Daily Reflections

I just moved to a new country, still learning its culture and figuring out how to navigate life here. I currently have a part-time job, earning $22 an hour. It’s enough to cover my basic expenses, but not enough to save. I left my previous country hoping to find better opportunities here, thinking there was something greater waiting for me—but life here has been different than I imagined. The convenient, comfortable life I once had is gone. Now, I have to be intentional with every dollar, live below my means, and resist the temptation to buy things I see on e-commerce apps, only to close them and remind myself I can’t afford them.

Through it all, a deep fear lingers—the fear of failure, of not being able to make it. I usually feel this fear in the morning, the moment I open my eyes.

This morning, lying in bed and spiraling in my thoughts, I felt Him. His presence. Instantly, my chest relaxed, and the tension in my mind eased. I realized how far I had drifted into my own head, forgetting that He was with me the whole time. The Lord, as He always does, comforted me and reminded me not to be afraid. I checked my phone, and the first thing I saw was a notification from a channel I follow on YouTube—the title read: “In the name of Jesus, all things are possible.”

The heavy, unseen weight pressing on my chest lifted right away. I felt a wave of relief, like a tension I didn’t even realize I was holding had finally gone. I had been hoping for clarity, maybe a glimpse of the future—but He didn’t give me that. Instead, He reminded me that His presence is enough. I smiled to myself and thought, “Idiot! You want clarity? You’re supposed to trust Him—whether you know what’s coming or not.”

Today, the sun shines brilliantly against the harsh -17°C weather, a reminder that warmth and light can exist even in the coldest, most uncomfortable places. I got up, feeling the chill bite at my skin as I washed my face, then wrapped my hands around a steaming cup of coffee. The warmth seeped into me, grounding me. I prepared my breakfast slowly, mindfully, tasting each bite, and feeling grateful for the simple act of nourishing my body. These are the things I can control—the small, human acts of caring for myself. The rest—the things beyond me—I laid at His feet.

After breakfast, I had the energy to start applying for jobs. I submitted applications to positions that I know would be a long shot—some where I’m not fully qualified. Before this, I wouldn’t have had the courage to even try. Today, I felt like I actually had the audacity to apply for a senior role, even if I didn’t check every box. But still, I felt His presence beside me, steady and reassuring.

I applied and thought to myself, “What could go wrong? If it’s not meant for me, then so be it. But what if it is?” That thought alone made me feel lighter. I realized that there are things I can control, and things I cannot. I can apply, I can put myself out there, and I can hope. The rest—whether the doors open or not—is in His hands. I don’t have to figure out the outcome; I just have to do my part and trust that the Lord, who can do the impossible, will remove barriers and guide the path that’s meant for me.

There’s a freedom in that realization. I don’t need to have all the answers, or even all the qualifications. I just need to take the steps I can take, with faith that He is handling the rest. Life isn’t about controlling every outcome—it’s about showing up, doing your best, and letting God do what only He can. Even in uncertainty, I feel peace. Even in fear, I feel courage.

Another day. Another reminder of His greatness. Another reminder that I am human, and without Him, I am nothing.