Testimony Tuesday: Giving God control through uncertain circumstances

By Rachel Schuck

“Lord, whatever you want me to do, you’re going to have the best plan, and I just have to trust that.”

Whether facing trials, uncertainty or change, Emma Bergeron sees her life as an incredible gift from God. 

Bergeron was adopted from China at two-years-old and grew up in a Christian family as the youngest of seven siblings. A junior Business major at Cedarville, Bergeron first heard about the gospel from her parents, who exemplified Christ’s love and hope to her. Her mom taught her to read the Bible, and her dad, who was a pastor, showed her faith filled with the Lord’s wisdom.

“I had no control over where I was going, or even if I was going to be adopted,” Bergeron said. “But [God] put me in a family that loved me and taught me the gospel and has shaped who I am.”

Bergeron cannot pinpoint the exact age she received Christ as her Savior, yet she does remember the specific moment.

“My mom was driving me to church, and for some reason I wanted to give my life to Christ,” Bergeron said. “So we pulled over to the side of the road, and she prayed with me.”

Shortly after, Bergeron’s dad baptized her. However, even though she understood why she had gotten baptized, Bergeron did not understand the importance of her relationship with Christ.

“I didn’t think of reading my Bible or praying as much,” Bergeron said. “I went to church and memorized Scripture, but I just still didn’t understand the relationship part.”

Soon after her baptism, Bergeron faced an unexpected trial. Her dad suffered a near death experience and was diagnosed with AFib, a condition that increases the risk of stroke or heart failure. 

As paramedics flooded their home, Bergeron was overcome with tears, afraid her dad would die before reaching the hospital. Her mom pulled her aside and prayed with her. In that moment, Bergeron finally understood who the Lord was: her sovereign character.

“My mom was sad too, but for some reason I just remember her being so clear that it was going to be okay,” Bergeron stated. “The Lord’s got it.”

During her senior year of high school, Bergeron once again met another unforeseen hardship. Due to some underlying health problems, her mom passed away suddenly. 

“[Mom’s death] was something that we didn’t see coming,” Bergeron said. “My whole life we thought Dad was going to be the one to die first, but we didn’t realize how bad [Mom’s] health was.”

Grief-stricken, Bergeron rested on the truth of God’s Word for comfort. Several months earlier, she and her dad had read the entire Bible together, which strengthened her heart after she lost her mom.

One month after her mom’s death, Bergeron began her freshman year at Cedarville. And in the midst of the change, she dealt with grief, worry and uncertainty. She struggled to leave her dad alone at home.

However, Bergeron recognizes that the Lord used the change for her good. Living one hour away from Cedarville, she was able to visit her dad on a regular basis and celebrate her mom’s birthday with her family.

“I’m grateful that the Lord provided a way for me to come [to Cedarville] so I can be close to my family,” Bergeron said. “That was a blessing in disguise.”

While at Cedarville, Bergeron has grown exponentially. Struggling with perfectionism her freshman year, she saw God reshape her view of her worth. She has also learned to give God control through everything. 

“It’s our human nature to want to control things,” Bergeron said. “But we need to let the Lord do that. He knows what’s best.”

Bergeron now serves on the Global Outreach Council at Cedarville, with the intent to go to the mission field some day. As a Discipleship Leader, she also ministers to other girls on campus. Both ministries have impacted her greatly and inspire her to walk with the Lord.

“It’s very encouraging seeing other people living the way we are called to,” said Bergeron. “They’re absolutely enthralled with the Lord.”

Bergeron clings to Matthew 6:26-27, trusting that the Lord will provide for her in every situation. She encourages other Cedarville students to dig into God’s Word, even when it feels difficult.

“Read your Bible,” Bergeron said. “Start out slow, read a few verses, or put them on your phone, because hearing the Word of God is going to shape you whether you realize it or not.”

Rachel Schuck is a freshman Professional Writing and Information Design student. She loves to play the piano, get coffee with friends and take walks in the sunshine.