WEB NOVEL: SET APART

Written by Abby Caymol | Jun 9, 2024

Abrielle

It has been four days since Mama Selam has been able to work. Her daughter came from Portland, Oregon, to be by her side. While I am concerned that Mama Selam is now in the hospital, I am relieved that her daughter is here to support her during this difficult time. Since her daughter has been taking care of her, I have not had the chance to meet her in person due to the busy schedule revolving around Mama Selam’s medical situation. However, we have been communicating through text messages. She expressed her gratitude towards me for being there for Mama Selam throughout the years in Seattle. I told her that Mama Selam has been a treasured part of my life and has stood by me like a mother. Although I wanted to visit Mama Selam, her condition does not allow visitors. I can only wait for updates from her daughter.

Someone named Username0543777 from the Fruit app messaged me, asking to meet at the airport because they also work there. I felt my heart race. Could it be Jeremiah? I don’t want to dwell on such thoughts anymore. All I know is that I was able to encourage Username0543777 through God’s guidance. But truthfully, I’m feeling nervous. If it’s not Jeremiah, I shouldn’t be disappointed. I offer encouragement because of my faith in God, not to seek Jeremiah’s attention. I’ve realized that temptation takes different forms, such as lack of self-control, living a double life, pride, and more. One can easily indulge in temptation without caution by unquestioningly giving in to it. In doing so, one ignores the guidance of the Holy Spirit with a simple thought: “It’s okay.” Doing this removes you from God’s promised land or resting place.

Hebrews 4:11 states, “Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will perish by following their example of disobedience.” Consider taking a different path if you feel lost after straying from God’s rest or the promised land. Trust in the guidance of the Spirit of God. How can you find a different path? Stay connected to the vine, which is Jesus, and resist your worldly desires. I’m unsure whether I’ve been chosen for this world or God’s kingdom because of my feelings for Jeremiah. I agreed to meet with Username0543777. Feeling confused about meeting someone shows that my worldly desires are stronger than my spiritual pursuits.

I feel blessed that my sharing about God is encouraging to someone, regardless of who that person may be. These thoughts came to me as I was on the bus, gazing at the pouring rain on my way back to the employee parking lot. I can’t help but wonder who this person is. It has been raining a lot this autumn, and I hope Jeremiah is doing well. He’s not on the bus today, and I’m curious if he will be getting off late. The journey to the employee parking lot seems never-ending. Many things are yet to unfold, and I’m prepared for whatever comes my way.

Jeremiah

“Every day, they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” – Acts 2:46-47

Mr. Jose Ferrer sent me an encouraging text about togetherness. He mentioned that even though we may be in different parts of the body, we are one in Christ. He expressed gratitude for our friendship and hoped to see me soon. I responded, expressing my encouragement through his message and saying that I would visit him soon. Mr. Jose Ferrer was the only friend who checked on me and emphasized the importance of fellowship. I agree that togetherness is a blessing, usually propelled by being in one accord.

If we see God, the light, we will walk with him in light. Therefore, the bond of fellowship with one another is present. While lost in thought, my notification sounded, and I saw another post from Abrielle sharing her thoughts about being lost in the wilderness and how to find a way out. This echoes Mr. Jose Ferrer’s earlier message about the importance of sticking together. We need the support of our fellow believers. If we wander away from the flock, we will find ourselves lured into things apart from God. When we gather together to eat, we should do so with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all. Just the thought of going away should be impossible to entertain.

I rarely see Mr. Jose Ferrer, but he has tried to connect with me. This connection has inspired me to know God more and to read His word. His friendship has pushed me to do things I wouldn’t normally do, such as reading books about God and changing my thought patterns. Speaking of changing my thought patterns, I kept thinking about Abrielle being Mr. Jose Ferrer’s daughter. If that’s the case, I don’t know what to do. I will let God be in control of the situation. I placed the book I was reading on my chest as I was distracted by my thoughts. Suddenly, I received a text message from Eden. She said, “Bro, check Abrielle’s story.” So, I went to her Blessbook and saw her story. It wasn’t the usual encouraging post, but a picture of her hand attached to an IV fluid, taken in the hospital with a message that said, “Home for tonight.” 

For the first time, I will talk to her.