Gen Z Speaks: Though I Fall, Yet I Will Rise
Welcome to Peniel CrossRoads, where we embrace Jesus’s heart and together live out the call to biblical unity!
My name is Sharon, and I am a junior in college. I was so grateful when I was asked to write about how the Lord has been present in my life.
I grew up in a Christian household; my uncle is a pastor, my mom is a prayer warrior, and my family has always been involved in the church. But a part of me never felt as if I was really called. Growing up, I had my doubts, especially in high school, as I met new people and tried to fit into their worldly life. I even had doubts going into college, as I wasn’t sure if the school I had chosen was right for me. Somehow, though, I realized I needed to go there. Now that I am in a Christian college, I know it was God’s calling.
I never had my own experience with God growing up. I heard about experiences from my friends and family, and I asked myself why I hadn’t received any of my own. So, one day in my sophomore year of college, I decided to fast, asking God to show me what I was missing out on and to allow me to see Him differently. That night, I dreamed of Jesus helping me get into a boat, then asking me to walk on the water and get into His boat (just like Peter). I fell in the water seven times. and each time Jesus immediately saved me. On the eighth try, I made it into His boat while speaking the words, “I have faith in Jesus, I trust in Him alone.” Once I made it into the boat, Jesus pointed to a specific direction, and said, “There.” So we rode the boat to that destination. When we arrived, I had an overwhelming sense of peace. Even though I didn’t know where the land was or anything about it, I knew it was the right place.
After interpreting the dream, there were many revelations I received from it:
I am prone to backsliding from God. I am human, and the world can be enticing. But I am called and chosen by God to do His works.
“For a righteous man may fall seven times and rise again, but the wicked shall fall by calamity.” Proverbs 24:16, NKJV
Just like Peter, I was afraid and fell many times. In the dream, Jesus immediately saved me. I noticed that both Peter and I lacked faith, yet Jesus still saved us without hesitation.
“But when he [Peter] saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’ Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. ‘You of little faith,’ he said, ‘why did you doubt?’” Matthew 14:30-31
I knew God was trying to speak to me, saying I had to trust His path and timing. His will is better than mine! Even though I want my will to work, I still need to realize that without God, nothing will be right.
“‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.’” Acts 2:17
Call on the name of the Lord, and He will answer you.
~by Sharon Eapen