Saturday, October 10, 2009

God, can I get a billboard please?!

To be totally honest, I'm feeling unsettled in my life lately. Not in my faith or in my career... because I feel that both of those are solid and on track. I'm feeling unsettled because I know have to make some decisions in the near future, and I'm begging God to show me what it is He wants me to do.

As I've said previously on my blog... knowing that I am in the place that God picked for me is one of the most amazing feelings to me. To know that God numbered my steps so that I was home when both Pawpaw and Mawmaw died is evidence that He is actively in my life.

So here's my problem... when it come to God giving me directions, instead of whispering your answer to me... God, can I get a billboard please?!

I am truly looking forward to seeing who/what/where God has in store for me... but I am so eager for it to happen within the next year... I am by no means unhappy with my life... on the contrary... I love my family, friends, job, church, etc... However, after 9 years of living on campus, I would love a space of my own (conveniently with a backyard for a dog I hope!). I would like to get some different experience in another area of higher education other than Residence Life, and eventually start working on a degree that will make me: Kacey Cole, PhD.

I think that anytime a Christian thinks of future plans, Jeremiah 29:11 comes to mind (I'm sure I'm not the only one who thought about it!).
"For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." (Jeremiah 29:11)
If I am critical of myself, then ultimately, all of my unsettled feelings are a result from lack of trust (I need to be honest with myself, right?!). I kind of have a hard time with that though... this thought that I might not totally trust God because I am unsettled about what I am going to do in my future. I feel like I must trust God to trust Him with my eternity, right?? Once again though... the comfort and lesson comes from the Word.
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.
Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take." (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Lessons learned from this passage (the slap you in the face kind):
1. God is smarter than you!
2. You are not as smart as God!
3. PRAY AND STUDY!!!!!!!!
4. Listen!
I know that there are other people in my situation as well... some may be searching, others (like Kim) may be just about to start a new endeavor. In any case... Proverbs 3 is a good read for all of us, so I thought I would share it here. A few favorite verses are highlighted.
Proverbs 3
1 My son, forget not my law, but let thine heart keep my commandments;
2 for length of days and long life and peace shall they add to thee.
3 Let not mercy and truth forsake thee; bind them about thy neck, write them upon the tablet of thine heart.
5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding;
6 in all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.
7 Be not wise in thine own eyes; fear the LORD and depart from evil.
8 It shall be health to thy flesh and marrow to thy bones.
9 Honor the LORD with thy substance and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:
10 so shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.
11 My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD, neither be weary of His correction;
12 for whom the LORD loveth, He correcteth, even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.
13 Happy is the man that findeth wisdom and the man that getteth understanding;
14 for the merchandising of it is better than the merchandising of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold.
15 She is more precious than rubies, and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared to her.
16 Length of days is in her right hand, and in her left hand riches and honor.
17 Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.
18 She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her, and happy is everyone that retaineth her.
19 The LORD by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath He established the heavens;
20 by His knowledge the depths are broken up, and the clouds drop down the dew.
21 My son, let not these depart from thine eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion;
22 so shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace around thy neck.
23 Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble;
24 when thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid; yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet.
25 Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked when it cometh;
26 for the LORD shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being snared.
27 Withhold not good from them to whom it is due when it is in the power of thine hand to do it.
28 Say not unto thy neighbor, "Go, and come again, and tomorrow I will give," when thou hast it with thee.
29 Devise not evil against thy neighbor, seeing he dwelleth securely beside thee.
30 Strive not with a man without cause if he has done thee no harm.
31 Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways;
32 for the froward is an abomination to the LORD, but His secret is with the righteous.
33 The curse of the LORD is on the house of the wicked, but He blesseth the habitation of the just.
34 Surely He scorneth the scorners, but He giveth grace unto the lowly.
35 The wise shall inherit glory, but shame shall be the promotion of fools.
I hope this helps someone out tonight... it helped me to read and write it. Please pray for me as I anticipate some more changes and choices in my life throughout the next year.

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