Directed Steps-God has a Plan
Many people are familiar with Jeremiah 29:11, which assures us that God has a plan for our life. I love to hear the testimony of people sharing their personal stories. Often, in sharing an overview of their life, they are blinded by the purposeful steps God planned to get them to where they are. For example, my dad majored in journalism at San Jose State. He was drafted into the army the year he graduated and given the opportunity for training in electronic communications and radar systems. Although he had no real interest in either, he agreed to the training. When he got out of the army, he took two, six week courses on the Universal Automatic Computer (UNIVAC) system, and was offered a job with Westinghouse as a tech write. Later, he was transferred to Honeywell where he wrote technical manuals on defense weapons. The training he received in the army added to his skill as a writer, and landed him a job perfectly suited for his expertise in both fields. A sovereign God directed his every step.
One woman, who spent most of her adult life as a graphic artist, made a career change. Having adopted two children with special needs, she became a teacher’s aide in a special needs classroom. Unbeknownst to her, her exceptional work ethic had earned her a stellar reputation among the parents as well as the teachers. Making little more than minimum wage, she exceeded the dedication and commitment of many teachers. Putting in hours at home creating lessons, maps, charts, brochures, games, and the like, she utilized her years of experience and skill as a graphic artist to benefit this school. Eight years later, she applied for a job with a statewide company and discovered the interviewer to be a mom from the school where she had labored tirelessly. She was hired without reservation.
God is sovereign, and His plans are complete. When I think of the many people with similar stories, I am encouraged that God is at work in my life and not done with me yet. He is at work in your life and your child’s life as well. We must be faithful with whatever God asks us to do, big or small. We must press on in the work set before us, knowing He will increase our opportunities, grow our character, and sharpen our skills as we do our work heartily for the Lord (Colossians 3:23). It is important for our children to understand that God gives us tasks and responsibilities that prepare us for the next adventure. This brings meaning to diligently completing school work and finishing chores. Not knowing how we might be used in the future is exciting!
Finding myself as the founder and administrator of a Christian school was unexpected. It was like God throwing me a surprise party. Only once, in the many attempts to surprise me, has my family ever succeeded. I was gone all day at an art festival in another city with two of my good friends. I was driving us back around dinner time and called to let my husband know we were just a few blocks from home (in effect announcing my arrival to the party guests)! When I walked in the door I was completely and utterly shocked. I remember thinking, how in the world was my life manipulated (even the phone call) in such a way as to get me here at this exact moment in time with all these people. It was surreal. In the same way, God’s plan for me was a big surprise.
Although in my early years of education, I dreamed of having my own school, that thought had long been dismissed and forgotten. I was extremely happy and satisfied homeschooling my children. As I watched other homeschool families in our church needing help, I invited students over for classes at my house. This evolved into offering classes at church for other families, which led to being asked to help start a University-Model® school as the administrator. After hanging up the phone with the tenacious gentleman making the offer, I remember I guffawed and thought- no way. I was happy doing what I was doing. But the Lord was quick to rebuke me. He immediately brought to mind all the ways He had prepared me for the job-my work in traditional education, my homeschool experience, my work as an educational evaluator, and the experience I had running the classes for homeschoolers. So my closed fist opened, and I walked through the door of opportunity the Lord placed in front of me.
These stories illustrate the truth that God is at work in us and His plan for our life has been in motion before we took our first breath. Faithfully walk in the path carved for you, diligently learning, and sharing the fruit of what you learn with others. Be faithful (Luke 19:17) to the tasks before you and God will see to your good and His glory! Press on (Hebrews 12:1-2).
We all have a story to tell, a life story that is ongoing. Be encouraged that He will complete His good work in you and in your children (Philippians 1:6). Take a minute to think about the path of your life and the faithfulness of God in providing opportunities for you to grow and impact your world. Please share with me, the story of how God has prepared you for the work you are doing for His Kingdom.