Apr 12, 2025

WEB NOVEL: SET APART

JEREMIAH

All my friends are already in the Cornelius Lounge, but I’m running late. I’m unsure where to go tonight since I’m busy organizing and packing my suitcase. My mom asked me to return to Seaside immediately, leaving me disappointed. I can’t stop thinking about my friends from the church. I grew up in Florida. I know they would be happy to see me if I ever decide to return to church or reconnect with Jesus. I believe this time will be different because I feel that God is calling me to build a relationship with Him. 

I finally found a parking spot beside the road near the building where the lounge is located. I pressed the brake and shifted the gear into park mode. Taking a moment to pause, I sighed. The tall buildings and Christmas lights adorning the trees along the street welcomed me. Nighttime in this area of Seattle is beautiful; it’s busy but not crowded at all. Before leaving my car, I checked my Fruit app and saw Abrielle’s reel in my feed.

“Hi everyone, welcome to Daily Love Talk! Today, we’re going to talk about ‘comfort zone.’ In Genesis 12, God instructed Abram (later known as Abraham) to leave his homeland, his relatives, and his father’s house. God promised to guide him to a new land and make him into a great nation. 

Sometimes, God may need to move us out of our comfort zones to fulfill His purpose for His kingdom. If you feel stuck in your current situation and wonder why nothing has changed, remember that God has appointed a time and season for every purpose under heaven (Ecclesiastes 3:1). You are exactly where God wants you to thrive. Every step in His plan has a purpose.

When you question why God has given you a specific assignment, trust that He sees qualities and potential within your heart that you might not recognize in yourself. You are uniquely suited for God’s assignment, which is why He chose you. 

Verse 4 says, ‘So Abram departed in faithful obedience as the Lord had directed him.’ Abram obeyed God’s command because he trusted that God’s plan is always good (Romans 8:28). God’s great plan (Jeremiah 29:11) was not only for Abram’s benefit but also for the good of others (Hebrews 13:16).”

Abrielle’s encouragement resonates with my current situation. She said, “Every step in God’s plan has a purpose.” I know I have a purpose to fulfill here in Seattle, but I often wonder why God may call me back to Seaside. What is my purpose if I do return to Seaside City? These questions lingered in my mind when my phone suddenly rang. 

“Hey, bro, where are you? Come inside if you’ve already found a parking spot,” Jacob called. I told him I’d be there in a minute. I quickly got out of my car and walked to the lounge. 

When I entered, I noticed how modern the lounge was in style. The fragrance that welcomed me was delightful—lavender and sandalwood are undeniably a perfect match. The scent felt like soft music playing in my mind. The lounge is located in the middle of the building and is spacious with a fantastic view! The large glass windows feel like a gateway to another dimension. Standing inside the lounge and looking at the tall buildings surrounding us makes it seem like we are all the same height.

Not many people were inside, but I noticed familiar faces at another table. “What?” a thought filled my mind. The girl at that table looked like she was Abrielle’s friend. I don’t know her name, but I saw her with Abrielle. I looked away and greeted my friends instead to avoid being obvious. Tonight was the perfect time to tell them I was leaving my job and the state.

“Hey, Jeremiah!” my friends cheered. I knew I would miss all of them. I sat down and enjoyed my time with them, but after a while, some of my friends began interacting with others at the other table. I struggled to find the right moment to share my news.

When Elijah returned, I finally brought up my upcoming move out of state. “Oh my gosh, Jeremiah! You’re not leaving us!” Eden exclaimed frantically. She asked when I was quitting my job and when I would be leaving Seattle. I explained that I didn’t have the details yet since I was still packing and needed to sort things out before I left. I mentioned that my parents were returning to Korea in a few weeks, so I needed to be in Florida soon.

They felt sad about my sudden decision to return home to Florida after spending quite some time in Seattle. “Seattle has been my home,” I told them with a pinch in my heart. “I thought I’d be here for a long time,” I added. “Don’t worry, bro; you can always come here once your parents return to Seaside,” Jacob suggested. 

The server brought over a couple more beers and a glass of wine. “Can you believe it, Jeremiah? I’m not drinking any alcohol tonight because I’m the designated driver,” Eden rolled her eyes. Everyone laughed. 

As the conversation continued, I stood up and strolled around the lounge, walking toward the big glass window. Outside, I could see cars, trees, and people walking down the street. It was cold, and I could smell Christmas coming. I thought about being with my parents this Christmas, but they would still be in Korea by then. I wasn’t excited about returning to Seaside because it felt like the same old story: I’d be alone again.

I looked up at the sky and asked God what I was supposed to do when I returned to Seaside City. A thought came to mind: “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” I quickly searched for the verse and found that Jesus said this to His disciples on the day He washed their feet. This reflects the nature of God’s plan; we often don’t know the reasons behind His decisions. Sometimes, God reveals them; sometimes, they remain a mystery, happening without our understanding.

I know where I stand in my faith, but I also recognize that I haven’t fully surrendered everything to God yet. I haven’t declared my beliefs to my family and friends nor shared the gospel with some of my friends. Although I may mention it occasionally, I know I could be used more effectively as an instrument to share His word. Despite thinking I would start attending in Seattle, I haven’t returned to church. It seems God has other plans for me.

I believe God causes all things to work together for the good of those who love Him. I may not yet know the reasons behind His plan, but I trust He is moving me out of my comfort zone for a purpose. He separates me from my loved ones so I can fully understand His great plans. God sees deeply into my heart in ways I may not fully comprehend. 

I know this in my heart, but I still struggle with doubt. I fear losing the people who are close to me because of my faith, my little faith. I’m scared of the unknown future, and I sometimes question whether it’s genuinely God directing my steps or if I’m swinging punches in the dark. I worry about so many things.

As the night deepened, I realized I should be getting going. I closed my eyes and wanted to pray but didn’t know what to say. My mind was clouded with thoughts like an endless fog in a dark forest, and the words I needed to pray didn’t come. Yet, I knew that God understood the cares within my heart. At that moment, I felt a heartfelt sense of peace. While standing by the big glass window, the small chatter of people behind me and the soft music in the background faded away, leaving me with a calm assurance that everything would be okay. It may not happen today, but it will happen soon.