Love Is A Miracle
From a young age, my hunger for knowledge about individuals from all walks of life has been insatiable. I immersed myself in both personal accounts and historical biographies of those who have contributed to the progress of mankind and society as a whole. Their exceptional accomplishments and the positive impact they had on the world left me spellbound. However, what intrigued me even more, were their intrinsic qualities, what set them apart, and how they overcame challenges. Their path towards achieving an uncommon destiny within the confines of a common house has always been a crucial aspect of the stories that have piqued my interest and fueled my own personal and spiritual growth.

One True God
When I arrived in the United States ten years ago to pursue my undergraduate studies, I had no idea that God was guiding me towards knowing Him better. It wasn’t until I returned to my birthplace of Beijing that I realized the divine intervention that had been happening in my life all along. As a latecomer to Christianity, much like the apostle Paul put it, “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost” (1 Timothy 1:15). I was slow to embrace Christ’s teachings and saw myself as the foremost among sinners. The journey was a lengthy one, after nearly a decade of grappling with life’s challenges, I have arrived at an understanding: with God’s boundless grace, which initially drew me towards Him, I am equipped to persevere and endure the challenges ahead and turn (temporary) setbacks into setup with humility, gentleness, kindness, faithfulness, and forbearance (patience). In Jesus Christ, I have overwhelming victory over the natural human tendency to fear, doubt, and worry, and I can cast all my anxieties and concerns upon Jesus because He cares for me. (1 Peter 5:6-7)

Grace To Grace
Throughout my academic journey, as a student pursuing both undergraduate and graduate studies, I embarked on a quest to delve into my inner and outer realms. I was driven by an innate desire to learn and grow, and my exploration took me to a quaint New England college town in the Pioneer Valley. From 2014 to 2017, I had the privilege of participating in my college’s women’s choir and performing at First Church Amherst. This was a foundational milestone for me, as it was the first time I had ever sung in the spiritual temple of God. It was during this time that I met Erika, a Christian sister who welcomed me into her fellowship at Pioneer Valley Church of Christ. I was touched by the moments when God laid something on my heart, and He was nudging me to step out in faith so He would meet me where I am and do something great. And it left an indelible mark on my heart that passes all understanding. (Ephesians 3:17-19)

My Life Is An Offering
In hindsight, I came to see this encounter as an incredible testament to the unfailing kindness of God. It inspired me to turn my eyes upon Jesus—He would open my spiritual eyes and ears to a deeper understanding of who He is and how He is working in my life to bring it to pass (1 Corinthians 2:14). I was reassured that if I read God’s Word (my spiritual food, the living bread that came down from the gospel of the Kingdom of God) and remained faithful to Jesus Christ’s teachings, He will always be my guiding light, daily provider, healer, keeper, defender, sustainer, shepherd, victory, sanctifier, peace and protector in Christ as Lord and Savior and carry me through whatever it is that He calls me to.

10,000 Reasons
However, I have noticed that there is not much discussion on the role of faith in one’s overall well-being, whether it is within the academic setting or outside of it. It has become clear to me that an individual’s well-being is closely tied to the health of their spirit, which ultimately impacts the well-being of society. In simpler terms, the well-being of people is dependent on the health of their spirit, and the spirit’s health is intimately linked to the overall health of the population. Essentially, I came to understand that true healing lies in the reconciliation of the Spirit through Christ, and the agent of reconciliation is Jesus. He is the one and only way to God. In retrospect, I realized that this was what I had been searching for all along. Although I was trained to connect the dots and make cross-interdisciplinary connections academically, it took me years to apply the same mindset to my spiritual life and fully comprehend how the dots actually connected.

Still Slaying Giants
Upon completion of my college studies, I was tempted to seek ways to meet my need for significance through spiritual forces that were not aligned with Christ’s teachings, as advised in Colossians 2:8. I veered off course and turned my back on God’s mercies, gravitating towards false idols—so-called wisdom of the world, compromising with the divine inspiration breathed-out the gospel, which resulted in me developing a false identity. My search for purpose and meaning was misguided as I relied solely on my own strength, forgetting that it was the Lord of my life who provided everything I needed, as written in Hosea 2:8.

