I have a plan to graduate college (hopefully in a year ish) and then go to grad school to get a Ed.S. in school psychology. Then pursue a job in a public school doing what I spent 6+ years of my life preparing for. Sounds logical to me and people seem to be pleased with my general plan for my life when they ask. Sure, if a husband happens to come my way somewhere in there, I'll take it!
Recently I've heard much about laying down my dreams for God's plan. I've heard a bit about missions since my church is very mission-ly minded. I've prayed about short-term missions without any clear answer. *Note: When I say I'm praying about it... that means I'm praying about when, where, and how... not whether or not I should go. That's a given.* So... giving up my dream that I've had since high school of being a counselor for adolescents... doesn't set peacefully within me. I don't see why I need to. If it's God's will, I think he'll reveal it to me, convict me, and change the desires of my heart as I seek him more, especially if I'm asking Him to do so. Maybe I have an unclear understanding of "laying your dreams down."
I believe God has a plan for me also.Today once again I am challenged to obey God. I can give you Bible, sunday-school answers about what it means to obey God, but for my life right now, as I think about the future, I'm praying about what that means. Right now, like I said, I don't think God is telling me to abandon my dreams. I think God gave me the dreams I have and that He has (very generously) provided many means to achieve them for His glory. Right now to abandon those dreams would be stupid. Drop out of school. Quit my job. For what?! What else would I do?? It doesn't make sense for God to tell me to abandon my dream without giving me a different one. If I knew clearly God wanted me to abandon my dream to pursue missions or to do a certain thing... I would be open to that. I'm not sure if I'm limiting God here or if I'm just being practical... Please offer your opinion, thoughts, advice, anything you have...
One blog I follow pretty consistently because it makes sense for me and is always relavent to my life is Ruthie's blog. This particular post "Six Common Misconceptions About God's Will" is on point. From what I read, Ruthie has devoted her life to obeying God and she has experiential advice on the topic.
Not that this song is relavent... but I like it. :) And the thought of a blog on God's Will led to this song in my mind.
I will be praying for you!...It is weird when you come to a crossroad and realize that the plan you had all along may not be the plan at all...been there myself with thinking I was going to be doing one thing and now...I am trying to figure out what I am going to be when I grow up! Hugs!
ReplyDeleteGod will speak to you through your heart and soul. There are those that will offer their opinion or their spin including myself.
ReplyDeleteGo with what feels right in you mind and soul and dreams. Just my opinion.
scroll down to mp3 downloads and get " how to give god what he wants the most .... it prob wont answer your exact question but it is a very good message http://r12online.livingontheedge.org/book/index.php#surrendered
ReplyDeleteAs a public school teacher myself (who also went to a Christian school growing up), I can say with confidence that teaching (especially in the schools I've been in) is a mission field. If God has given you that dream to educate, then I think you're on the right track. I don't think you need to abandon your plans to become a teacher/counselor - He has laid that on your heart and as long as you approach your job with the mindset of being a light for God then you are doing His will. And just think - being in the education system will give you awesome opportunities to do mission work in the summers since you'll be out of school!
ReplyDeleteThat is an excellent point about the summers! And yes after talking to some people about this I've learned there are plenty of choices to make within Gods will and I don't have to just aim for the bullseye hoping I pick the right thing. As long as the goal is to bring glory to God there are many choices of what avenue to get there.
ReplyDelete