Have you ever felt stuck? Does it seem like everyone around you has their life together and here you are eating tacos two days in a row? (Not that there is anything wrong with that, I love tacos!) Have you ever asked God, “What’s next?” and felt like He is ignoring you? Have you ever felt that it doesn’t matter how hard you work because you never seem to be going anywhere?
I know this feeling all to well. I also know for a fact God has a plan for you. Let’s start there. God is not ignoring you or forsaking you. He may be telling you this is a season of waiting—waiting on Him for direction. He is asking you to trust that in this time of confusion, He is ultimately in control.
When I gave my life back to the Lord, I told God that I wanted to give Him everything. He finally showed me that I had to be willing to give up MY plan for my life because it wasn’t in line with His. That was hard. I worked really hard for a future that I thought was right for me. I spent a lot of time mad at God and frustrated that despite my hard work, doors weren’t opening for me. I felt that I was being prevented from pursuing my dream. I was being stubborn. God had to slam some doors in my face—to get my attention—for me to realize that giving up control and not knowing my next steps was exactly where He wanted me to be.
During this transition, God was putting missions on my heart. I tried really hard to ignore this calling on my life. I even tried to bargain with God and promised to go into mission work after I accomplished my goals. Eventually, I surrendered my plans and fell at His feet. My heart began to change.
Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.
James 4:10
The anger and frustration I had harbored for so long faded away. I began to see how God orchestrated everything to get me to this place. The next few months weren’t easy, but they were a time of growth. My relationship with the Lord grew stronger. I became more involved in ministry at church. Spending time in the Word and in prayer opened my heart to hear more clearly from Him.
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Then, a friend mentioned the World Race. I became curious and considered applying for this mission trip. The enemy tried to make me doubt, but God gave me peace amidst the spiritual attacks. His plan for me became clearer. I do not have a doubt in my mind that this is where God has called me to be and what I am supposed to do. I know I won’t be able to do this on my own; I’ll need God’s strength.
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.
Jeremiah 29:11
We serve an amazing God whose ways are not our ways. His plan for us is so much greater than anything we could ever imagine. If we surrender to Him, He will reveal Himself to us. And if we submit to His plan, He will strengthen us and enable us to complete it.
…being confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.
Philippians 1:6
