God’s plan is always better than mine. That was something I learned very quickly last year. I always thought that if I planned my life out a certain way, that’s where it would end up - but that’s not how it works. You see, I should be graduating college this year, but i’m not. Whatever plan I set four years ago for myself upon graduating from high school, they never happened - and that’s OK. Now, this was never easy for me and it took a lot of trust and patience for me to be okay with where I’m at in life. It took placing my trust and patience into the hands of the Lord, for His plans for me are far greater than anything I could ever imagine for myself.
In less than two weeks instead of leaving for summer missions up in Chicago, I’ll be putting my Associates in Science degree to use and take a few extra classes before applying for the Physical Therapy Program at ICC. Was this how I imagined my summer to go? No. In fact, when I applied for summer missions, returning to college wasn’t apart of the plan I had for myself.
Two days after my phone interview and being selected for Inner City Chicago Summer Missions, it was canceled due to the unknown of COVID-19. I was heartbroken. That’s when I realized it wasn’t God’s plan for me to be there this summer, it was my own plan. Of course I would love to be up in Chicago this summer for the endless possibilities that awaited me there, but He needs me here.
It wasn’t until a week ago when it all came to me and I felt God was trying to tell me something.
Late February, early March I became a youth leader at my Church and have the privilege to spend time each week with many middle school girls and two other leaders. Being away this summer would take away from being with these girls. I’d be missing out on the opportunity to make known the gospel among the younger generation and using that to build relationships with them. Getting to help these girls grow in their knowledge of Christ is where the real value lies. Whether it’s answering their questions, praying with them or even just mourning together in the tough times, being able to be a part of their walk with Christ is such an honor and privilege. Since March, working in youth ministry has been one of the most rewarding things I get to experience. Doing these silly things together, getting to be a part of each other’s lives and being able to speak the truth and strive to set a Godly example are all things that are going to impact these students for a lifetime. I can’t think of anything more valuable than that.
God has been so gracious and I praise Him for all He is doing and continues to do in my life. Though summer missions were canceled and my plan for the summer flopped, God’s plan is the one that matters and the mission isn’t canceled. You don’t have to be in a “set location” to spread the gospel and share how Christ has worked in yours and other lives. There is no better time than now. While this pandemic took us all by shock, God knew it was going to happen and has a plan. Whether it’s with your neighbors, family or colleagues via zoom - the mission isn’t “canceled“ just because missions were. The Lord has taught me that during this time and I’m grateful I get to continue this summer getting to help these girls grow in Christ whether it’s be over a thirty minute zoom call or when we are able to gather again. The last month and half has taught me to forget my plan and to fully trust in God’s. It’s truly amazing to see how He is working and guiding me where I need to be in life.
Great things are yet to come in 2020 and it’s only May! With classes beginning up in just a few weeks, the weekly zoom meetings with my youth group, and (prayerfully) an amazing opportunity this up coming school year at Peoria Christian High School - God truly amazes me.
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