Listen and Step Forth - Mirinai Choi
I grew up in a Christian family and have always been in a Christian community. Since it was natural for me to sit with people and listen to their stories, especially when they went through difficult times, I never thought it was a gift from God. But as God led me through significant experiences several times in the last few years, I sensed strongly that He was telling me that it is a gift from Him to serve His people and community.
However, I kept it under the surface and just enjoyed life with taking care of my family and the floral business I loved. In 2019, I was planning to expand the business. I hadn't really pursued knowing more about what God told me. But in December 2019, when I prayed about the plan of my business expansion, God clearly and strongly said "No!" to me. At that moment, I took it seriously and literally stopped the business (it is hard to explain, but I discerned that I needed to) even though I didn't have any idea what the next steps for me could be. I tried to focus on spending time with Him for guidance and wisdom. While I prayed for discernment, I decided to learn how to counsel people, but our Faithful Father led me more specifically to Biblical Counselling. I started my online master's degree in Biblical Counselling from one of the seminaries in the US.
When I took the first step to follow God's lead, God was amazing as always. Since it is Biblical Counselling, I have as many theology courses as counselling courses. I always thought that theology was difficult, and it is only for those pastors to be. But God is helping me understand Him better and His providence, which deepened my relationship with Him through theological studies. I thought I decided to start studying to help/serve others, but God first restored me and reconnected all the missing pieces in my heart. Most importantly, He reminded me how specially and wonderfully I was made by Him. Now my prayer and, I believe my calling, is to remind sisters in faith what I have learned from God.
I continue to pray for God's guidance. I don't know how God will lead me to the next steps; I might become a counsellor, become involved in a church ministry or do something totally different from what I expect. Now my hope is that God can use me for His people. I always confess that I will be honoured if I can help at least one person in my life.
