I’m not sure how many people are like me in this but all of my adult life has been about having mostly temporary jobs (I say that only because a majority of them lasted at least 3-5 years) before I was itching to move on to something different. The longest stretch that I had was working as a Special Education Teacher for fifteen and a half years. I remember thinking at that time when I started that job, my thinking became “Finally, this is where I’m meant to be for the rest of my life!”.
That turned out to be a big fat…. NOPE!!
The thing is, is that I had thought that there was something wrong with me and that was why I couldn’t settle. However, in looking back now, I understand that each job was just a temporary assignment in each position so that once I had learned all that I needed to learn then God could move me to the next position to learn more. You see, our God had a plan for my life and He has a plan for your life, as well. He wants to prosper us but we have to open ourselves up to Him for that growth to truly happen. It can be a painful process that can feel like failure, initially, but it isn’t. (Related post: Accepting failure is actually the key to success)
When you are going through those struggles, it’s not necessarily that there is something wrong with you, but it’s that our God has a bigger purpose for you and in your life. Along the way, you are learning some amazing life lessons. Perhaps those lessons aren’t always wonderful but those same lessons can help form you into the new person that God wants you to become. We, however, don’t always see that part of it or at least don’t perceive that that was His purpose all along, at least, not right away. When we learn to accept that God is with us in our journey and is guiding us through those times, that is when we really begin to see His hand in our life.
What did I learn from this? I am so much stronger because I know that God is there with me every step of the way. Was it difficult? Yes! Did I want to give up at times? YES!! Has it been worth it in the long run? YES!!!
The other thing is that I am humbled by my circumstances as well. Knowing that God loves me that much, makes me want to just do more for Him as well as encourage others to get to know that same sort of joy that I have. (Related post: Adjust…. Accordingly)
So, what can you learn from this? God NEVER, EVER said that following Him would be easy. I think that when you do begin to feel that joy, you begin to realize that it cannot be replicated with earthly things.
Maybe your journey has had many ups and downs, or twists and turns. Perhaps you think that you have nothing to offer and are ashamed of what you have done it the past. That’s okay because our God meets you right where you are and He doesn’t hold that against you. Also, remember that He never leaves you where you are or even were. He has special plans for you, so don’t let your fear of feeling unworthy keep you from reaching out for Him. You can call on Him at anytime. Remember this verse when you decide to make that call. It comes from Jeremiah 33:3, “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” Once you do that, then you too will have a testimony to share with others. (Related post: Traversing the hills and valleys of life with grace)
A Joyful Mission 