We have just entered the month of September, and with September often comes a season full of change. Maybe you’re entering a new grade at school. Maybe you’re starting university, or maybe you’re beginning a year off between the two with no plans for your future. Whatever your situation is, if you’re in a season of uncertainty & newness & wondering whether you’re on the right path, this letter is for you.
I remember when I was younger, how I always had a career path in mind, but as soon as I got to grade twelve it started to not “feel right”. I found it so frustrating to finally be at the stage where I needed to decide what to pursue post-secondary education for, and now not have any ideas. I spent so many nights researching and trying to find something that I thought was a good fit for me, with no success. Meanwhile my classmates were being accepted into schools, getting all excited about moving away or going on trips, and adults around me were constantly asking “what are you doing next year?” Not having a clear plan was stressful and disappointing.
At the time, I really wasn’t too thrilled about my gap year. I began working full time at Tim Hortons, (where I had been part time throughout high school) but I wasn’t overly content there. I was constantly hunting and applying for other jobs, all with no success. I had no clue what I wanted to take for education, was barely making over minimum wage, and was getting antsy that nothing was going how I wanted it to.
At some point, I came to the realization that all of this future stuff really wasn’t in my own hands. I needed to hand over the reigns to the One who already had the course all mapped out.
It was after I surrendered control of my future that everything began to fall into place. I began to see the blessing hidden in this period of waiting. I had formed so many friendships with regular customers at Tim Hortons, and was able to touch each of their lives. I really wasn’t cut out for any of the jobs I had applied for – and I realized this once I found out about the career path that I am now in. Had I gone to university straight out of high school, I wouldn’t have been an intern at my church and learned and grown so much as a leader, I wouldn’t have experienced the joy of nannying for my “second family”, I wouldn’t have discovered the passion that I have for being around people.
So to offer some encouragement to you, exactly where you are at in life right now –
If you are in a season of uncertainty for what the future holds,
Surrender control over to the Lord. He has your best interests in mind! He has a perfect and wonderful plan for your future. He knows exactly where you are supposed to be, and it might even surprise you where that is. He will lead you and guide you where you need to go, and He will take so much joy in walking with you as you venture there. Pray about every decision. He is always listening and He is always faithful to answer us. Be patient – for His timing is so much different from our timing. He isn’t in a rush, and you shouldn’t be either. I know that is so much easier said than done, but trust me. When you learn to be patient with God’s timing, you will experience so much PEACE. As it says in Matthew 6:33-34, “Seek first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will worry about itself.” – when you seek God’s kingdom above anything else, He will guide you. He will lead you. He will provide for you. You don’t need to worry what the future holds.
If you are in a season of wondering whether or not you are following His calling for your life,
To know God’s calling for your life, you need to KNOW God. You need to get into the word, know what He says, know how to hear Him. If something about where you are at doesn’t line up with God’s commands, then it is NOT His calling. He will never send you somewhere that goes against His word. If everything in your situation seems to be going wrong, or doors are constantly closing, that could be a very good indication that it’s not where you are meant to be. The best advice I could offer you is to keep bothering God with this question through prayer. He has the power to open and close doors, to make things work out or not. And when you feel a prompting to make a certain choice or go a certain direction, compare it to the Bible. If it all lines up, then chances are that it is God’s will. Rest assured that there isn’t necessarily one single calling on your life. Listen to what other people of faith have to say to you, they may see certain talents that you don’t. And a good question to ask is whether or not your situation is bringing glory to Christ. He can use you wherever you are at, but you need to be willing to be obedient.
The future is a scary thing, and is so often chalked full of uncertainties and unknowns. But what a gift to know the One who holds it all in His hands and has orchestrated all of it! When these worries come your way, cling to His promises. He is faithful to lead us in His timing.
♡ Britt
Letters From Britt 