The High School Yearbook

Lessons in Patience, Part Three

     Once upon a time, as a senior in high school, we were asked, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” We had to fill out this paper for the school yearbook with our future plans, the college we would attend, the career we would have…
     Last weekend, I got together for a game night with a few friends from high school. Just for laughs, I took along the yearbook from our last year of school together. We all glanced through it, giggling at the makeup, the hairstyles, the memories…
     One thing that really stood out to me, as I read through our “future plans” for our lives, is that most of us are NOT where we thought we would be! Like me, some went to different colleges than what we had planned for ourselves. Also, like me, some ended up in totally different careers than what we had planned. And some who didn’t plan to get married or have families, did – while, some who did plan to, actually didn’t.


My point is that clearly, life doesn’t always turn out the way we thought it would. Sometimes, that is a wonderful thing. Other times, it can be a challenge that requires us to be patient and to put our full trust in God.


     I think that for the rest of my earthly life, I will be learning lessons in patience. I also think I am ok with that, because it reminds me that I need to be dependent on God!
God said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses…For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
     It is EASY to become impatient, as we look ahead to our future hopes and dreams! One thing I DO know for sure is that God has designed a plan and a purpose for each of our lives!
“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. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. I will be found by you,” says the LORD.” Jeremiah 29:11-14
     Another thing I DO know for sure is that it is ok if things don’t happen the way we thought they would, or if things aren’t happening as quickly as we had hoped.
“My thoughts are not like your thoughts,” says the LORD. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:8-9
     The truth of the matter is that God is faithful! Even if He seems silent, He is still working in our lives! Even if we are in a waiting period right now, He has not forgotten us! I believe every one of God’s promises! Do you?
“Understand, therefore, that the LORD your God is indeed God. He is the faithful God who keeps his covenant for a thousand generations and lavishes his unfailing love on those who love him and obey his commands.” Deuteronomy 7:9


SO, my friends, no matter what your high school yearbook said, no matter what your 5-year plan was, or is, just be still and KNOW that God promised to make all things work together for the good of those who love Him. (Romans 8:28)


I hope this was an encouragement to you ~ to trust and to be patient!


PLEASE ~ put me on your prayer list! I really need to walk in patience, as so many details of this next missions trip are up in the air right now. I need to be patient! I need to stay yielded, surrendered, and just trust that all things WILL work together for my good.