FINDING THE RIGHT PATH
Matthew Zerrudo: … in the goals that I have in my life and the goals that I should have with my faith. Now, how do those two align with one another? How do I know that I’ve made the right choice and I’m now on the right path?
[On-screen text graphics]
Brother Donald Pinnock
Minister of the Gospel
Brother Donald: Many people wonder if they are on the right path when it comes to their life. And, oftentimes, worry over this weighs heavily on their minds.
Today, we’ll be speaking with Matthew. Stay tuned and find out why he has been pondering this question as well.
[Show open]
Brother Donald: Hi, Matthew.
Matthew Zerrudo: Thank you for having me.
Brother Donald: For the sake of the viewers, can you tell them about yourself?
Matthew: I’m Matthew Zerrudo, born and raised here in Toronto, Canada, my whole life. I like to play volleyball, hang out with my friends, and, of course, spend time with my family.
Bro. Donald: I hear that you are an uncle now.
Matthew: I am.
Bro. Donald: How many nephews do you have?
Matthew: Two nephews.
Bro. Donald: Two nephews, and you love to spend time with them for sure.
Matthew: For sure.
Bro. Donald: And you also informed me earlier that you took a gap year recently.
Matthew: I did.
Bro. Donald: For the sake of others, what’s a gap year?
[On-screen text graphics]
Matthew Zerrudo
Toronto, Canada
Matthew: So, a gap year is when you take a year off from your studies to prepare yourself, mentally, physically, and emotionally, to take on the challenge of a higher education.
Bro. Donald: Okay, so when it comes to your gap year, was it a success? Were you more, you know, enthused, motivated, to get back to your studies?
Matthew: I think the year of preparation and studying of what will happen, when you take post-secondary education, really helped me in my studies now.
Bro. Donald: So, before you took your gap year, you already started post-secondary studies. Is that correct?
Matthew: Yes. So, straight after high school, I went into post-secondary for a computer programming-related course.
Bro. Donald: Okay, and how did that go?
Matthew: Well, I took it all throughout high school, so I thought it would be my straight career choice for the rest of my life. But once I started taking classes and lectures and everything like that, I realized that it was more a hobby for me and not a career choice.
Bro. Donald: I see. So, Matthew, for the sake of the viewers, tell us why you’re here on the program today?
Matthew: Oh, well, the question I have today is, how do I know I’m on the right path, and how do I figure out what the path is for me?
I think after the first or second week of pure studying, I realized that I don’t know if this was the correct choice or the correct path that I was supposed to have, and it left me in a lost state, of wondering, “What should I be doing?”
Bro. Donald: I see, okay. Well, in truth when it comes to people giving you advice, I presume that perhaps your parents made suggestions. How about your brothers? Did they also suggest to you when it comes to the kind of career that you should take?
Matthew: Well, thankfully, they were supportive of whatever career I chose to take. They never really imposed a decision [on] me of what I should be taking, and I’m grateful for them that I was able to have the freedom to take whichever course I wanted to take.
Bro. Donald: I see. Yeah, some people, they turn to, perhaps, school advisors or counselors. Again, they may turn to family members or even friends, when it comes to gaining advice. But the One that we should always turn to, since we are members of the Church Of Christ, is none other than the Lord our God. And the reason is because, we can read the following here in Psalms, 32 and the verse is 8:
The Lord says, “I will teach you the way you should go; I will instruct you and advise you.
[Psalm 32:8 Today’s English Version]
[On-screen text graphics]
Brother Donald Pinnock
Minister of the Gospel
Bro. Donald: So please notice, the reason why we should place our hope and trust in God is because He says, “I will teach you the way you should go; I will instruct you and [also] advise you.” So the best adviser, hands down, is none other than the Almighty God.
It’s very important that, especially a young person who is reaching for that next stage in their life, that they really find something that they are interested in. Because the worst case would be for a person to fall into an occupation where it is a drudgery. It’s like they’re just counting the hours for the end of the day.
