God Changed the Dream I Dreamed!

Good afternoon!  I pray you are all well and enjoying the gorgeous Spring weather!!!  Finally!

How many of you struggle with self-doubt or rather doubt about the path your are taking in life? 

Have no fear, you are far from alone!  And I promise, it doesn't last forever!  In recent months, I have come to find joy in trusting the Lord's perfect plan.  Joy, however, wasn't always the emotion I experienced or even displayed to my friends and family.  More frightening was the hit my prayer life and walk with God suffered as a result of my unbelief.  In fact, there were times when I was simply miserable. 

As a somewhat recent college grad, having completed undergraduate studies in 2010, I was excited to take on the working world.  As an Education major, I had hopes and dreams of changing the world through teaching.  Graduating not long after the recession, jobs were scarce.  Quickly realizing my dreams were falling apart, I desperately scrambled to obtain several substitute positions which were a hot commodity for jobless teacher hopefuls like myself.  A year passed and no still no jobs.  Determined to not give up on my four and a half years of hard work, I remained a substitute teacher for yet another long year-each day a challenge and a blow to my faith in my plans for my career-optimum word being MY. 

It has been said "The best way to make God laugh is to tell Him your plans."

Although the above quote is meant to be light-hearted, it speaks volumes to human nature.  Even as Christians, we struggle with accepting the plans God has placed forth.  We often fall into fits of screaming, whining, and crying when we don't get our way-therefore, enacting the childhood learned skill of throwing a temper-tantrum. 

Come on!  You know we're all guilty of throwing at least ONE "grown-up" temper-tantrum.

The Devil loves these moments-when we are distracted with our own desires, and God has been placed on the back burner.  It was in those moments, I believed his whispered lies. 

"You're a  disappointment . You've wasted so much time.  You're life is going nowhere.  Give up now, because you're a failure." 

How many of you have battled with lies similar to these?  Beware!  If not addressed, the damage can be monumental!

As I cried to God, complaining about my seemingly desperate situation, I heard His still small voice say,

"Peace, I give to you.  Not of this world, but My Peace." 

I desperately hung on to those words, repeating them over and over again.  It was then, Proverbs 3: 5-6 came to mind.  It is my favorite verse!  

 

God opened up my heart and healing tears of relief flowed down my face! God has spoken clearly to my heart-reminding me once again that He is FOREVER FAITHFUL!! 

I wish I could tell you that all of a sudden everything came together, and my greatest dreams were fulfilled.  But, it doesn't work that way.  God is a God of miracles, but He is most certainly NOT a vending machine.  We can't put in a "dollar-value" prayer and get a five pound chocolate bar of success in return.  However, my Lord did start moving in my life-both physically and more importantly-spiritually!!  As I began to seek God's will in my life, I noticed His constant provision and direction in ways I had previously chosen to ignore. 

I won't lie and say that the whispers of the Deceiver didn't momentarily creep back into my mind.  But!  I can tell you God was quick to remind me of His unfailing LOVE and FAITHFULNESS. 

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Two and a half years later, my dreams of teaching have not been fulfilled.  However, through the loving patience of my Father, my dreams are changing, and God is busily opening up new doors and opportunities!  I have a full time job as a manager at a local Barnes and Noble, and I love the people with whom I work.  They are truly like my second family, and I am blessed to have them!  I am also currently working on getting accepted into Grad School and hope to start my studies in December of 2013.  I have found that traditional teaching is not meant for me, but God is and will continue to use my love for teaching and people in ways that far exceed my dreams! 

Have faith my dear brothers and sisters!  The pain may last for a night, but JOY comes in the MORNING!!!  Tell the Devil to take a hike!  Our life in Christ is not free of challenges, heartache, and doubt, but it is FILLED with the promise of His steadfast LOVE.  He remains with us even when we wander away, and He'll be there with open arms when we run back!!  Seek Him through prayer and supplication, and His Holy Word! Hold fast to His promise given in Jeremiah 29:11, another favorite verse of mine.  

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future." 

The Bible is our guidebook-use it as your map and survival guide for life!!

How wonderful it is to SERVE the LIVING GOD!!! I pray you are blessed!!!

<3