Ms. Hanna Riddle

I had the privilege of growing up in a Christian home. Early on, my parents instilled the importance of a relationship with God. They read the Bible to my brother and I, we went to church every Sunday, we participated in Sunday school, and took part in church activities. I had heard the Gospel message many times, but the one day that it really hit me was when I was 7 years old, and my mom was leading a bible lesson on sin. I accepted Christ as my Savior that day. It was later that year, while I was at summer camp that I really started to understand what that meant. I made the decision to dedicate my life to Christ.

I believe God has called me into children’s ministry and education. After graduating High School, I went to Cedarville University to study Music Education. By the end of the year, I knew that I would not be able to return for financial reasons. I came back home, got a job for the summer, and applied to Moody Bible Institute for the Fall semester, but I did not get in. I applied to Moody again for the Spring semester, but still did not get in. I was struggling to understand what God’s plan was. I applied one more time and was put on the waiting list. I had pretty much given up hope that I would get in. I felt so frustrated.

When I finally let go and let God take control, I felt a weight lifted. I felt His peace. A week before the fall semester began, I received a phone call from the admissions department. A spot had opened, and I could go. Through that year, God was teaching me a lesson. I needed to trust Him and His timing. A passage that really helped me through it was Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.” When I let God take control of my life and trust Him, I begin to see clearly the path that He has for me.

I wish I could say that I have learned that lesson and did not need to be reminded. God is constantly reminding me that I need to give Him control and trust Him. Even now as God has guided me back towards teaching, He is reminding me that I need to trust Him and be open to where He leads. One of my favorite verses is Isaiah 41:10. “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”