Thoughts from a Musician's Heart

Nothing is Too Hard for God: How My Doctoral Journey Shaped My Spiritual Growth by Dr. June Xu

For nothing is impossible with God. -- Luke 1:37

As I reflect on the past decade of my life, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for God’s faithfulness. From my early days as a sales representative and tour guide in a Chinese international travel agency to earning a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in viola performance and music entrepreneurship from a prestigious American university, my journey has been nothing short of a testament to God’s guiding hand. My doctoral capstone project, Bridging Art, Faith, and Business: The MasterWorks Festival Florida Performing Series as a Sustainable Model, not only marked the culmination of three years of academic rigor but also became a profound avenue for spiritual growth. 

A Decade of Transformation

I could never have imagined the path God had prepared for me. After my bachelor’s degree in Tourism Management, I was immersed in a fast-paced career, leading tours and navigating the demands of the travel industry in China. Yet, God planted a seed—a passion for music and a longing to pursue a path that intertwined art and faith. In 2015, I took a daunting leap of faith, leaving my familiar life behind to study music in the United States. 

The transition was far from easy. As an international student, I faced challenges that tested my resilience: navigating complex academic expectations, adjusting to cultural differences, and managing the financial and emotional weight of being far from home. There were moments when self-doubt crept in, whispering that I wasn’t equipped for this journey or that I had taken the wrong path. Yet, time and again, God showed up in ways I couldn’t have anticipated. 

God’s Guidance Through the Storms 

Each summer at the MasterWorks Festival, my “home away from home”, I felt rejuvenated by the community of Christian musicians. From this environment, my project was born.  The project required countless hours, many obstacles, and moments of frustration.  God never failed to provide clarity when I felt stuck, patience when I was overwhelmed, and mentors who offered not just academic guidance but also spiritual encouragement. My Masterworks family prayed with me through sleepless nights and celebrated each small victory along the way.

“Ah, Sovereign LORD, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you.”  (Jeremiah 32:17) became my anchor.

A New Heaven and a New Earth

The moment I submitted the final draft of my doctoral project, I expected to feel relief—or perhaps exhaustion. Instead, I felt a profound sense of awe. This wasn’t just the end of a three-year academic journey; it was the beginning of something new. God had used this project to open a new heaven and new earth in my life.

A Testimony of God’s Power

As I celebrate ten years in the United States and the completion of my doctorate, I am reminded that nothing is too hard for God. He took a young woman from a travel agency in China, guided her across continents, and transformed her into a musician, scholar, and servant of His kingdom.

To anyone reading this who feels overwhelmed by their own journey, I want to encourage you with Jeremiah 32:17. No obstacle is too great, no dream too big, and no challenge too hard for our Sovereign Lord. He is faithful to guide us, provide for us, and use every step of our journey to draw us closer to Him. 

May my story be a testament to God’s glory and a reminder that with Him, all things are possible.