I awoke today in the will of God and that brought me relief before my feet ever touched the floor. Some people cringe when they hear the phrase “the will of God” because it sounds very religious, very deep – perhaps, for some, very frightening. I think some are uncomfortable with this concept because they fear that they might not be centered in his will and they assume that a lightning bolt is about to shock them back into line. I would submit to you that my confidence that I am walking upon the life-path that He has appointed comes from my assurance that He is well able to lead rather than any trust in my ability to discern and follow. Here’s what the Psalmist teaches us:
“The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way; though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the Lord upholds his hand.” – Psalm 37:23-24 {ESV}
The exhale of relief comes because, when you live in the abiding of surrender to the Lord, He orders your steps. That should bring great comfort to you. I don’t wake up anymore and fall on my face to begin my day agonizing over whether or not I’m where I should be in life. As the sun rises each morning I simply want to check my heart to see if it still longs to do His will. I want to ensure that there is no rebel part of me grappling for position, seeking to dismiss the loving authority of the Almighty from governing me. As I conclude that my heart rests in submission, I alleviate myself of trying to map out some territory to conquer, some mountain to scale or some ministerial rescue to perform. God’s will reminds me that I’m a servant, not a super-hero.
Now, having said that, I would like to pick your brain. Here’s a little happy-hypothetical to get us thinking outside of where we find ourselves today: if God Himself offered you the opportunity to do something with your life other than what you find yourself doing today, what would it be? For me it would be two things. I would like to be an author and, at the same time, establish a ministry which ministers to people with Down Syndrome. Who knows whether or not these desires are truly from the Lord…I’m too busy seeking to fulfill what I currently know that His plans are for me. I’m happy being the person He has made me and accomplishing the work He has entrusted to me. Yet, if this hypothetical offer of a “second-life” ever came to pass, those two things would be at the top of my list.
So, what about you? Don’t be shy. If your gracious God allowed for you to change lanes, what could you see yourself doing?
We both have the same dream!! I would love to work with kids with Down Syndrome. The Lord probably knew my desire when he gave my family a precious boy with DS 2 years ago. His name is Santi and he is my sister’s younger child. He is SO precious and definetely the greatest gift the Lord has given to my family!
A Pediatric Nurse. Started down that road so many years ago, but never finished. No regrets though. My family will always take priority over any dream that I may have. Plus, if I had become a pediatric nurse and I even suspected that a child was being abused in anyway…Well, let’s just say that my career would have been short lived and I would have ended up with a criminal record. 😉
Fullfilling what I have always wanted to do and went to school to do.. Cosmetologist!! For whatever reason, the Lord has not allowed that door to be opened for me.
I would do multiple short term missions all over the world — places that let me play and love on the children….and see my grandchildren LOTS!
I am living my dream, what I’ve always wanted to do and be – a wife, a mother, a homemaker and a teacher. I guess if I could add anything else, it would be ministering more with my singing (I would need an extra dose of grace for that) and some type of ministry for elderly and shut-ins.
I would learn to read, write, and sing music unto my Lord. Oh what songs I would sing.
The kid in me would still like to sing or play sports …. but if I had a do over, I would want to work with kids. Preferably teaching/coaching the fundamentals. Fundamentals in all aspects to help the kids grow into what God intends