothy 2:21 and discovered that you will become a valuable tool for honorable purposes if you keep yourself pure. The first verse is quite profound and challenging. It is significant because although the outcome is satisfying, the expectations are high. It isn’t easy to keep oneself pure in our world.

I recently came across a verse that is quite significant. It reads, ‘Whoever practices this verse in their life and surpasses it deserves an honor.’ This got me thinking about the importance of self-discipline and following rules. I was reminded of a thought I had a couple of days ago about how athletes can win competitions because they are heavily equipped and trained for their events. This made me wonder if 2 Timothy 2:21 is connected to that idea. It states that if we have self-control and follow directions, we can become extraordinary vessels ready to be used for every good work. I’m curious if mastering self-control means we will be tested in more challenging situations to be used for even greater purposes.

I momentarily got disoriented on the bus. The ride was so jarring it felt like we were traversing a treacherous path. When we finally arrived at the shelter, I insisted Abrielle go inside the bus first before I stepped out. As we made our way towards the elevator, there were five of us, and I was trailing behind. When I turned left, I caught sight of Abrielle waiting for the elevator. It was a moment fraught with awkwardness as I harbored a deep desire to befriend her. She was scanning for an available elevator to open.

She stepped inside the elevator after it was finally opened, and I followed suit. The elevator door closed, and we were enveloped in complete silence. Being together with her inside the elevator felt like waiting for a very long time. She looked up at the arrow, indicating an upward direction. Eventually, the elevator door opened, and we went our separate ways. I won’t deny that I may not be fully prepared for everything I’m learning almost daily, but I could someday be a vessel of hope for someone. 

Abrielle

I called Mama Selam on the phone and asked her when her next doctor’s appointment was. She said it was in a few days and asked me to help her find the clinic location. She also mentioned that it was a different clinic from the one we went to before. I promised to visit her tomorrow before going to work to schedule her appointment. After our conversation, I went to the kitchen to check on my dad, but he wasn’t there. I found him in the living room on a sad phone call. I decided to go to my room and prepare for the night quietly.

I am having trouble falling asleep even though it’s already past 10 PM. I am lying in bed and staring at the sky. I can’t stop thinking about when Jeremiah and I were in the elevator together. My heart rate slowed when we were alone in the elevator, and I felt calmer. There was a connection between us, but I can’t explain it. All I know is I felt comfortable and at ease when he was beside me. Suddenly, my phone notification rings, and I see that User0543777 has messaged me. This user often comments on my reels, and I appreciate their encouragement. However, something about this user makes me feel like I know them.

“Hello, Abrielle! Today, I watched your video about 2 Timothy 2:21, and it inspired me to live a life set apart for God. Your words encouraged me, and if I keep myself dedicated to God, He will uniquely use me to inspire others, just like you do.” He messaged me. Someone I don’t know also messaged me on my other social media accounts, but I don’t recognize them. I’m considering posting my story on Blessbook, where I can see who views my posts. My story is public, so anyone who visits my profile can see the encouragement I share about God.

Since I connected with User0543777, I’ve noticed that some unknown viewers are watching my stories, but their names don’t appear. I’m not sure if User0543777 is one of them, but I hope they found my content uplifting. I sent them a private message saying, “Hi, User0543777; thank you for watching my reels. I hope that God will continue to use you to encourage others. Keep the faith! God bless you!” After that, I closed The Fruit app and checked my post on Blessbook. Others had already viewed it.

I closed my eyes and prayed to God, “Lord, first of all, thank you for making me an instrument to share your word. I pray that you bless the hearts of everyone who comes across my encouragement videos. If any hindrances prevent them from getting closer to you, please break down the walls that are in the way between you and them. May you keep us apart from worldly standards and touch our hearts to abide in you. I love you, Lord.” After finishing my prayers, I remembered Jeremiah and prayed again to God, “Lord, there is another person I want to pray for, Jeremiah. I know that you see everything that is happening in my heart. This is the first time I prayed for Jeremiah. Please protect his heart, Lord, and if anything in his life needs you, please reign in his heart. May he taste and see the joy of loving you. I ask humbly, in the mighty name of Jesus, amen.”