FAITH: ‘God is a 24-hour hotline’: West Point’s Hannah Veres discusses relationship with God

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West Point’s Hannah Veres. (Courtesy of Hannah Veres)

WEST POINT, Ala. — West Point senior Hannah Veres feels blessed to have God in her life and in this interview, she talked about some of her favorite bible verses, some of her goals as a role model and how much her faith has changed her life.

“God means the most to me. In everything that I do, I always try to put Him first and try to make sure that He’s involved with my decisions. I truly would be a completely different person if God was not a part of my life, and I’m so grateful that I do not ever have to know who that person would be,” Veres said. “God’s changed my life in so many ways. He has saved me from the trap of bitterness. He taught me that forgiveness is one of the most detrimental things in life to find happiness, because although people might do me or those around me wrong, holding onto that grudge does nothing but turn me bitter and completely alters my relationship with Christ. Everyone has bad days and hard days that you have no idea about, so I’ve learned that there are going to be days I need that forgiveness from someone and how could I ask someone to forgive me when I can’t grant others the same Christ-like grace?”

Hannah shared her favorite Bible verse and her favorite story from the Bible as well.

“Joshua 1:5 is my all-time favorite Bible verse, because in a world full of so many things that bring fear to me, it reminds me that the same way God was with Moses, He will be there with me. The story of Hannah is one of my favorite stories from the Bible, because in a time of defeat and desperation, instead of giving up, Hannah fasted and prayed for a child, and if she could have that child, then she would do whatever the Lord asks of her. I relate so much, because I often feel like giving up or I don’t want to do certain things, but I’m reminded that everything is worth it, and prayer is powerful. No matter how big my mountain may be, God is capable of moving them and answering my prayers, as long as I have faith and dedication to Him.” Veres said.

One of Hannah’s top priorities is to help more people find God and she wants to be a role model for those people as well.

“It is very important. I think often times, it’s easy to forget that not everyone was raised aware of God, and that if someone doesn’t tell children, then they will never make it to heaven either, because people just assume it’s not going to work, or they are probably already saved. I want to go into pediatric oncology in hopes of being able to make an impact on kids, and share that God is good, and He’s in control,” Veres said. “Not only do I want to help those children that are going through some very hard times in their life, but also, I want to help their families and let them know that God is working behind the scenes, and He’s always moving. While I know that you can’t lead everyone to the Lord, it’s important that I say I tried. Whether that’s an invite to church, a small mention of God, or a deep conversation about His love and grace, anything counts and is capable of making an impact, especially with children.”

Hannah added,

“It’s very important to try to be the best version of yourself for those around you, and that’s something I try to remind myself every day, that I have an audience. Although I am far from perfect and do fall short, it’s important to notice your weaknesses and try your best to be better, because no one can say anything if you try. While I know that it’s easy to forget that as a Christian, you are the hands and feet of Christ, your effort and attempt means the most.”

Veres hasn’t been on a mission yet, but it’s been a dream of Her’s to go to one or multiple missions and help more people find God.

“It’s one of my biggest dreams and goals to be a part of one. I dream of going to Mexico and even certain parts of America, like California, who don’t have many religious people to teach or talk to them about God,” she said. “My grandparents are my biggest Godly role models, because although they have been dealt some unfair hands in their life, they keep their faith in Christ and continue to praise God and never doubt Him. They also are always bettering their relationships with Christ, and it’s inspiring, because often times, it’s hard to find that motivation to dig deeper, but they are a constant reminder to me that it will all pay off. My grandpa also always makes it a point that no matter where he’s at, who he’s with, or what he’s doing, he will have a conversation about God. It truly is captivating, because the fact is, you can literally see in front of your eyes the desire he has for people to know God and His grace. My sweet grandma is always smiling and showing the pure joy God can bring a person.”

Hannah talked about a life-changing experience that happened she had that helped her get closer to God, and she gave advice to those people that want that relationship with God but might be new to that kind of experience.

“2020 was one of the most life-changing experiences I’ve ever had that really changed my relationship with God. It was like I didn’t have to live a routine of school, homework, and sleep. I finally got to focus on myself and the fact that nothing is permanent, except for God’s love and grace. It really made me realize you are the only person who has to go through your life and that pleasing everyone at the expense of your own happiness is not what God intends for us,” she said. “I’d definitely tell people to just keep putting in that effort and that God is a 24-hour hotline. He’s always awake and listening to whatever you are saying to Him through prayer. It’s easy to say a five-second prayer, but it’s just about really pouring yourself into it and making time for those moments with just you and God. I’ve learned that effort is key in a relationship with God. As long as you are trying and you continue to pour yourself into Him, He will guide you and show you amazing things.”

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