Dawn Ayling

It took me 40 years to respond to that call, and I have never been this happy, contented and satisfied with my lot in life.  I have learnt to trust, to rely on and listen to the guidance of the Holy Spirit.  The Lord doesn’t give me what I want, but He’s always there to provide what I need.  When I need fellowship and friends my life is so full, and when it gets too much and I need my time alone, He makes it so.

I began praying in 2020 for a new job. I desperately wanted to work amongst Christians.  I expected to find a job with an NGO, or a charity, or a church.  I never expected to work in a Christian school, but that’s exactly what happened in 2022.  The whole process went unusually quickly and smoothly: applying, the interview, starting on my first day; and although I had had serious doubts in the beginning, it quickly became clear that it was what I needed.  I appreciate them as much as they appreciate me.  It’s a daily blessing to work among Christians of so many different denominations, to pray together, and to try to glorify God every day.  It was an incredible demonstration of God’s sovereignty in my life.  I now have no doubt He hears my prayers, that I need to wait on Him to answer, and if I am in His will, somehow – and it doesn’t matter how – He will provide.

The Lord Jesus is my best friend, my husband, my teacher, my Saviour who suffered and sacrificed for me.  God the Father is my loving parent who guides and disciplines me when it’s needed.  The Holy Spirit is my constant companion, the reliable friend who warns and encourages me in the growth of my faith.  Jesus died, rose again, and ascended for me and I live for Him.  I still am a flawed human, I make mistakes, I take offence, I fall, I hurt others and I make bad decisions.  In this life, I am never going to be perfect, neither will any of my Christian brothers and sisters.  I am learning to forgive others and myself, and to love those who think differently from me.  The joy of this life is knowing I will live forever with the God who created me.