Instead of humbling myself, repent and turn to Christ, I became involved in various non-Christian beliefs and sought out false teachers to make me feel safe and relied on my own pride to guide me. This pattern persisted for seven years as I sought to satiate my spiritual thirst through these false sources of security, including pagans, new age spiritualities, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Buddhist mindfulness, animism, Tibetan Buddhism, pantheism, Gnosticism, Taoism, secular humanism, and Hinduism spanning across three continents. My pride so easily stole my need for a Savior. When I felt like I had it all together, when things made sense in my own mind then I stopped seeking God for His ever-present help.

Above All Circumstances
Despite God’s relentless pursuit, I found myself trusting mere mortals instead of focusing on deepening my understanding of God. It finally dawned on me that I was enticed to perfect myself by relying upon my own strength, attending countless self-improvement workshops and training programs, and striving to prove my worth by relying on my own willpower. From voice training to self-compassion, somatic-based art modalities to ecological spirituality, I was determined to become the best version of myself through my own efforts. When the Covid-19 pandemic hit, I was studying global health in Geneva, I became increasingly interested in mindfulness practices and participated in several programs offered by the Earl E. Bakken Center for Spirituality & Healing at the University of Minnesota. I was once again influenced by new-age spiritual teachings for the next two years as I traveled from Switzerland to China.

Worst Days
For about five years, I grappled with intense spiritual disorientation. This entanglement left me feeling adrift, empty, and in desperate need of something to fill the void. In my quest for answers, I turned to an array of mind-body techniques and what can only be described as “pseudo-intellectual babble” spouted by false vision. But these efforts only served to lead me down a path of deception and false hope, ultimately leaving me feeling even more stuck and lost in the misery of sin. It was like being on an emotional roller coaster, hurtling through the dark valley of death with no clear sense of direction or purpose. I was just accumulating a plethora of information and organizing my schedules to fill them up rather quickly with unnecessary things. However, each new discovery left me feeling even more unsatisfied and unfulfilled, like someone who dreams of eating only to wake up still hungry, or dreams of drinking but still feels faint from thirst when morning comes. (Isaiah 29:8) My senses were clouded, and yet I was unable to say no to the pull of these false teachings.

Living Hope
Three years ago while I was in Geneva, as I made my way to the Graduate Institute, I always passed by a wall, and I did not pay attention at first, but one day, my gaze was drawn to a quote inscribed in French, taken from Psalm 46, which read, “God is our refuge and strength”. It was a simple phrase, yet it resonated with me. It was a sobering reminder to let me take notice that even in the midst of life’s uncertainties, there is an unwavering source of strength and protection. Soon after this encounter, I received a text from Timothy, an individual I had met at a conference at MIT. The message contained a passage from Proverbs 3:5-6, which encouraged me to trust in the Lord with all my heart and not to rely on my own understanding but entirely depend on the power of the Holy Spirit dwelling in me. It advised me to acknowledge Him in all my ways, promising that He would make my paths straight. It was a powerful message that struck a chord within me, reminding me of putting my whole trust in God and coming to Spirit-led wisdom and understanding.

As I reflect on this experience, I realize that it was God’s operations in me—the power of God and the wisdom of God always present and guiding me. With Him by my side, nothing in my life remains hidden, and I find the lasting fruit of joy and greater satisfaction in knowing that I am never alone.

Rest In Him
In my life, I believe everything happens according to God’s perfect timing, and His guidance has been a constant force that has directed me on the right path. After completing the exchange program in Geneva in the summer of 2020, I found myself at a crossroads. I had to decide whether to return to the United States or China. The choice was not easy, as it took courage and sacrifice to face an unexpected detour, and I didn’t know the destination, but God did. Leaving would mean leaving behind relationships and friendships I had built during my journey, and I would miss out on career development opportunities in the US.

