“Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.” – Proverbs 19:21
If you know me very well at all, then you probably know I’m a planner at heart.
From my outfits and meals for the week to career goals years down the road – I have at all planned out.
I’ve been this way for years, but God has, and continues to, ruin those plans faster than I can even get all the details figured out.
Need examples?
1) From the time I was a little girl, I always wanted to study forensic science. It has fascinated me since I can remember and still does today. However, while I wanted to go to UT and study at the Body Farm, once I got to college He swiftly showed me how little I actually liked science and math at the collegiate level.
Instead, I found myself intrigued by psychology and child development courses and quickly discovered my love for working with children. Hence, I changed my major to Child and Family Studies and began on the path to becoming a teacher.
I haven’t looked back since.
God – 1 Kelsey – 0
2) In high school my friends and I always talked about the order in which we would get married. I, being the only one in a serious relationship for 4+ years, was always chosen as the first one to go.
However, shortly after my heart was broken and I was the one left on my own.
Now (fast-forward 2 years), just about every one of my close friends is married or engaged. And as for me, nope. It’s just me.
Happily, just me.
God – 1 Kelsey – 0
3) In May I graduated from college and received my teaching license. Up until this point (technically March) I was planning to use my degree and license to become a full-time teacher this fall.
Boy was I wrong.
God showed me the Race and before I knew it I had been accepted and I agreed to go.
My plans of teaching this fall went down the drain (or so I thought…keep reading).
God – 1 Kelsey – 0
4) Since I will be leaving for the Race in January, there was really no way for me to begin teaching full-time this coming school year. I had planned on subbing this fall until I left in January, but like so many other times, God had something else up his sleeve.
I was recently offered an INTERIM TEACHING POSITION in a preschool classroom at Castle Heights Elementary. I have accepted the position which starts at the beginning of school and lasts until fall break.
When I applied for this position I simply prayed that God would do his will. And he did.
I am so excited to see what God has planned for me this fall.
God – 1 Kelsey – 0
I said all that to say this.
You (I) can plan out every aspect of your (my) life, but if it’s not in God’s plan, it’s just not going to happen.
You see, I think God has each of our lives already completely planned out.
Yet, graciously, He lets us believe that the reins are in our own hands.
While there may be times when you don’t understand what he is doing (or why), I promise His plans will work out for the best and will always be better than your wildest dreams.
God – 4 Kelsey – 0
God’s plan defeats mine every time, yet in my eyes I am the winner.
I am in God’s will…and it is 110% better than anything that I could have ever imagined myself.
So this is me, the planner of all planners, letting God be in control.
Postponing my plans of becoming a teacher to travel the world for 11 months.
Leaving my family and friends to live with complete strangers for a year.
Not planning where meals will come from or what they will be.
Not wondering where I will sleep or if I will have a shower and clean clothes.
Not worrying about how we will get to each county and or what we will be doing there until we arrive.
Not caring about worldly possessions, but instead about the lives being lost without knowing Jesus.
God is teaching me to trust Him to provide for my every care and every need.
And as crazy (and completely scary) as it might be, I can’t wait to watch Him to do it.
While your “losses” may not look exactly like mine, I challenge you to hand the reins over to God. Give Him control and see where it takes you.
I promise you won’t regret it.