So while you have the opportunity, and I’m glad you are doing it, you are really considering what is going to motivate you, so that it doesn’t feel like work, per se. It’s more fun, you’re more driven, and you want to be successful as best as possible.
Matthew: You described it best. When I had that computer programming course, it did feel like I was counting the hours to leave, but with this new course that I was able to switch into, I’m finding more joy with the studies that I have.
Bro. Donald: And again, I’m very sure that you are praying earnestly, because we understand that the Lord, our God, is the One who’s going to grant unto us the success and also the guidance.
And we can also read that here in Proverbs, the chapter is 16, and the verse is 3, and the following is stated:
Entrust your efforts to the Lord, and your plans will succeed.
[Proverbs 16:3 God’s Word]
Bro. Donald: Please notice, “Entrust your efforts to the Lord, and your plans will succeed,” because the Lord our God is the One who’s going to be guiding you.
Matthew: So, now that I’ve made this big choice in my life to switch my major from computer programming to electrical tech, how do I know that I’ve made the right choice and I’m now on the right path?
Brother Donald: So when it comes to your studies, right now, are you able to cope? Is this a three- or four-year course that you’re taking?
Matthew: Three.
Bro. Donald: Three, and you’ve completed the first year, or in the midst of your first year?
Matthew: I’m in the midst of my first year. I just finished my midterms.
Bro. Donald: Are you coping with your…
Matthew: Yeah, I think so.
Matthew: I’m able to be blessed with a group of friends, that we all have the same drive and motivation to complete our studies, and to try our best in all aspects of schooling.
Bro. Donald: So, just inform me. What kind of position could you take up after your studies? What kind of companies could you possibly work for?
Matthew: Well, in all regards of electricity, be it making blueprints for buildings, the inspection of the installation, or the installation itself on a work site, all three fields I’m able to pursue after schooling with this course.
Bro. Donald: Okay, I’m glad to hear it. We do understand that when it comes to gaining that education, it is important, and I can really feel that you have that enthusiasm, you have that zeal, that drive. When it comes to having those qualities, it is admirable, but most especially after your studies, you should also continue to have that drive and enthusiasm when it comes to finding that position in any specific workplace or corporation or organization.
And this is in tune with what our Lord Jesus Christ admonishes here in Matthew, the chapter is 7, and the verses are 7 to 11:
“Ask, and you will receive; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks will receive, and anyone who seeks will find, and the door will be opened to those who knock. Would any of you who are fathers give your son a stone when he asks for bread? Or would you give him a snake when he asks for a fish? As bad as you are, you know how to give good things to your children. How much more, then, will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask him!
[Matthew 7:7-11 Today’s English Version]
Bro. Donald: So please notice, our Lord Jesus Christ says, “Ask, and you will receive; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened.”
[On-screen text graphics]
Brother Donald Pinnock
Minister of the Gospel
Bro. Donald: So God be willing, with God’s mercy and help that you complete your studies, it is hoped that you will be proactive to go out there and really seek that best position that is ideal for you. And of course, through your devotional prayer to God, He, in turn, is going to guide you.
[On-screen text graphics]
Matthew Zerrudo
Toronto, Canada
Matthew: Well, my main question and concern is, how do I know what signs God is giving me? How do I recognize them in my life, and how do I take them to heart to know that I’m on the right path?
Brother Donald: Well, of course, the Bible teaches the importance of really communicating with the Lord God, and in fact, the Lord our God Himself makes known here, in Jeremiah 29 and the verses are 11 to 13, the following:
I alone know the plans I have for you, plans to bring you prosperity and not disaster, plans to bring about the future you hope for. Then you will call to me. You will come and pray to me, and I will answer you. You will seek me, and you will find me because you will seek me with all your heart.
[Jeremiah 29:11-13 Good News Translation]
Brother Donald: Indeed, God has the best of plans in mind for us, His chosen people, and He wants us to receive the blessings that He has in store for us. That is why, again, He makes known, “I alone know the plans I have for you,” and those plans are not for our demise, but rather they are for our success. That’s why we should beseech or beg the Lord our God for the guidance that we need.
