University at 16

"Do I get to experience a miraculous life firsthand, or do I have to settle with hearing about You secondhand?"

I was 15 at the time when I posed that question to God. At the time, I was depressed and concerned about the upcoming 'O' Levels Examinations. I was failing my Mandarin courses having been out of country for two and a half years, and even with tutoring, could not resume well. Furthermore, the Mandarin Teacher at school had humiliated me having assumed that I was being lazy or intentionally mocking her since I was getting A's in every other subject. So I was searching and wanting to know if there was more to following God than my rule-driven life.

At some point during that year, it dawned on me that I was particular close to God when I was desperate, so I 'gave permission' to God to 'yank the rug from under me' so that I can experience an intimate, miraculous life as I depended on Him. Soon, I got an answer, and He sent me to University at 16.

Instead of taking my Mandarin 'O' Level, my dad gave me permission to study for the SATs along with my other subjects, and with God's Grace, I ended with 6 distinctions, and enrolment at Baylor University.

God kept His part of the bargain--I joined a vibrant College Group the same week I arrived, and began my journey that soon became my spiritual awakening. Indeed, when you are desperate, and dependent on God, you begin to experience daily miracles and see evidence of His frequent direction and intervention in your life.

~ Shien, Yahweh-mekoddishkem--"The Lord who sanctifies you"