Small Steps

I liked the idea of having my profile available online. However, the challenge was knowing what to write about myself.

As I browsed through profiles of other Christian faculty on MeetTheProf, I began to reflect upon my faith journey. I grew up in a Christian family in Northwest China. I didn’t experience any miraculous intervention from Jesus. 

I wish I had an inspiring life transformation story like many others.

I began to pray and ask God to show me how he had worked in my life. God answered me!

He showed me each milestone in my faith journey and how these events led me to where I am today. The time I spent reflecting on how He had worked in my life became a great blessing as the Lord invited me to see my own story.

I completed my MeetTheProf profile before the end of last summer. But I wasn’t sure if I was ready to make it public. As a junior faculty that hasn’t yet been tenured, I chose not to publish my profile on my online teaching website. However, God used my reflection on His work despite my wavering determination.

In early February, Faculty Commons asked if I could be a presenter for a weekly virtual “Coffee Break” for faculty in Guatemala, some of whom were Christians and some weren’t. I was excited by the opportunity to influence other faculty for Christ – and I realized I already had a chunk of the work done by completing my MeetTheProf profile.

Considering how much was on my plate when I received this invitation, I probably wouldn’t have had the courage to say “yes” to this opportunity if I hadn’t written my testimony last summer. But God is always working, and His plan is higher than ours.

I gladly took this opportunity, knowing that I was prepared to share my faith story. I just needed to tie it to an aspect of my professional life to reach the academic professionals.

The preparation again became a blessing for me. It showed me more clearly than ever God’s work in my life. God is always at work, and I didn’t do anything to deserve everything I’m enjoying today – it’s pure grace.

I’m grateful that I wrote my profile for MeettheProf.com because it started me on a journey of reflection on the goodness and grace of God. 

I hope my presentation to the Guatemalan faculty was an encouragement, but I know for sure it was a blessing to me. It not only strengthened my confidence in Him but also allowed me to be prepared for whatever opportunity lies around the corner.

As 1 Peter 3:15 says, “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.”