WEB NOVEL: SET APART

Written by Abby Caymol | May 7, 2024

Abrielle

As I was heading towards the Employee Parking Lot, I stopped by a store to buy fresh fall flowers to display on our kitchen countertop. It would be lovely to have breakfast with beautiful fall flowers in front of me. While looking at the flower arrangements, my heart felt full because of the vibrant fall colors. I also realized my birthday is coming up soon, and I wonder who else has a birthday this month. I have already selected the flowers I want, which include roses, petunias, dahlias, chrysanthemums, asters, and carnations. It was pure bliss to have them. I wish tulips were in season, as I would have included them in my selection. After paying for the flowers, I left the store and headed to the Employee Parking Lot.

Upon my arrival, I took a deep breath and enjoyed the sweet scent of the flowers I had brought. I placed them in the back seat of my car and felt a sense of joy and contentment in my heart. I felt grateful to God for the peace and happiness I was experiencing that morning. 

As I waited at the bus shelter, I noticed another bus approaching. I felt nervous, wondering if Jeremiah would be on that bus. When my bus finally arrived, I got on and sat in my usual spot. The bus was headed towards the last shelter, and I kept glancing out the window, hoping to see Jeremiah. 

Finally, I saw him running towards the bus, just as he always did. Seeing him board the bus and take his usual seat filled me with even more joy. Although it sometimes feels like our friendship takes a long time to develop, I know it’s all in God’s hands. It will happen in His perfect timing if it’s meant to be.

I remember a verse from 2 Peter 3:8-9 that says, “But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” 

In my heart, I want to befriend Jeremiah, but I feel that God wants me to wait and trust in Him. Even though I see Jeremiah on the bus daily, I don’t want to make a move just because of my desire to befriend him and my attraction towards him. I believe that my faith in God is more important than my emotions. The Lord keeps His promises quickly, so I trust He will guide me in the right direction.

As we approached the stop, I touched my forehead and suddenly felt a headache. I started preparing my belongings, and we both got off the bus. We walked towards the elevator, but Jeremiah walked ahead and into the other elevator. We got on separately. When I got off the elevator, I walked towards the bridge and saw Jeremiah walking in the opposite direction towards the bridge as well. I watched him until he reached the escalator going up.

Meanwhile, I received a message from The Fruit app from Username0543777. They asked if we could be friends and Bible study together someday. I replied, agreeing to be friends but letting them know I hadn’t done a live Bible study before. We ended the conversation, and I put my phone in my bag. I then peeked through the large glass window of the bridge that connects to the airport.

Walking on this bridge feels slow even to me, who understands slowness. However, the Lord has taught me to be patient and trust in His plan. God loves me so much that He doesn’t want me to pursue my own will, which may lead me into trouble someday. I need to train my mind to understand that God’s timing in fulfilling my heart desires to protect me, no matter how long I wait. If I submit myself to God’s plan and care, I will come to understand His ways. Can anything separate us from Christ’s love? Indeed, nothing in all of creation can ever separate us from the love of God.

Jeremiah

As I left the elevator, I noticed Abrielle walking towards the bridge. I entered the bridge first and felt uneasy, knowing she was right behind me. I reminisced about our recent fishing trip with Mr. Jose Ferrer to clear my head. His story was about the significant role time played in his life. He couldn’t make it work despite knowing what was right until God intervened. He waited so long for God’s promise that he didn’t even know what he was waiting for. As I walked past the large glass windows on the bridge, I couldn’t help but relate to Mr. Ferrer’s past. I wondered how long I would wait. 

I read a scripture recently that says, “Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath.” God had already confirmed the promise with an oath long before I asked this question. Therefore, it is only a matter of waiting. Every day, I want to be encouraged by the hope set before me. Mr. Ferrer shared a verse from Hebrews 6, which encouraged me to take hold of the hope in God’s promises as an anchor for our soul, firm and secure. Only Jesus can enter on our behalf to do this work. As I went up the escalator, I noticed Abrielle looking at me in my peripheral vision. Another thought filled my mind. I knew God’s word had enlightened me, and I wanted to remain steadfast.

I’m still struggling with the fear of losing my friends and being called names once they find out about my journey to getting to know God. I can’t deny it; I am slowly starting to taste and see God’s goodness in my life, even in small details. Every day, I have to hide my feelings about God, and it feels like I’m falling away. I thought that the seed God planted in me was no longer an infant who needed milk but was mature and needed solid food trained to distinguish between good and evil. As I walked through the checkpoint, some officers greeted me, and I said hi. I saw my friends waiting for me. I knew I had a purpose and wanted to hold unswervingly to the hope I professed, for I believe that God, who made a promise, is faithful. Someday, I will be open with my friends about my beliefs. I must be faithful and patient, knowing I will inherit what has been promised someday.