Though I had doubts, I sensed God’s guidance. It was as if God was gently nudging me towards a new path, one that would break me free from the stagnation of my “winter” season and lead me towards a place of rest and rejuvenation. I knew that I needed to listen to this call, as I heard that “still small voice” (1 Kings 19:12) urging in my heart, “Return to rest” and I felt a strong conviction to obey that gentle whisper to trust in His provision and protection no matter what I was facing. And so, I took the time to shift my direction, truly rest in Christ, surrender to His will, and allow Him to guide me towards a more peaceful and fulfilling existence. For I know the Holy God was waiting for me to come to the end of myself and find my safety in His arms. (Matthew 11:28-30)

SEE HOW FAR
When I arrived in China, I was directed to a quarantine hotel where I virtually met a kind-hearted Christian sister named Grace. Through her, I was introduced to a small group of believers for the Bible Study Fellowship (BSF). Over the past three years, I’ve been renewed in Spirit at the House of the Lord by studying the Word Of Life. These experiences have allowed me to witness the preserving grace and faithfulness of God beyond what I could ever deserve. His divine influence instilled in me an unyielding strength of spirit while also encouraging me to create some empty space for God and seek renewal at his sacred abode (Philippians 2:13). He works in my life to grow my faith and walk with Him.

He Is Risen
The Holy Spirit convicted me of sin so I could walk in obedience to Christ. He leads me into all truth as I read and reflect on Scripture and renew my mind daily through the good news about Jesus Christ’s second coming, prayer, and meditation to supplant old ways of thinking with God’s perfect will. He helped me to weather life’s storms well (2 Corinthians 2:14) and I know the peace of Christ rests on me. In my storm, Jesus gives me wisdom, integrity, and resilience, and it runs far deeper than that. God allowed the twists and turns to help me grow stronger and teach me to rely fully on him. YHWH is with me, walking beside me no matter how difficult things become, but there must be more. He wants to produce a rich harvest of His peace and joy in me as long as I walk by the Spirit with more robust faith in Him.

Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross 
God chose me, and despite my waywardness, He has patiently drawn me back to Him when I stray. (Jeremiah 31:3) No matter where I am in the world, I never feel alone because I know that He is always near. I consider myself an adopted child of God and believe that He has a plan for my life. Sometimes, God uses difficult and challenging situations to draw me nearer to Jesus, even when I can’t see it myself. I have learned to trust in Him more deeply. Despite my stubbornness and lack of seeking Him, God sought me out and called me to be His child. Even when I strayed from His teachings and was trapped in worldly ways, He already had His heart set on me to be a part of His immortal family—to imitate and emulate the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), open myself to the Lord in prayer, come to Him in thankful praise and serve the Body of Christ in sincerity and truth.

King of Heaven
The words of a song called “NOBODY GREATER” come to mind: 
“I climbed up to the highest mountain
Looked all around, couldn’t find nobody
Went down into the deepest valley
Looked all around down there, couldn’t find nobody

I went across the deep blue sea
Couldn’t find one to compare
To your grace, your love and mercy
Nobody greater, nobody greater than You

Searched all over, couldn’t find nobody
I looked high and low, still couldn’t find nobody
Nobody greater, nobody greater, no
Nobody greater than You

Nobody can heal, like you can
Oh most holy one you are the Great I Am
Awesome in all your ways and mighty is your hand
You are He who carried out redemption’s plan
You are He who carried out redemption’s plan”

Only Yeshua
Thank You, Jesus, my Good Shepherd for Your saving love and the many treasures You have stored up for me. My belief in His divine purpose for my life remains steadfast, even in moments of uncertainty and vulnerability. I am convinced that the Author and Perfecter of my faith—Jesus Christ—is the God of my mess and the God of my message. With this conviction, I am ready and willing to carry out good works in His name and for His glory. In times of distress, I have found great solace and security in putting my faith in God.

