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 hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."
This passage Jeremiah 29:11-13, says so well how God has it all plan, and whether we'll choose to believe in Him, and know that He has the best for us. As humans, at times, I realise that we can't help it but we try to go with what we think is better for us, than to wait for God to show us what His best is for us. Especially if it is after a period of waiting. How much waiting can a human survive through??? I wondered........... Anyway, that's not my point, but I have been learning in the last 6 months, about waiting for God's plan. Even when I don't see it, to have faith that God will provide.
I've been looking for a new job for the last 6 months, sent in quite a number of applications for positions to work with youth and children. I have been wanting to change a job and industry focus, and have been praying, and didn't hear God say no, but did have peace to try out the different options. So here I am, in fact 90% of the jobs that I've applied for, called me in for interview, but well, none of it turn out successful. I rang all of them to get feedback, and it was all "You did really well, and you would have been the next in line, just that there was another person who was better." It came to a point that I wondered if I'm ready to move on, or even started to questioned my own ability. But well, now looking back I realise that God has a purpose in putting me through all those, and closing all those doors.
Recently, I've been given an opportunity in my current workplace to take on a senior role - to be in management. There was a bit of a "crisis", and my manager left. It was a huge impact upon me, because I have looked up to her so much, and her mentorship over me has taught me tremendously. I wanted to leave as well, but I had a prompting in my spirit to stay on to be the "salt & light" to the rest of the people in the team and workplace. I spend that 1 night (when everything happened), praying and asking God to show me why? Why me???? And God reminded me of one of my prophecies .......... "though others (even leaders) may go, but He will strengthen me to stand up in those times to lead". I cried before God, and said that I don't know how but just gave it all to Him. It came to this point that I know deep in my heart, that my only motivation to go to work is because God has called me.
Wow, that was a real revelation and challenge to my heart. But after a week of thinking through and praying, it was clear in my heart and mind that God has closed all those other doors very clearly, but because of my human desire, I kept on doing what I wanted. And when God took it all away, and showed me the "biggest" door He has opened, it just dawn upon me that God wanted to test me to see if I will still trust Him. Think about it ............. I have been searching for job for 6 months, and then all of a sudden, "BANG" the door was open, but it's the most unexpected door that God has opened.
Well, all I can say is that God's sovereign plan is the best. He will bring out the best in you and to you, if you will let Him. I have never felt so broken and weak before Him, but I guess it is in our contriteness that the greatness of God can be revealed. Praise God!!!
As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him. Ps 18:30
