“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.” (Jeremiah 29:11, NLT)
My cell phone was blowing up with text messages from my youngest daughter, Allyson, yet I was on a call with a client and couldn’t respond right away. When I finally got to read all of her messages, I could literally hear the fear woven into each text.
Ally, in her final semester at a fashion school in Los Angeles, was experiencing what many college seniors experience–a reality slap right in the face.
I remember that season.
You’ve worked ridiculously hard to get into your college of choice; then you’ve studied many hours to make good grades in all of your classes; and suddenly it’s your final semester, and you have to keep your grades up while preparing your résumé and portfolio so you can begin your job search.
Ally was already overwhelmed with all that she had to do before college graduation, and after meeting with her career counselor, she was now worried she hadn’t done enough internships in order to get the job she really wanted in her area of expertise.
She was also worried that she would have to stay in Los Angeles or move to New York City because it seemed that all of the jobs she desired were in those two cities.
“But Mom, what if I can’t get a job in the Midwest, and I have to stay out here?”
“What if I can’t get a job right out of college?”
“I just don’t see how I’m going to do well this semester with the amount of work that my classes and my internship require AND be able to search and apply for jobs…”
And on and on the texts continued.
I was typing responses as quickly as I could, when my phone rang.
It was Ally.
She was sobbing.
I tried to reassure her that it would all be OK.
“Honey, God wouldn’t have brought you this far and opened up so many amazing doors for you, if He weren’t going to see it through. He promises that He will never leave you, and He promises to guide your steps. He’s got this. He’s got a plan for you! You just have to trust Him even when you can’t see it.”
“I know,” she said, calming down a bit. “I just wish He’d give me a sign or something.”
“We don’t need a sign, Ally. We have His Word and His promises,” I said. “That’s all you need.”
When we hung up, I knew she was still upset and worried about her future. But I also knew that my daughter needed to hear from God–not me. I had done all I could do. So I prayed that God would wrap His arms around her and let her know that He was in control, and that He had the plan for her life already mapped out.
Later that night, I received another text from Ally with a picture of that day’s devotion that she’d just read, which began: “Approach this day with awareness of Who is Boss…Don’t try to figure out what is happening. Simply trust Me and thank Me in advance for the good that will come out of it all.”
And the scripture for that day? Jeremiah 29:11–Ally’s life verse.
I texted back, “There’s your sign. :)”
Don’t you love it when God speaks to your children in such a direct way? I love it so much because no one can ever take that revelation from Ally. She knows beyond a shadow of a doubt that God spoke to her concerning her situation through her “Jesus Calling” devotion at the exact time she needed to hear that message.
God will do the same for your children.
And, God will do the same for you!
If you need an answer or guidance or confirmation from our Heavenly Father today, just ask Him.
Let’s do that now:
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word that is a lamp unto my feet and light unto my path. Lord, I really need to hear from You concerning (insert your situation). Help me to hear Your voice above all other voices.
I know that You promise to direct my steps, so lead me, Lord, so that I won’t move in the wrong direction. I trust You. I know You have the plan, and I’m so thankful that You are in control. I love You, Lord. In the Mighty Name of Your Son, Jesus, Amen.
