I accepted Christ when I was about five. So, for seventeen years I have been praying for God’s will for my life. I have had seasons of peace and I have had seasons where I felt as though I were abandoned. I’ve justified mistakes and failures as “God’s will” for my life. I graduated college with an awe-some five year plan… and none of it ended up working out for me….I cried, grieved loss, and moved on telling people, “It just means God’s will for my life didn’t include [insert:: this job, this boy, this move, etc.]
“God’s will” for my life was exhausting to figure out. So much so, that it led to a lot of heartbreak and anxiety about every decision I made. I began to pray for dew on fleece in any area of my life that required a decision.
The concept of God's will for my life was daunting to me. It seemed more like a corn maze than a blessing. I became paralyzed for fear of messing up and ending up in heaven only to hear God say, "well Steph…welcome. Only one small problem, you were supposed to be a teacher… and well… you didn't so…this is awkward"
Even in ministry questioning what God's will looked like. Should I go into Children's Ministry? Should I go to Bible College and get a degree in missions? Is now a good time to apply for the World Race? Will my husband lead me into ministry? Will I work for a non-profit? Why didn't Teach for America work out? How does God want me to serve him? the questions were never ending!!! Wouldn't sending a letter have been easier God?!
Then, I heard this message
WRECKED. MY.WORLD.
If you have time, I encourage you to listen as Pete explains the simplicity of God's Will for our lives.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Rejoice always, pray continually,
give thanks in all circumstances;
for his is God's will for you in Christ Jesus
- God's will is about who we are not where we are
- God's will is your growth in Christlikeness
- God's will is for you to do the next best loving thing
- Love God. Love People.
I applied to The World Race a week after being set free from the bondage [sin] of trying to figure out God's will for my life.
I picked the September 1 Route without any "sign from God" that this was the right route. and you know what…the world didn't end. I know that He is going to bless this mission and this ministry. Not because Route 1 > Route 2, or becuase the "honey-do list of the life of Stephanie" read:: #342 Participate in the World Race September 2013 Route 1. But because He called me to love Him and love others more than myself and that's what the World Race is all about. The World Race is the next best loving thing in my life.
