As I gazed on the ocean for the very first time in my life from the balcony of the hotel, I stood there and cried. I could not stop thanking God for this miraculous moment he gave me. It was breathtaking, and once again I poured my heart out to my Father in Heaven who gave me this moment. That was 41 years ago, but the memory is as vivid today as if it were yesterday. It was a moment that almost did not happen for me.

I also remember standing in my back yard and watching a semi-truck roll by that had our church name on it. It was around the time of the Feast of Tabernacles. The truck was transporting a huge tent for church services that would hold over 3,000 people for services at Jekyll Island, Georgia. I had attended with my mother for church services, but I had never attended the Feast of Tabernacles. The sight of the truck made me sad as I felt I would never be able to attend. I was trapped in a situation I thought I would never escape from.

I grew up in foster care, because I was taken from my biological family when I was four. When I turned 14, I decided to find my real parents. To my delight, I was reunited with them and went to live with them.

I attended church with my mother; this is when I learned of God, His laws, and His Holy Days. But shortly after being reunited with my biological parents, it became a nightmare because of my father’s mental issues. He was violent to my mother and me. Because of the pressure and violence from my father, my mother quit church so I could no longer attend either. It was that summer I saw the truck en route to the Feast of Tabernacles.

Then the first test came to see if I would obey God no matter what! At the age of 19, the violence became so severe that I fled while my parents slept. I knew I could not obey God and continue living with my parents. I made up my mind that I wanted to obey God. You can read more of my story from the article "Get Out, Your Life May Depend on It."

The members of this wonderful church took me in and helped me get on my feet. In August of 1974, just two months after I fled, I was baptized. I wanted this more than anything!

Then came the second test to see if I would continue to obey God. One month after I fled, I found a job, which was a wonderful blessing as it was in walking distance of where I lived. I did not have a car at the time.

I had only been working there for about two months when the Feast of Tabernacles drew near. As I approached my boss, I said a quick prayer. I told him of my plans to be off for two weeks in October to attend our religious festival. He was not happy and told me if I went I would not have a job when I returned.

With great apprehension of the unknown, I packed my bags and left to attend my very first Feast of Tabernacles. I knew God had taken care of me so far; He would not let me down now.

When we pulled into the Feast site at Jekyll Island, there was the semi-truck I had seen pass through my town, parked next to that huge tent. Here I stood side by side with members the first night, with tears rolling down my face, singing praises to God in a place I thought would never happen for me.

Standing on the balcony for the first time seeing that vast ocean was breathtaking. God made it all possible for me. When I returned home, I thought I had no job to come back to. As soon as I got back home, the phone rang and they asked for me to come back to work! I stepped out in faith and God took care of me.

Whatever you’re facing, God will help you through it! Never lose hope! Determine that you will obey God no matter what! In Deuteronomy 28, you will read of God’s promises of blessings if you obey Him! “If you fully obey the Lord your God and carefully follow all his commands I give you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations on earth. All these blessings will come on you and accompany you if you obey the Lord your God” (Deuteronomy 28:1-2, New International Version). Go in faith and God will bless you.

And remember to trust God in everything you do. “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go" (Joshua 1:9, NIV).

I am living proof of that promise and what God can do for you if you step out in faith and obey!