Web Novel: SET APART

Jeremiah

After the incident at the checkpoint with Abrielle, I found myself sweating. I’m unsure if it was because of the warmth inside the airport due to the heater blasting or because I was wearing a mask, but I felt sweaty. My thoughts turned to Mr. Jose Ferrer. While I haven’t confirmed if Abrielle was his daughter, I thought I was hiding something from him. I wanted to meet with him to share my small achievements in changing my attitude towards certain things, thanks to the time spent doing morning devotionals. However, I’m still eager to meet him once I uncover the identity of Mr. Jose Ferrer’s daughter.

I experienced two emotions. First, I appreciated being able to communicate with Abrielle beyond simply watching her encouraging messages on my phone. However, I also wished to establish a friendship with her. I recalled a Fruit app post saying, “Walk with the wise and become wise.” After researching, I discovered that it was a verse from Proverbs 13:20, which states, “Walk with the wise and become wise; for a companion of fools suffers harm.” These words resonated with me. I wondered if it would be possible to have a Bible study with Abrielle. She would agree and be glad to know that God used her to help me get closer to Him. My concern is that if my other friends find out about my intention to befriend Abrielle, they might mock me because they don’t view me as religious. I’ve realized it’s not about religion but my desire to know Jesus.

Something in my heart longs to have a relationship with the Lord. It feels like there’s a missing piece, like a puzzle. I’ve had this feeling for a while, but it became more apparent since I received daily encouragement from Abirelle. My need for God has become more evident. I have many things I wanted, but something is missing. These thoughts linger in my mind as I sip my hot pumpkin spice latte, which I enjoy doing on my days off. I’ve come to appreciate the value of solitude but not loneliness. As I’ve journeyed to get to know God and read His word, I have found joy in simple things like going out by myself, getting my favorite fall season drinks, reading a book, and enjoying the cold season with a sense of purpose.

I gazed at the majestic skies above while sitting by the large glass window. The place was filled with chatter and laughter. Behind me, a group of people was having a fellowship. I overheard their discussion about placing trust in God and praising Him. This prompted me to look up a related Bible verse, which led me to Psalm 43:5: “Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.” These profound words from the Bible gave me hope that God would address my concerns about how to approach building a friendship with Abrielle, who might be Mr. Jose Ferrer’s daughter. As I glanced back and listened to the joyful Bible study group, I felt a sense of joy and contentment in my heart.

I would say yes if Mr. Jose Ferrer invited me to a Bible study. I enjoy studying the Bible on my own, but I believe it’s important to have fellowship with other believers to share the wisdom God has given us. I’m new to my walk with God and would love to hear about the experiences other believers have had. I believe that where there is fellowship, God’s grace and love also exist. Hopefully, someday, I’ll have the opportunity to fellowship with Mr. Jose Ferrer and Abrielle if it’s in God’s plan. It won’t matter if they are related; we will sit together and enjoy the presence of God through His words. I believe this because, as I heard in a group Bible study a while ago, I will put my hope in God, for He makes the impossible possible.

Abrielle

“If I see Jeremiah today, I’ll talk to him. I won’t be shy anymore since he started to talk to me.” I excitedly shared my thoughts with Eun-Yeong and Charity. “I’m just disappointed that Jethro told Aaron about my stuff,” I added. “Abrielle, someday you may not be able to keep this a secret anymore. You were so obvious whenever Jeremiah was around you,” Eun-Yeong commented. “I wonder why this guy talked to you, though,” Charity speculated. “I’ll put the pieces together later on. I’ll figure out why he suddenly talked to you,” Charity added. I appreciate Charity’s concern, but I hope she will react positively when she finally figures it out. I’m so content right now, happy, and I don’t want to hear any negative comments.

I was at the gate near the checkpoint area but couldn’t find Jeremiah. Was he off today? I hope not because I finally gained the confidence to talk to him today. If I wait till tomorrow, I’ll feel too shy to speak to him again. Charity was right about why Jeremiah talked to me the other day. I just realized, “Eun-Yeong! Charity! He’s probably checking my stories!” I exclaimed excitedly. “And he saw your story that you were in the hospital!” Charity assumed. Charity is impressive at figuring things out. I wish I had her skills. She’s the one who can resolve some issues we couldn’t figure out.

“Charity! You are heaven-sent!” I complimented her. It makes sense that Jeremiah talked to me because he possibly viewed my stories on Blessbook. My heart beats fast. After eating lunch, we stood up and returned to the gates. I still can’t believe how things started unfolding right before me. I knew it! My gut feeling is right all along. I prayed to God while we were walking. Eun-Yeong and Charity were busy talking and unbothered. That’s good that they don’t mind me being quiet. I need to speak to God.

Dear Lord, I know that You see my thoughts then and now. I remember thinking many doors might open when Jeremiah started to talk to me. I believe these doors will only open because of two things: they will either encourage me or break me. I want to ask You, Lord – which door will open? If You give me a sign that the door I choose will hurt me, at least I’ll be prepared. But I know I won’t select the broken-hearted door if I abide by You. The only possible way I will get to choose this is when I follow my path. Please lead me to the right door if it is not from You, Lord. I believe that people don’t cross paths for nothing.

You said in Romans 8:27-28, “And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Lord, I trust you are working for my good, as I have been called according to your purpose. I humbly acknowledge that I fail you every day, and I can’t boast about my love for you, but I am grateful for your infinite love for me. I believe you will guide me to the right path if I follow you. If it is your will for Jeremiah and me to be friends, I pray that my feelings for him will not hinder the encouragement I provide to him from you.

We all have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. I am blessed that you gave me the gift of encouragement. I share this with everyone with all my heart, but I also need encouragement. I may lose my way, end up in the wrong place, and lose my zeal and spiritual enthusiasm, but I am urged to live a life worthy of the calling I have received from You, Lord. You assigned me a task then and now, and I want to follow Your will. Please close any door to which I have no access from You. And for Jeremiah, Lord, may You open his heart to You and Your word. I hope that someday, he will have a relationship with You too. May he welcome You as he opens the door of his heart. This I ask with all my heart. In Jesus’ loving name, Amen.