Don’t Rush It

I knew what I wanted in life. Due to some interesting counsel from some books I read, I had a strong desire to live, work, and go to church in the same neighborhood. We lived in St. Louis at the time, and we were already living and going to church in the same neighborhood. One more piece to go!

I had a pretty great job at a magnet school, but I asked to be transferred to the high school in our neighborhood. Instead of teaching students who (somewhat) wanted to be at school, I asked to teach students who (definitely) didn’t. All to fulfill a pipe dream. Well, the good Lord gave me exactly what I wanted – I should have seen this coming…

After a month of school I signed up for counseling. I had to daily tell myself that apart from Jesus, I could do nothing. It was a simple act of trust in Him to just get myself out of bed in the morning. Clearly, what I wanted on my own schedule was not for me. God gave me exactly what I prayed for, but now I didn’t want it!

That was the hardest year of my life (so far), but I’m thankful to God for what He did in me that year. I began to trust him more than I was before. I learned what Paul actually means by “I can do all things through Him Who strengthens me.” The wife and I were closer and more prayerful than before. I’d do it all over again, though it was so very hard.

So, what about you, dear reader? Are you rushing things in your life? Are you taking on more than you can be faithful to do? Have you and your parents considered a gap year after high school? Or even attending a college for a time that won’t put you into crippling college debt? Yes, the Lord will ultimately use your every hasty decision for His glory and your good. But keep in mind the Lord’s timing; His plans for us are always better than our plans for ourselves.