Do Not Give Up on Your Dream

Several years ago I decided to begin my dissertation journey and achieve my academic objectives. I started out enthusiastically and anticipated success over the next two years with God’s help. I did great with the preliminary courses, but then, due to personal setbacks, I was unable to complete my doctoral program as planned. I had an ABD (all but dissertation) experience. My doctoral journey appeared doomed due to a broken relationship, becoming a single parent, and other challenges. All these difficulties negatively impacted my faith in God. I prayed earnestly for God to intervene and lead me through the crucible and setbacks I faced. Due to human nature and the wavering of my faith, I often felt like quitting on my heartfelt goal. Then I asked God for forgiveness for doubting the plans He had ordained for me.

I thanked Him for the strength He gave me daily to press on with my dissertation journey, even as it took me down winding roads of challenges and discouragement. It was difficult to keep going through a failed marriage, lack of support, negative criticism, and single parenthood. I experienced even more difficulty with the coming of COVID-19 and the loss of my parents. I fed upon God’s promises, including, “Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s” (2 Chronicles 20:15, NIV).

Some years later I was favored with a second chance to complete my dissertation program through the mercies of God. Even so, the completion of my dissertation was not without challenging issues. Through them all, I held on to my faith in God, and though sometimes I felt overwhelmed by the cares of life, my tenacity to continue was strengthened by prayer and supplication, which provided the strength I needed to continue. I want to encourage you to build resilience and trust God in the face of adversity.

When you are facing your own crucible while pressing on to reach your goals, pray for strength and claim His promise: “The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still” (Exodus 14:14, NIV). He is faithful to His promise. I successfully reached my goal and attained my doctoral degree. What He did for me, He will do for you.

Marine E. Bryan