Clinging to His call

Clinging to His call

Isaiah 55:10-11

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.”

A good friend showed me this verse a couple years ago when I was in a time of questioning and doubt. It wasn’t major doubt, but doubt nonetheless- doubt of God’s good plan in my life. She shared the last part of this verse with me and told me that whatever truth God has spoken in my life, He it will always remain true. His word will not return to Him empty. I am reminded of Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for wholeness and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” He has a perfect plan for each of us and as He divulges it to us in small glimpses, He does not stray from it. We can trust His Plan for us.

In a bigger way, too, these verses apply to God’s larger plan for the world. He hopes to redeem all to Himself and His almighty plan is more perfect and greater than our human minds can conceive or eyes can see. I bet we can’t even imagine how God will accomplish His plan for the world. This is such a freeing truth. It really reminds us that He is in control and HAS A PLAN. We need not worry (see previous post on Philippians 4:6-7).

So, how, do you ask, does this apply to my life right now? Well, in the midst of a “slower” summer compared to summers past, I question and wonder if what I am doing is “living up to” His call for me. I am not obviously a part of anything super outwardly exciting, such as being a work crew boss at a Young Life camp or interning at a backpacking camp called Wilderness Ranch (both of which I have done in previous summers). I am, in fact, living in Iowa City the entire summer. I took some kids to Wyld Life camp in Michigan (Timber Wolf Lake) last week, but that will be one of my only “adventurous endeavors” out-of-state this summer. I want to take back one word from that last sentence, though: “but.” There is not BUT about my current summer! Let me explain…

About 3 years ago, I embarked on a crazy journey called “taking a break from graduate school.” I had no idea what I was going to do, just that being a science graduate student wasn’t what it would be at the time. Eventually, I felt God’s clear call to teaching. And recently, I completed a graduate program in science education. I have also felt a call towards nearness to my family within the last 2 years. Through some struggles in becoming an adult in the eyes of my parents and the tragedy of my mom’s death, I have discovered that family is one of the most important parts in my life, though not always the easiest. So, my callings (outside of ministry to teenagers) have been teaching and family. So, I have sought after these with everything I have. I have also just received a teaching job nearby Iowa City in a small town – teaching and family both a part of this decision.

This summer may seem uneventful (I’m in Iowa City living, taking a moderately-interesting class, planning/leading a Bible study for junior high girls, spending time with family and friends) compared to summers past. However, I must see it as part of God’s greater plan for me. “..so shall HIS word be that goes out from HIS mouth; it shall not return to HIM empty, but it shall accomplish that which GOD purposes, and shall succeed in the thing for which HE sent it.” God has called me and I must cling tightly to the words He has given me. Though it feels hum-drum, this summer may be exactly the time I need to rest and be prepared for teaching in the fall! I must trust Him and encourage you to do the same in each step you take!

Clinging to His call,

Katie