In the midst of the chaos in our everyday lives, it is easy to question God's plan for us. Thinking that we know better most of the time, we fall victim to criticizing Him for what He has not given us rather than where He is guiding us in this life. At such a critical time in our lives where we feel we have to figure it all out or else we won't ever get it right, it is important to hold close to your faith, let go and let God. When figuring out the calling for your life and what God's plan is, here are some things to remember:
God's will and His plans are not just about what you do, but about who you’re becoming.
When we think about our future, this might seem utterly cliche but it's an important thing to think about. Decide who you want to be before you decide what you want to do.
Whatever next "big thing" you need to decide – your dream school, future career, spouse, city to live, house to make a home – make it a habit to ask yourself, "Is this leading into who I want to become?" Or even bigger, "Who does God want me to be in where I’m going?"
While searching for this answer, continue living. Keep serving, keep giving, keep trying new things, and always keep your heart open. Contrary to popular belief, you don't have to figure your life out in a day, a year, or even in the "best four years of your life." Trust that out of heart emerges what you do, and what you do with your hands will work its way into your heart, too.
How can you glorify God in your life?
A mentor of mine has always directed me to examine what I've doing in my life and how that could be a direct sign from God. Oftentimes, God's calling is simply to do more of what we are already doing with our lives. Your talent is God's gift to you; what you do with it is your gift back to God.
There might be times when you are called to something you could never have possibly imagined; it may be scary, but it will always be just right. When we look back at God's work throughout our lives, it always makes more sense in hindsight. This is why it is so important to trust in Him because His plans for us are greater than we could ever accomplish on our own.
Ask others.
Lay it all out on the table. Talk about what excites you, what confuses you, and what scares you. Our insecurities and fears often lead us to making changes in our lives which bring us to the greatness God has wanted us to reach all along. Each and every one of us is searching for some kind of validation in this one short and fleeting life of ours, and this urge to be validated might manifest itself in the form of wanting riches, fame, and glory. When we have the courage to voice this, open our hearts and come face-to-face with the beauty and the pain of what we want in life, we will become more in touch with who we are and what we really want. Be brave enough to admit, "Yeah, that’s kind of immature. And no, maybe I don’t want that so badly. And this thing I’m afraid of but I know will be awesome: I really want that, no matter how hard it is."
Ask God and when He answers, listen.
How often do we find ourselves on our knees, praying for God to help us through, show us the way, and beg for the grace to become less so that He can become more? The better question might be: How often do we listen when He answers us honestly? We ask God to tell us what to do, how to serve the world in the way He crafted each of us to, and how to use our one short, precious life on this tiny planet for good -- but then we only listen for what we want to hear.
Dare to ask God what He really wants you to be and to do. Dare to confront your own worst fears about failure and inadequacy, because God will plunge through that like a freight train and pull you into His very best. It won’t be easy, no: but it will be life.
If we don't seriously ask God what His true calling is for our lives, and instead make a "life" out of small, manageable goals that don't require much work or trust – is it really faith or safety? We all like safety. Whether you become the CEO of a corporation or dedicate your life to serving the homeless, we can use our particular gift to leave a God-sized impact in our chosen corner of the universe. Whether that means donating Bibles to China or serving coffee to your co-workers everyday or signing up to be a foster parent, there is no shortage of creative ways to be the hands and feet of Christ.
In the end, after every anxious prayer, sleepless night, and tearful encounte, always remember this: There are lives to build, stories to make, laughter to create, truth to be told, and hearts to be mended everywhere. Trust His plan, goodness, and timing, and you will find that the "you" God wants you to be is the "you" you've always wanted to be.
