Overcome: Pursuing God's Path by Toni LaShaunSample

Overcoming Obstacles: God’s Perfect Plan

You’re standing in my future

Working out the Perfect Plan for me…

I don’t know about you, but I’m a planner. I knew from a very young age exactly what career I wanted to pursue and the educational goals I would need to achieve to pursue it. I meticulously planned my future career and followed my plan, and before I even started my career, I had to acknowledge that I had no real passion for that career.

Some might find that discouraging, but let me explain. There came the point in my life where I realized that my goals were somewhat arbitrary, based on what I thought would impress people and what would be acceptable to society. Often, we chase after things that offer no real substance to our lives but look good on paper. I hadn’t really spoken to God about this career goal or any of my goals. I figured that because it was a noble, respected career and I could do well and help others, God would be on board with that. I needed a new path, a new plan, a new purpose.

Changing career paths is a great obstacle in life. Changing course when it comes to our dreams and goals can be a great obstacle. It can be scary to admit that we’ve made a mistake by not seeking God’s plan or path or to acknowledge that we are unsure of God’s desires for and from our lives. It is an especially difficult obstacle when we’ve invested time, money, or energy to pursue an educational goal, career, or even a relationship.

It’s an obstacle we can overcome by drawing closer to God. When we draw near to Him, He draws near to us (James 4:8). The closer we get to God, the less we need to be who or what the world says we need to be. There is freedom in surrendering your will to God’s will. It doesn’t mean just haphazardly walking through life with no roadmap. It does mean communing with God and opening your heart to hear His guidance.

We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps. Proverbs 16:9 NLT

That passion, the real one, that makes you cry, keeps you up at night, gives you inexplicable joy— you don’t have that by accident. The dreams, the desires that keep you going in the face of adversity, are given to you for a reason. They are not just for you to pursue popularity, power, positions, and possessions. God placed those in your heart. He stands in our future, mapping out a path for our good and His glory.

When we seek God’s Will and plan for our lives, it doesn’t mean we won’t have obstacles. There will surely be obstacles, but they won’t seem insurmountable. We need to focus on taking the steps that God shows us. Through prayer, reading Scripture, and spending time with God, we can not only pass the test but also have a glorious testimony of God’s faithfulness.

Trust God’s vision when you can’t see. Trust God’s provision when you don’t have it. Trust God’s protection when you feel afraid. He will order your steps so that you can overcome them! (Psalm 119:133)