For many years, being a stay-at-home mom meant that I had to pause my academic studies. While my faith was growing stronger, my desire to pursue education never left me. Yet, in that season, it simply wasn’t possible.

What I didn’t realize at the time was that God was preparing me in a completely different way. He led me into lay preaching for three years — something entirely new to me, something I had only ever seen through my parents. During that time, I grew in ministry, in courage, and in my ability to serve others. Looking back now, I can see that this was not wasted time. It was training ground.

Then came 2024. I remember one particular day when I broke down completely. The pain of that season brought me to my knees. I didn’t even have the words to complain, but I felt like I had reached the end. I honestly questioned whether I would ever make it further than where I was.

But God.

In that place of brokenness, He reminded me that obedience matters more than despair. He saw beyond the struggles, the closed doors, and the moments I felt like giving up. And then, He did what only He could do — He opened a door I never saw coming.

In March of this year after picking a pamphlet from Asda supermarket, which was advertising about short courses, I made a decision to register for free course that was to start in May. By the end of July, I had completed the 8-week program in counselling skills. Something I once thought was impossible became reality. And what amazed me most was this: the skills I had been learning in small groups, sermon preparation, personal study and ministry involvement were the very tools that equipped me to progress academically. The pause had been preparation all along.

This journey has shown me that God’s timing is perfect. What feels like delay is often divine development. Closed doors are not the end; they are redirections toward something greater.

While I write this blog, I am currently pursuing my Diploma, something I once thought was out of reach. I continue this journey in the hope that every step of obedience will not only shape me but also inspire others who feel like giving up on their own dreams. My prayer is that my story reminds you: no season is wasted with God. What feels like a pause today may be the very preparation for tomorrow’s breakthrough.

I leave with you a familiar verse in scripture from Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Be encouraged, Gods time is always the best, when He knows your ready He will bring forth the desires He alone has placed in your heart as a testament that his faithfulness never fails.

God is Good!

Love & Light,

Carolyne x