The Future
I've been thinking lately about who I am, where I'm going, and what God's will is for me. I think that one part of God's will for every believer is to instill the Fruits of the Spirit into our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and self-control. Of course the two greatest commandments are to 1) love the Lord your God and 2) love your neighbor as yourself. I'm working on these things, and I know they are becoming more a part of who I am (slowly, ha), but as far as individual talent and personality goes, who am I? What about me is a trait or ability that God wants to cultivate and use for His glory? Because whatever it is I want to focus on that.
I just got accepted into the education program at my school, Northwest University. I am excited for this new adventure that I will be taking because I believe God can use me to impact children's lives, and I know I will be maturing and growing in bounds myself. But God never actually told me in an audible voice, "Joanna, you are going to teach". Mostly other people told me I should be a teacher. I have no clue if I am a good teacher or not, I just didn't feel led in any other particular direction. So is this God's will? I hope so.
3 months later . . .
Here I sit in my classroom as the little ones are quietly napping after a fearsome battle of the wills to help them reach such a state. At this point I don't know that I would make a good elementary teacher. I have found I am much better at one on one with a child than at commanding a roomful of them. I also have been considering my enthusiasm for literature and writing; consequently, I requested to change my major to secondary education with an English minor for this upcoming school year. I really hope my school accepts my request. I'm hoping that God put a passion for words and truth in me so I can use it in some way for His glory, and that possibly being a high school English teacher or even a journalist may be the direction God wants me to head. I do realize, however, that though "a man plans his ways, the Lord directs His steps". God has something, unbeknown to myself, for me to do. I pray this is step in the right direction. However, the truth is - something I only recently realized - is that no matter what we choose to do with our lives (occupation-wise), as long as we are giving glory to the Father through our work and impacting those around us by pursuing Christ-like character...well, then that is really all that matters and if it's not where God wants you to be, then He will likely show you pretty quick if you are listening. If you are listening. The bottom line is love God and love others as He directs our steps - yes, we will mistake our own musings or others' for God's voice sometimes, but don't be afraid to take steps of faith. I'm pretty sure He is happy we are at least moving and trying to follow His will, rather than just remaining uncertain all our days, standing still as we further no one's kingdom, waiting only for the audible voice of God before we act on anything. We are imperfect creatures. Don't be afraid to try things, to respond to leads in your heart. As a pastor I heard once said, "The worst that could happen is you will fall into God's grace".
I just want to add that I am not naive by thinking God's voice is the only one we will hear in our hearts. We hear other voices all the time, including our own, others, and the Devil's. I will write more soon about how to listen specifically for God...really the only one we should be attuned to.
I just got accepted into the education program at my school, Northwest University. I am excited for this new adventure that I will be taking because I believe God can use me to impact children's lives, and I know I will be maturing and growing in bounds myself. But God never actually told me in an audible voice, "Joanna, you are going to teach". Mostly other people told me I should be a teacher. I have no clue if I am a good teacher or not, I just didn't feel led in any other particular direction. So is this God's will? I hope so.
3 months later . . .
Here I sit in my classroom as the little ones are quietly napping after a fearsome battle of the wills to help them reach such a state. At this point I don't know that I would make a good elementary teacher. I have found I am much better at one on one with a child than at commanding a roomful of them. I also have been considering my enthusiasm for literature and writing; consequently, I requested to change my major to secondary education with an English minor for this upcoming school year. I really hope my school accepts my request. I'm hoping that God put a passion for words and truth in me so I can use it in some way for His glory, and that possibly being a high school English teacher or even a journalist may be the direction God wants me to head. I do realize, however, that though "a man plans his ways, the Lord directs His steps". God has something, unbeknown to myself, for me to do. I pray this is step in the right direction. However, the truth is - something I only recently realized - is that no matter what we choose to do with our lives (occupation-wise), as long as we are giving glory to the Father through our work and impacting those around us by pursuing Christ-like character...well, then that is really all that matters and if it's not where God wants you to be, then He will likely show you pretty quick if you are listening. If you are listening. The bottom line is love God and love others as He directs our steps - yes, we will mistake our own musings or others' for God's voice sometimes, but don't be afraid to take steps of faith. I'm pretty sure He is happy we are at least moving and trying to follow His will, rather than just remaining uncertain all our days, standing still as we further no one's kingdom, waiting only for the audible voice of God before we act on anything. We are imperfect creatures. Don't be afraid to try things, to respond to leads in your heart. As a pastor I heard once said, "The worst that could happen is you will fall into God's grace".
I just want to add that I am not naive by thinking God's voice is the only one we will hear in our hearts. We hear other voices all the time, including our own, others, and the Devil's. I will write more soon about how to listen specifically for God...really the only one we should be attuned to.
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