I’m still interested when it comes to knowing about some of your goals in life, Brother Matthew.
[On-screen text graphics]
Brother Donald Pinnock
Minister of the Gospel
Brother Donald: I mean, yes, it looks like when it comes to your studies, when it comes through education, you’re trying your best, even though you do have challenges, but are there further goals, other goals that you have in life? Do you have a bucket list, even at your young age?
Matthew: I think one of the things that I really want to try and accomplish is be a great role model for my two nephews growing up, because I was blessed with my two older brothers who showed me unconditional love and cared for me and provided with whatever I needed. So I want to do the most I can to repay them, in doing the same for my nephews.
Brother Donald: Is that a shout out to your brothers there?
Matthew: A little bit.
Brother Donald: You were mentioning earlier, when it comes to eventually having a family, out of curiosity, how many children would you like to have, God be willing?
Matthew: I’d like to have two to four.
Bro. Donald: Two to four!
Matthew: Two to four, yeah, because I come from a big family. I know the feeling of being loved by so many, and I want to hopefully bring that on to my children in the future.
Bro. Donald: Okay. So if you’re going to have two to four children, it means to say you have to have a pretty stable means of livelihood. So we wish you all the best.
Matthew: Thank you very much.
Brother Donald: How about when it comes to the Church? Do you hold a duty right now?
Matthew: Yes, I’m currently an officer in the KADIWA organization and also an officer in the CWS [Children’s Worship Service] organization.
Bro. Donald: Okay, so when it comes to the KADIWA, for the sake of those who are not members of the Church, they are the members of the Church who are 18 years of age and above, not married, no matter what that age may be.
So you’re an officer in the KADIWA organization. That’s admirable too. What are some of the principles that you try to embed in the heart and mind of your fellow KADIWA members?
Matthew: To always, in their day to day life, think about what we’ve learned in worship services and in our Bible studies growing up—to always put the commandments of God and the teachings in our hearts so that we will never stray away.
Bro. Donald: That is very, very interesting. You’re a lot like your brothers. You have the same kind of feeling and compulsion when it comes to your peers. So we wish you all the best when you continue to perform as a KADIWA [officer].
Brother Matthew, it’s been a joy to have you on the program.
Matthew: Thank you very much.
Brother Donald: When it comes to answering your queries, it is hoped that you did receive the scriptural answers, the answers of the Lord our God, that’s going to guide you when it comes to you making decisions from this day forward.
Matthew: Thank you, Brother Donald, for reminding me of the points that I should have in the goals that I have in my life and the goals that I should have with my faith.
I think the biggest thing I’ve gained is clarity in my mind with knowing the information that the Bible has given me through this conversation, I’m able to now view my path in a clear understanding, knowing that God is with me, knowing that God has a path for me, and knowing that I will always be guided by someone who always is looking out for me.
Brother Donald: Yeah, and I believe we can also add that, because you placed your trust in God when it comes to His teachings, when it comes to the power of prayer, that if you were going to step on a path that is not really the path that God wants you to step, He will bring you back in the right direction.
So it kind of, you know, goes down to just completely trusting in God, of course, applying yourself when it comes to your studies, when it comes to after studies, when it comes to God be willing the time that you may have a wife, because a good spouse comes from God, when it comes to all the other avenues of your life, it really has everything to do with allowing God to work through you.
So may it be that when it comes to our study today, all the more, it’s just going to reinforce that belief in you that no need to worry, no need to have hesitations or doubts. Live your life in accordance with the precepts or the teachings of the Lord our God, and everything will go well for you.
So thank you again for being on the program, and we wish you all the very best.
Matthew: Thank you very much.
Brother Donald: And we thank you so much, our dear viewers, for joining us in this episode. I’m Brother Donald Pinnock, and we hope to see you soon.
[Show close]
