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Change Direction
Changing direction is seldom easy. As children, we daydream about who we want to be. As adults, we devote our lives to making our dreams come true. What happens, however, when our dreams don’t line up with God’s plan? Do we stubbornly try to create our fantasies, or do we change direction — and follow God?
Proverbs 19:21 teaches that sometimes the life we’ve imagined is not the life God has purposed. For, “people can make all kinds of plans,” the Scripture states, “but only the Lord's plan will happen” (New Century Version).
Do you feel the Lord guiding you in another direction?
Are you holding on to your plans when God has asked you to let them go?
Similar to many of us, the Apostle Paul was heavily invested in his aspirations. He was well on his way to become a great rabbinical leader. At about age fourteen, he studied the Jewish law under Gamaliel, one of the prominent rabbis of his time. He became well versed in Hellenistic culture and thought; and acquired a great command of the Greek language. In Galatians 1:14, Paul boasted:
“I was becoming a leader in the Jewish religion, doing better than most other Jews of my age” (New Century Version).
But when Paul was traveling to Damascus, the Lord asked him to change direction. And he did, because God showed him a different plan.
Have you had a “Damascus” experience? Has the Lord nudged you to change direction? Like Paul, we might find ourselves on a journey and sense the Lord guiding us on a different path for our career, relationships, or ministry. It is even possible that our reputation, resources, education — and heart — are heavily invested in our plans.
Invested or not, sometimes we have to let go of the life we have imagined in order to receive the life that God has waiting for us.
Let us trust that God can surpass our dreams, and out do our plans. So if He asks you to change direction — surrender — and place your life within His hands.
Our Cry:
Lord, thank You for having a plan for my life. Please reveal Your perfect will. I desire to carry it out. If You request it, I will change direction. If You ask me, I will let go of my plans. Today, I place my life — completely — within Your hands.
For I am Your handmaiden. I am Your servant.
Recommended Reading:
Proverbs 19:21
Acts 9:1-30
This Devotional is provided by CALLED Magazine. Serving women in ministry all over the globe.
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What has been your greatest challenge with changing directions? What advice would you offer someone who is facing a similar struggle?
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Synergize Pastors Conference
January 19 - 21, 2010
Orlando, FL
Join more than 40 world leaders and renowned pastors from every
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CONNECT 2010 Pastors Conference
February 22 - 24, 2010
Southlake, TX
CONNECT 2010 is a time to get away from the day-to-day pace of
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Simply Youth Ministry Conference 2010
February 26 - March 1, 2010
Rosemont, IL
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Northwest Ministry Conference
March 18 - 20, 2010
Seattle, WA
Dream, plan, launch, and be inspired at this ministerial conference. Today’s leading ministry experts will help you build your vision. This is a conference for leaders in all areas of ministry!
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We asked you whether CALLED should keep or axe the fashion section of the print magazine, here’s what you said…
"I think we should keep the column. It provides a nice break from the serious issues addressed in the magazine… I am not advocating an ostentatious lifestyle, focused on clothes; however, our attire is a part of our total presentation as a minister."
Pastor Maureen W.
"With such a great platform to empower, encourage, and inform women in ministry, it just seems as though the space could be used for more powerful information that isn't provided anywhere else!"
Pastor Donna S.
"Definitely keep the section, Women love fashion I know I do, The Bible says the children of this world are wiser than the children of light... God knows it is good to have a balance."
Valerie M.
"I would prefer not to have fashion sections. Perhaps it's the different areas of ministry in which we serve that makes the difference, but as a pastor, I have other concerns that are not fashion oriented."
Linda S.
"I think the column should stay. We are more than just the ministry. God made us women, mothers, aunts, grandmothers, and the like. Everyone likes to look nice."
Eula L.
Correspondences chosen for publication may be edited for length and clarity. All submissions become the property of DuCille Publications, a division of DuCille, Inc.
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