Seeking and Finding

“…For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. You will seek me and you will find me when you seek me with all your heart.”

Jeremiah 29:11,13

Classic. We’ve all read and heard this passage in Jeremiah several times. It’s all over the place – spoken at graduation ceremonies, in cards, on t-shirts, billboards.. But when you see it, do you just kind of gloss over it? If you’re like me, and you’re being honest with yourself, you probably have. I think we usually tend to focus on the plans and future part, “Okay, I get it. God’s in control…cool” and then we move on. But I think there is more to it than that.

To be honest with you, the last two years in my life have probably been the most difficult for me. I’m the type of person that has to feel in control and there have been several times where that was not the case.

Last fall, Alex was in school and I did not get a full time job. I was so upset. I kept thinking, “How in the world am I going to put Alex through three years of school?” And (this is embarrassing because this is one of those UGLY pride moments,) “I am too good of a teacher to just be a substitute.” (OUCH. Forgive me, Lord.) So, I was a substitute teacher and I worked at the mall. I hated every moment of it, but it had to be done. I may not have shown it much, but on the inside I was bitter and angry. What are the plans and that future you were talking about God? Cause I’m not seeing it. (For the record, I was not seeking God with my WHOLE heart at this point)

Later that spring, I was a long term substitute. I was convinced I would have a job handed to me...it didn’t happen. I was beyond devastated, but God was working on my heart. I decided to give it ALL to God – my frustrations, my bitterness and disappointment, my need to control and focus more on the seeking and finding God part. After a while, I knew that God was going to put me exactly where HE wanted me, and I felt so much peace. I felt closer to God than I ever had. I ended up getting hired exactly a week before school started.

Now, I’m not patting myself on the back by any means. I did not get that job by earning it, and God did not give me that job just to make me happy. I’ve come to realize that God gives us things to make us holy not necessarily what we consider “happy.” While I wasn’t happy subbing or working at the mall, I realize now that God was bringing me closer to Him. He wanted me to rely on Him more and He was molding me to be more like Him. I truly believe that the Lord had me go through those things to strengthen our relationship, and looking back I would never trade those experiences for anything! Not because “I got what I wanted” but because I realized that when you seek God with all your heart, He WILL fulfill his promises...Always.

You may find yourself in a similar situation. If not, I guarantee you will at some point soon. I can also guarantee that God wants to keep you close and He will come through on all of His promises. Now it’s our job to praise Him, not just for what He’s done, but for what He’s going to keep doing!!

O LORD, You are my God; I will exalt You, I will give thanks to Your name; For You have worked wonders, Plans formed long ago, with perfect faithfulness.

Isaiah 25:1 [NASB]

Stephanie

Teen Leader / "Game Gal"