“Wreck my plans” “write my future” we’ve prayed it to the Lord before. Sang a similar verse in a song at a retreat or youth group or maybe a Sunday morning service. What if we walked in it? What if as children of God we actually allowed Him to be our one true desire? The Planner of our future.
A couple of weeks ago at midpoint debrief we were asked “what has God been to you over these past months?” and after sitting with that for a second I knew the answer was “my Compass”
I still sit with that answer and wonder where I got it from, and each time I circle back to the only possible solution which is “the Spirit spoke that through me.”
Because on Jan 3 when we stepped into that Training Camp I didn’t see God as a compass. I was stuck in a place of God as a iron fist coming down to order me to places I didn’t want to go and things I didn’t want to do or God as some thing up in the clouds just kind of watching it all play out. But what I can tell you is I didn’t see God for who He is, a guider, a compass. Steadily pointing me towards what is right, towards goodness and joy, towards abundant life in Him. Never rerouting or getting off track like a broken GPS. Never forcing me to do anything like a faulty autopilot setting. Simply the trusty compass that lets me choose Him, walk in free will, always there pointing me towards His steady north.
So what plans did He wreck? All of them. Literally all of them. And honestly I can’t wait.
I had a conversation one of the first days of Training Camp with my friend Lilly Renn, and it went something like this: “This thing is cool and all, and the Lord definitely wants me here, but I’m going right back to college when I get home”
That was wrecked. As of right now the Lord has revealed to me the abundance of comfort I sought in the “college experience”. The expectations that I held for myself to do what I needed to do in order to gain acceptance from the world, realizing that never once did I stop and seek that stability in the Lord and ask Him what He wanted me to do. Now don’t hear me saying to abandon education as a whole, but for me the Lord revealed my heart behind my decision to go to college and how it was not in line with what He is calling me to in the future. So with an abundance of peace and clarity from the Lord college is not something I will be pursuing when I go back to the States.
So what is this future that wasn’t in line with Him. Honestly, I probably couldn’t have told you exactly what I was going to be doing in the future. I jumped around, changed my major three time that first year and a half in college (and I chose some weird majors). And even though there wasn’t a clear future I had dreamt up for myself, I still had some shaky outline of what I wanted life to look like.
That was wrecked. The Lord has put people on my heart I didn’t know I could have a broken heart for. He has allowed me to see the brokenness in this world that He sees, in places I never would have spent much thought on. The children and hurting people in the 10/40 window have been who the Lord has broken my heart for, reminding me that He is a God who will one day see every nation, tongue, and tribe sing His praise. So why are we not helping that come to fruition? I am so excited to see the Lord move and use me in a way that will serve His children in those regions.
I’m coming to learn that wrecking plans is something God is so good at. His timing in it all is also something that is perfect. There is so much abundant joy in saying yes to Him.
So as I end this blog and continue to sit in the things the Lord is calling me to, I encourage you to pray the big prayers of what God wants with your future, but do so with intention and willingness to have your plans wrecked.
I would LOVE to talk more about what the Lord is doing with these crazy cool things He has put in my future, so shoot me an email so we can catch up!!
Thanks so much for sharing!! I’ve been struggling with what my future plans are ever since I’ve gotten home from the semesters race. Really appreciate your perspective, and heart for the Lord. Praying for you and your team!!
HANNAH, i am so proud of ya girl! i can’t wait to see where the future takes you!! it is so beyond cool to see what the Lord is doing in your life and how your faith is shaping your path! love you lots 🙂
THANK YOU!! I am praying for you and your whole team as y’all do the reentry thing and I am so confident in what the Lord has for you!!
Hannah I’m so proud of you and love you so much!! Praying Gods will in Your life and future!! Can’t wait to hear the rest of your testimony ????
Hannah I love you and your heart! Your journey has been a blessing to your father and I but not without the difficulties of missing you so much. I continue to cling to this prayer I melded together from other Mom voices online. “Lord, bless them to hear Your voice above all others, and find their purpose and passions early in life. May they never stop pursuing You and the talents and gifts You have given them. Give us peace and understanding with what we cannot understand, knowing our parenting job is to raise Your children with tender hearts positioned towards You. When we hold on too tightly, we get in the way of Your perfect plan. Give us the strength to let go”.
New adventures await!
Hannah wow this blog spoke to me. The fact that God is a compass and we don’t have to follow the way to the abundant destination He has for us, but He gently kindly beautifully wrecks are plans and leads us down righteous paths. Thank you for being courageous and obedient. It’s inspiring
Hannah, we love how you describe God as your compass that pints you towards His steady north. What a powerful image!! We are proud that you are listening to Gods voice and going where He leads you. We can’t wait to hear all about your plans when we see you at debrief!!! We are continuing to pray for you and your team!!!