Psalm 38:4 describes the weight of sin that can burden us, but through the sacrifice of Christ, I have been freed from the guilt and shame of my past mistakes. Like Christian in The Pilgrim’s Progress, I have shed my old self and the bondage of the world. God has lifted the heavy burdens of my past and has healed me from my backsliding. His unconditional love has been a constant source of strength and great comfort in my life. I am no longer a slave to sin, and my old self was crucified with Him. I am made alive in the Spirit and putting on the new self (the regenerated and renewed nature), created in God’s image. (Ephesians 4:22-24)

God’s not done with me
Through the grace of the Holy, the angel armies of heaven, Perfect God, I have been blessed with the experience of attaining a state of inner spiritual grace by “resting in the Lord and waiting patiently for Him” (Psalm 37:7). Christ is my righteousness. During my extended solitude—a time of contemplation, God’s hand over me and I had the opportunity to reflect on my relationship with Jesus. It dawned upon me that true peace can only be found in God, the living Savior of humanity. I know that understanding the Holy Spirit will be a lifelong journey of uncovering its myriad nuances, taking refuge in the work of Christ, and living a life worthy of His call according to His Word.

As I audit my thoughts and align them with the Word of God, I experience what my heart is truly after. It was designed to be fulfilled by an intimate connection with the Creator. Through faith in Christ, I have been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb, the spotless Lamb of God, and in Him, I find miraculous deliverance and salvation followed by the gift of God’s Holy Spirit to experience the blossom of a new, full life! I am ready and willing to do good works for His glory, as Philippians 3:13-14 reminds me,” I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning me onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back.”

TOBECHUKWU (Praise God)
This reconciliation was made only possible by my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, cleansing me from my sin through the blood of Christ shed on the cross for my sake. He revived my heart to pursue God and His ways. Like David cried out to the Lord, “Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend to heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in Sheol, behold, You are there.” (Psalm 139:7-8) Because of God and his salvation, my heart is purified and restored as I come to Him. I no longer fall back into fear again but bear the image of the man of heaven. (2 Corinthians 3:18) He is the door, the gateway, to salvation. He is the mediator who reconciles me to the Eternal Father.

He Is My All in All
As it says in Psalm 19:14, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable and pleasing in Your sight, O Lord, my rock and my Redeemer.” Presently, I hunger to unpack the suitcases of my heart and understand how one can genuinely cooperate with the indwelling of the Holy Spirit to grow in Christ and grow in peace with others. Simultaneously, I am eager to assist others, irrespective of their beliefs, in achieving a fuller understanding of Jesus Christ. This exploration will entail a forward-thinking and introspective approach, seeking to unlock the secrets of a deeper connection with the divine. Specifically, focusing on the word of truth God calls me to live by while heeding God’s call of 
1) how are individuals led to change (their ways of thinking/living) through Christ Jesus?
2) how do individuals actually “walk in step” with the Spirit and reflect on God’s work?
3) the nature of the transformation process (of the hearts) to be filled with the Holy Spirit;
4) how the work of the Holy Spirit transforms individuals to become conformed to the image of Christ.

A New Hallelujah
As apostle Paul put it, I am like an ambassador, imploring people to be reconciled to God (2 Corinthians 5:20) for the Kingdom of Heaven’s sacred mission and support those struggling with the bondage of elemental spirits by bringing them to Christ. I thank the unlimited stream of the Holy Spirit for changing my heart to reflect His and lean not on my own understanding but trust entirely in Him and His instructions in the Bible. (Proverbs 3:5-6) I pray for His Kingdom to come and His mercy for a deeper, more intimate knowledge of the Son of God, of the character of God, and bring glory and honor to the Father as I prepare for a lifetime of serving in God’s Eternal Kingdom.

Ultimately, as Ephesians 3:20-21 tells me, “God can do anything—far more than I could ever imagine or guess or request in my wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us. Glory to God in the church! Glory to King of Kings in the Messiah, in Jesus! Glory down all the generations! Glory through all millennia! Amen.