At some point in life, we all have likely read at least one Dr. Seuss book. One book that sticks out to me is the book titled Oh the Places You Will Go. The title encourages me to reflect on my own faith journey. These plans are only possible when, regardless of my circumstances, I align myself truly with Him through my obedience and ability to surrender my plans for His greater plans.
The hardest year I’ve faced in my adult life would probably be 2023. It was at my lowest point that I realized I had a choice: allow this valley to be my end or find that mustard seed of faith I kept hearing about in church. I realized that a tiny amount of faith would help me slowly pick myself up, gradually finding strength in Him. Even when it was hard because nothing made sense, I began to be more intentional in orienting myself to Him and surrendering control. Within months, I began to see His blessings. This journey led to the decision to get baptized in March 2024.
I have since been blessed with a new home, new job, new friends, new mentors, new church family, small groups, travelled to Europe, went on my first mission trip, and now, I’m planning my wedding. But most importantly, I have a real and deep relationship with God. I never even imagined for myself the things God has done and is still doing in my life. The only explanation is Him. God is just that good!
God seeks more from us than to just simply go through the motions. Sometimes He asks us to do really hard things. Things that seem impossible! But those are the times when you will see God the most. You might feel disheartened in the seasons of your faith being tested. We have all been there no matter how long it’s been since giving our lives to Christ. God will continue to refine you in life. Submitting ourselves to God’s instructions will not be an easy task but He promises it will be worth it.
In the past, I had sought out worldly ways to “fix” my brokenness, but that would no longer work on the path God had set before me. After giving my life to Him, He allowed me to experience some similar situations as before because I had now learned to turn to Him as healer. I no longer sought the empty idols of the world. How do I know God is faithful? Because He pursued me before I even had any purpose to passionately pursue Him.
A few weeks before I would end up meeting the man God intended for me to marry, I told God that I was surrendering over my desires to have a family of my own: to be a wife and to be a mother. Behind the scenes, God used the sweetest pup to guide us together in a perfect Hallmark movie script. I have transformed from brokenness to learning the difference between just knowing God and truly having a relationship with Him. I am able to witness God’s glory as He continues to guide my healing and growth in preparation to marry the man God has created for me. I am increasingly better at praising Him and trusting in His plans being better than mine.
We must empty ourselves of old habits, behaviors, and desires by submitting our personal will to God, so that He can fill us up with His plans through His grace, mercy, and love. He wants us to experience His goodness, but we must first make room for Him in our hearts- allowing His glory to shine through us.
