We all know of that one person who gave up their hopes, dreams and living situation to move halfway across the world and create a lasting impact by doing God’s work. The self-sacrificing servants of God who do so without hesitation, who give up their own will and plans to do what God intended for them.
We know of the heroes and heroines in Scripture: the stories of Moses, David and Esther. We know most of all the story of Jesus, and how He came to earth as a man, and suffered and was crucified on a cross as a perfect man of God to save sinful, imperfect mankind.
Yet there are times in my life where I wonder if God is ever going to use me in such magnanimous and grandiose ways to serve Him and do wonders. But what if God’s plan for me all along is to be silent and patient, where my most glorious work would be to stay at home, be a mother, and take care of my family and the home?
Is that less worthy of God’s glory because I am not halfway across the world building homes for children in Africa, or spreading the Good News in a non-English speaking country?
No partiality
The Apostle Peter opened his mouth and said: “Truly I understand that God shows no partiality” (Acts chapter 10, verse 34).
Sometimes I feel that we go out of our way to make grandiose plans for our lives. Especially if we are naturally high-achieving people because it is difficult to accept quietness and settled-ness in our lives.
We sometimes strive day and night for the plans we feel would enhance our lives, that would greatly make them worthwhile. Otherwise if we stayed still and had no plans for a while, it would make us feel unworthy, redundant or inadequate.
Recently, I decided that 2017 would be the year I don’t plan for anything and let God’s plan lead me. I have always been someone that plans ahead of time, all the time. I believe it is the fear of not knowing, the fear that if I don’t plan something, life will strike me down and I’ll blame myself for being inadequate.
Yet this is exactly the kind of submission God desires from us—the quiet obedience, and sure faith and trust that even if our lives seem dull right now, it is the most glorious time in our walk with God. For how often do we allow God full control in our lives? Doesn’t this give the ultimately glory to God?
A year without plans
This year, I am allowing myself to accept having no plans, no ambitions and no chasing after rainbows. I am allowing myself to live everyday as if it was my last, where if God wants me to stay put in my current situation so he can work in my life, then that is far better than any other plan I might have for myself.
There are countless accounts in Scripture where stories are not riveting or packed with action, but are quiet, seamless, and still. Like it says in Psalm 23, verses 1-2: “The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul”.
Wondrous things happen when I’m led by God. It may not be action-filled or grandiose or riveting in any way, but I lack nothing. I am led beside quiet waters; my soul gets refreshed. This in itself may be God’s plan for me right now – to quiet me, refresh me until the ‘big’ thing that is meant to happen, happens.
There is a saying that the presenter of a podcast I listen to says at the end of each of her episodes: “I want you to really understand that God is just as present while you are washing dishes at your kitchen sink, as when you are worshipping him in a church pew. He sees your service to your family and he is pleased”. (http://godcenteredmom.com/).
As it says in Zephaniah chapter 3, verses 17,“The Lord, your God is with you. He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you. He will quiet you with his love. He will rejoice over you with singing”.
Therefore, even if your life feels ‘unspectacular’ or ‘dull’ at the moment, take the time to sit back and allow God to take control. Let God breathe life into your life and lead you to quiet waters. Let God refresh your soul.
Sometimes having no plans at all is the best plan of all.
Clarissa Yates is from Singapore but moved to live in Perth, Western Australia in 2008. Clarissa completed a BSc. in Molecular Biology at the University of Western Australia and works part-time as a Research Assistant. She also owns a cake business called Lollicakes (www.lollicakes.com.au).
Clarissa Yates' previous articles may be viewed at
www.pressserviceinternational.org/clarissa-yates.html
Clarissa Yates is a young writer and a mum of two from Perth, Western Australia and a business woman with her 'Hooked in a Box' - www.hookedinabox.com. Hooked in a Box is a curated gift box studio company that hand-picks and creates customised and personalised gift boxes for Mum and babies. Clarissa Yates previous articles may be viewed at www.pressserviceinternational.org/clarissa-yates.html
