Who Knew That My Degree Would Come In So Handy!

2008 I went through a difficult time in my life, and not a lot people knew. I went through an identity crisis. I was 27 years old and had reached a point in my life, where I was trying to figure out who I was going to be. I know, I know, I should have had that one figured out when I was 18 or something. I owned my own home, I had the best church in the world, the best family, the best friends, and even a cat named Gigi. However, I felt that if I was going to be a productive member of the Kingdom of God, I would need a fresh direction. I was by trade an administrative assistant. So when the economy hit a screeching halt in the fall of 2008, I began to do some soul searching. I had friends who said I should go back to school, and that seemed to be a great idea. Then I remembered all the people (for years) that would suggest that I become a teacher. I resisted the idea all through most of my 20's, and wanted only to be an administrative assistant. Though when the economy was shaken by the great recession, my job was shaken with it. What seemed to be a tragedy in my life, was actually God's blessing in disguise. It threw me into one of the greatest faith crises of my life. I had to depend on God to provide for me, and help me enter school.

Long story short, I pushed through my education, semester by semester. When I needed food, clothing, shelter, or even pet food, God showed me that He was Jehova Jireh (the Lord who provides). It caused me learn how to call upon the Name of Lord, and get results in prayer. As I saw God step in as my provider, I wanted to respond back to Him. I wanted to show God that I was going to be committed to Him no matter what I went through. I almost never missed a church service due to school, or the Thursday night kids group I was a part of (Firehouse). I always gave, even in the tough times. I know looking back , 2008 was the beginning of God deepening my faith level. Even though I couldn't see God's plan for my life at times, I had one response that kept me going: I will be faithful. I knew I couldn't survive without God, His presence, or His people. So perseverance and faithfulness was the key to making it through school and life.

This past May of 2014 I graduated with a degree in Elementary Education, and was planning on being a teacher. I had been looking for a teaching position since around December of 2013. For some strange reason, the door to teaching in Kansas City, MO seemed to be slammed shut. Oh by the way, I forgot to mention that I originally moved to Kansas City, MO to attend the World Revival School of Ministry. It was there I learned what it means to be a minister, and that ministry is simply serving others. I took that training and used it daily at work, at home, and at my local church. In my heart I hoped to someday do something for God in the ministry, but I figured that it wouldn't happen for a long time. So, going back to school would be the answer. When it came time to getting a teaching job, I couldn't understand why the door to teaching wasn't opening. I never dreamed in a million years that God was up to something so good. I mean, He's good, and He gives us the desire of our hearts. However, I had no clue that all along, God was putting me into position to do what I really wanted to do! The desire of my heart was to be a missionary or minister of the Gospel. So when I got to come to Poland to do ministry, it made sense why the doors to teaching were closed. I came to Kansas City to be a minister, and I learned from the best. God had not forgotten me, He had a plan all along.

I think that becoming a teacher was very much a part of God's plan for my life. In fact, one of the jobs I get to do in Poland is be an ESL teacher (English Second Language). I get to teach two little boys (kindergarten level) how to speak English. Who knew that my degree would come in so handy! When God gives you the desires of your heart, He goes OVERBOARD! Just think what would have happened had I given up at some point, or listened to voices of discouragement? That scripture comes to mind, "for I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord (Jer 29:11a NIV). God does know that plans he has for us, even when the enemy would like us to believe otherwise. He really does have a plan for each person to be and do something great. He even has a plan for provision, and protection over our lives. I think the key to staying within the will and plan of God, is to be faithful to Him. If we are active participants in His church, seeking Him regularly, giving, and in His Word it will not be impossible to walk into our destinies. God wants to set up for greatness, and even in the hard times He has a plan to do us good.

Again, who knew that my degrees would come in so handy, and how set up I was by God. If He is doing this for me, I know He wants to do this for you too! I believe if you're reading this blog post, you are already aware of the plan God has for you. His will for you is easy, He wants to do you good. Wow, what an amazing God who has such a pure and loving heart. I want to encourage you that if you think God has forgotten you, think again. It could be that you're being put in position, to do the very thing you have dreamed about since being a kid. I would shake off any hurt, any discouragement, any doubt, and start declaring a loud that 2015 is going to be your year! Start declaring that God does have a plan for you, and He is putting you in position to do good for Him. Your faith will grow, and so will your hope. Who knows that for such a time as this, that you are at where you are.

There are people that are hungry for a fresh and unique voice, yours to be exact. What are you doing to get in position? Maybe it's going to school, or attending some classes at a bible college. Maybe it is practicing your preaching skills, or learning how to run a TV camera. Either way, the time to be.....(enter what you want to be here) is now, not tomorrow. Ask yourself, "what could I do today, that would position me for tomorrow?" For He knows the plans He has for you, and they are to do you good!

Song of Joseph (Check it out, a song just for you!)