Of crossroads and grace

Of Crossroads and Grace

Life is a journey filled with unexpected turns—moments when we feel lost, burdened, or unsure of what lies ahead. This semester, I found myself at three crossroads, each testing my faith, patience, and resilience. Living away from home in my final year of college, these challenges felt even heavier. Balancing my studies, responsibilities, and personal struggles without the immediate comfort of family made me realize how important it is to have faith in the unseen and to trust the process. But like any other journey, this one was not without its challenges.

The first of these was a lesson in trust and discernment.

First Crossroad: The Weight of False Accusations

I never imagined that words—spoken so carelessly, so confidently—could carry the weight of a storm. Yet, this semester, I found myself at the center of one. Rumors swirled, accusations spread, and even people I once looked up to joined the chorus. It was a harsh awakening—a realization that not everyone who stands beside you truly stands with you.

In that moment, the world didn’t just feel unfair; it felt unfamiliar. Faces I once trusted became unrecognizable, and admiration turned into disillusionment. But as painful as it was, this experience became an unfiltered lesson in discernment. Not every smile is sincere, not every friendship is built to last, and not everyone who listens is on your side.

Being away from family, I had no immediate support to turn to for comfort. I sat alone in my room, replaying the situation in my mind, wondering why it was happening. The walls, once a place of peace, felt smaller—closing in as my thoughts spiraled.

But through this, I learned that my peace is more valuable than proving myself right. I realized that I cannot control how others perceive me, but I can control how I respond. Instead of exhausting myself trying to fix the narrative, I focused on what truly mattered—my integrity, my actions, and my relationship with God. And with time, I saw that truth always prevails, even when it feels like no one is listening.

As I was navigating the weight of false accusations, I thought that would be my biggest battle. But just as I was trying to find my footing, another challenge came—one that struck a different kind of pain. This time, it wasn’t about trust in others but about healing from loss.

Second Crossroad: The Pain of Heartbreak

At the beginning of 2025, I experienced a heartbreak. It was painful, not just because of the loss but because of the emptiness it left behind.

I buried myself in academics, student organizations, and sideline jobs, thinking that if I just kept moving, I wouldn’t have time to feel. The truth is, no distraction can ever replace the necessity of healing. Nights in the dorm became moments of quiet reflection. I realized that heartbreak, no matter how painful, is also a lesson.

It teaches us that:

• Our worth is not defined by who stays or who leaves but by the love and purpose God has placed within us.
• Love, when rooted in the right foundation, doesn’t break us—it builds us.
• Seasons change, and people do too, but God’s love remains constant.

Little by little, I let go of the pain and held onto the lesson. I may not have my family physically with me, but I have the people God placed in my life—friends who checked on me, mentors who guided me, and even strangers who reminded me, in small ways, that I was not alone.

Heartbreak already left me feeling empty, but another struggle followed—one that reminded me how fragile stability can be. Beyond emotional pain, I faced a challenge that directly impacted my ability to continue this journey: financial struggles.

Third Crossroad: The Struggles of Provision

One of the biggest challenges of being a student living independently is managing finances. There were times when I had to make do with what little I had—stretching my budget for my needs and cutting back on unnecessary expenses. There were days when I worried if I had enough for the coming weeks, if I would be able to sustain myself until graduation.

But this experience taught me two things:

• God provides not only through financial blessings but also through opportunities and meaningful connections.. There were moments when, just as I was about to lose hope, an unexpected blessing came—whether it was an opportunity to earn, a scholarship, or a friend who was willing to help.
• Gratitude changes everything. Instead of focusing on what I lacked, I started appreciating what I had. Food shared with friends, a mentor who offered advice, the simple fact that I made it through another day—these were God’s provisions too.

Financial struggles don’t just affect our wallets—they affect our sense of security. But I’ve learned that security doesn’t come from money alone. True security comes from trusting that God will always provide what we need, when we need it.

A Journey of Growth

Through all these challenges—betrayal, heartbreak, and financial struggles—I realized that growth doesn’t come in comfort. It comes in the moments when we feel like we have nothing left to hold onto, only to realize that God has been holding us all along.

Now, as I approach graduation, I look back and realize that these challenges—though painful—were necessary for my growth.

• False accusations taught me to protect my peace.
• Heartbreak taught me to find my worth in God.
• Financial struggles taught me to trust in His provision.

There were nights when I questioned if I was strong enough, if I was making the right choices, if everything I worked for was truly worth it.

But through it all, Jesus walked with me.

He was there in the silence when I felt unheard.

He was there in the pain when I felt broken.

He was there in the uncertainty when I didn’t know what was next.

And I know that as I step into the next chapter of my life, He will continue to walk with me.

To those of you who may be facing your own crossroads, remember this: You are never alone. The road may feel long, the weight may feel heavy, but you do not walk it by yourself. Jesus is right beside you, guiding you every step of the way.

And so, as I prepare to graduate and move forward into the unknown, I hold onto the truth that has carried me through every season:

“God’s grace sustains me in every season of my life.”

Marth Joseph D. Enopia delivered his testimony during the Culmination Night of the University Christian Life Emphasis Month on March 26, 2025. He is a fourth-year student at the College of Education, taking up BS in Education (major in English).