Recently, 2 Corinthians 5:7 came to mind as God worked in my heart to leave the practice I had been at for almost a decade. The verse states, ?For we walk by faith, not by sight.? I had considered leaving the practice for the previous five years, but I had decided against it because I could not see a better alternative, and I sensed the timing was not right. I continued to ask God for His direction and timing.
James 1:5-6 reminded me of my need for faith as I waited on God?s answer. ?If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.?
God is faithful, and five years later He clearly showed me when to leave the practice. It came at a moment in time that surprised me a little, but I clearly knew it was time to leave even though I did not have my next position planned out. This made leaving a little stressful. It?s not easy to step out from what is familiar and give up my desire to be comfortable. But living the adventure of faith is a good place to be as I experience God?s peace and joy while trusting in Him.
Looking back, I think about how, at times, I was prideful about my profession, and self-reliant and inconsistent in prayer regarding my career path. Still, even though I didn?t deserve it, God remained faithful and forgiving ? and He answered my prayers.
As I look towards the future, I have a vision of what my next step could be professionally. But, alongside my dream, I battle fear and the desire to follow my own selfish will. Both threaten to divert me from God?s plans.
I fear that I cannot achieve the dream I have. Most consultants I have spoken with have advised against my dream. Yet, I believe that God is greater than my fear, and He will fulfill His purposes for my life. When I begin to doubt, I remember Proverbs 16:3, and it helps me make sure I am not harboring a prideful heart. ?Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.?
I battle my selfish will through daily surrender, making sure my heart is fully committed to God?s will and not my own (Luke 9:23). Daily, I choose to make Him my King and to truly reign over my plans and my everyday moments and choices. With a heart fully surrendered to the Savior, completely driven to serve Him as Lord, how can I fail?
I am going to continue to walk by faith, praying that God will continue to lead me and that my pride would not get in the way of the plans He has for me. It is about God?s plan for my life and profession, not mine. And, He is greater than my fears.
I?ve learned that sometimes we need to take a leap of faith out of our comfort zone ? to walk into the unknown, hand in hand with our Savior. We must trust Him to guide us into His plan. It requires surrendering our own will, asking for Him to fill us with the hopes and dreams He has for us in order to fulfill His bigger purpose for our lives.
?Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to Him be glory…? ??– Ephesians? ?3:20? ??
-Anonymous
