“Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails”— Proverbs 19:21(NIV).
Before turning my life over to God, I was in complete charge of my life, or so I thought. My plans were spelled out each day on my to-do list. Without the list, I couldn’t accomplish the tasks I’d set out to complete each day, each week, each month. I considered myself a woman on a mission.
Looking back, I wonder how many times my missions didn’t line up with God’s plans for my life. Since then, I can see how God stepped in and changed my carefully planned life.
When I enrolled in college in 1971, my chosen major was elementary education. But I believe God intervened when my college advisor said, “Carol, you’re going to have a difficult time finding a job in that field because there are so many choosing that career path.”
When Our Chosen Path Changes Course
When my advisor asked me what my favorite school subject was, I replied, “English.” I loved writing and reading had been ingrained in me at an early age.”
After choosing a journalism class as an elective, I eventually switched majors, choosing English as my minor. I was still in education, but now I would be teaching on the secondary level. For over 30 years, I taught teenagers and believe my impact on their lives was greater than if I had been in elementary education.
Why do I believe that? Because I’m in touch through social media with many of them. And I’m humbled when they share with me the difference I’ve made in their lives. Only God could change my path for His purposes.
God’s Purposes are Better
Before retiring from secondary education in 2005, I’d started making plans for my post-teaching career. I was a young retiree at age 51. When my career began, I was fresh out of college and many of my students weren’t that much younger than I was.
In addition to moonlighting as a reporter for the local newspapers while teaching, I was also a professional photographer. I earned additional income from shooting wedding photos, little league sports teams, and high school senior portraits. My retirement plans included growing both side businesses—writing more for area publications and expanding my photography business outside our community.
But God had a better plan, one I never dreamed of or even considered. He moved me from the area where I had lived since 1975 to a larger community, where I knew only a few people. But His purpose for my life prevailed.
When God’s Purpose Prevails
Before moving to the new community, I sensed God’s spirit leading me to give up my photography business, so I sold my studio equipment. I’d also been led by the Holy Spirit to visit with a newspaper editor about writing for their publication. Her suggestions are what led to my faith-based writing. None of these moves were part of my carefully planned life. But God had a better plan—or should I say the best plan.
Looking back at where I thought I’d be now and where God has led me, two scriptures come to mind. Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose.” The other verse, Proverbs 3:5-6, says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.”
Have you yielded your chosen path to God? When you trust Him, surrendering your heart to His greater purposes, you just might be surprised at the direction He takes you, but you’ll never be disappointed.
I always love hearing from my readers. Please feel free to leave a comment below or email me at carol@carolaround.com. Also, if this blog post has touched you, would you please share it with others on Facebook or Twitter? It is the greatest gift you can give a writer.
Photo credit: wallpaperflare.com
Sadly that’s true. My son made two big mistakes and it cost him his life. I made some big mistakes too. Of course, if I hadn’t made a couple, he wouldn’t have been born.
Thank you for stopping by to read my post and leave a oomment, Kathleen. I am so sorry to hear about your son. I have two adult sons and I pray every day they learn from their mistakes. God bless you always with His amazing grace.
We must keep praying for our children, and make sure there is complete communication. I prayed a week before he died that if he didn’t belong where he was that he would be taken away. Needless to say I didn’t mean for him to die.
You are so right, Kathleen! We must keep praying for them. I pray for my adult sons and my grandchildren every day. God hears our prayers and while He doesn’t always answer the way we have prayed, He loves us so much. We don’t always understand and my heart aches for your loss. Don’t blame yourself. Our adult children make their own choices, good and bad. I hope you feel the comfort of our Heavenly Father’s arms wrapping you in His love and peace.
Thank you.
You are most welcome. In HIS grip, always!
I love this! Just last Tuesday I was the guest speaker at a women’s fall gathering and the title of my talk was “When God Interrupts and Life Goes Topsy-Turvy.” You make so many of the same points I did. God has indeed many times interrupted and send to us a much better place than we’d ever have imagined.
Carol I love this. Thank you for sharing this blessed post. Blessings.
Thank you, Paula, for stopping by to read and leave a comment on my post. I appreciate your letting me know. May God bless your socks off this week! 🙂
I am reading this on a Sunday morning thinking about work tomorrow. While I love my job as a professor the circumstances at work are causing me to rethink my life. After 12 years in the institution (and being a Chair for 3), the new inexperienced hired makes $7,000 more than I do. Your article is encouraging to me. I don’t know what is ahead, but I will trust Him with my life. Thank you.
Dear Glorimar, It is often difficult to see the unfairness in this world. My heart aches when I see the injustices. Before I placed my trust in Him completely, I was one who fought the system. I was a high school educator. I fought for my students and their rights. However, because of the “Good Ole’ Boy” network, I was often labeled a troublemaker. When I started trusting God, I realized my job was to be there for my students and to meet their needs because I could not change the administration. I pray God will reveal His plan for… Read more »
Thank you for another spiritual boost, Carol. I thank God for His Spirit and for His purpose for my life. Sometimes we balk at the interruptions, but at a later date we can see how the Holy Spirit is leading us according to God’s plan. Thank you!
Thank you, sweet lady. I write to encourage others in their walk with the Lord. You are so right about interruptions. We can become impatient, but I’ve learned our Heavenly Father knows best. Love you!
Thank you for this uplifting reminder, Carol. God’s plan is always best, even when we can’t see the path in front of us.
Thank you, Gail, for letting me know your thoughts. I need that reminder myself, frequently. Our Father always knows best, doesn’t He? Blessings, always!