Follow God’s Plan For Your Life
Jesus left there and went to his hometown, accompanied by his disciples. When the Sabbath came, he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were amazed.
“Where did this man get these things?” they asked. “What’s this wisdom that has been given him, that he even does miracles? Isn’t this the carpenter? Isn’t this Mary’s son and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas and Simon? Aren’t his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him.
-- Mark 6:1-3
No matter what we dream, there will always be someone there to tell us it either can’t be done or that we can’t do it. No matter what we accomplish there will always be someone there to scoff at it and tell us it really was no big deal after all.
Frequently those who do so are the ones closest to us. It hurts. It causes us to doubt ourselves, our dreams and our accomplishments.
The world tells us that our families and close friends are our greatest cheerleaders. We are told to listen to the advice and wisdom of those who know us best. Look to others, some say, so you can best determine your strengths and your weaknesses, your skills and your gifts.
Actually, the only place you should turn is to God. Oh, sure, listen to what others say but take time to pray about it. Listen to what God has to say and follow Him rather than those around you.
Several years ago I felt God leading me on a different path. I felt a tug toward teaching. At the time, I was coordinating Children’s Church but I felt that my time there was over and I needed to move to an older audience.
The church was desperate for Sunday school teachers. Those on that committee said so publicly. So I offered my services. I didn’t request a specific age. I vowed silently to be open to what they offered.
And they did offer. The three year old class that no one else would take. I was offended, though I doubt they ever knew. And I just said no. I knew with certainty that it wasn’t what God had in mind. I was disappointed too. Because these wonderful folks couldn’t see me as anyone they could ever learn anything from.
God had a different plan. He had a different purpose for my life. Not long after this, He led me to a different church with a different mindset. Today I lead a Sunday school class of adults about my age, give or take 15 years or so. We have lively discussions as folks from different places and different political viewpoints come together to learn and grown in Christ. Each Sunday I ask God for words and wisdom and He gives both in abundance.
During the school year I lead a ladies bible study. Our numbers have grown and we all have grown closer as we bond over shared learning and the love of Jesus in our hearts.
God called me to walk a path some thought I couldn’t travel. I followed God and I’ll be forever grateful that I did.
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