When God Takes You a Different Way
Someone asked me today what my degree was in.
“BA? BS?”
They were a little surprised when I smiled and said “BM”.
Yes, I am the proud owner of a Bachelor’s of Music degree from Union University with an emphasis in comm arts. My instrument was voice.
At the end of my senior year in high school, I used all my graduation money to record a demo of two songs I wrote.
I attended college on voice scholarships. Sang in all of the special audition-only groups.
I had big dreams.
One of those dreams was to go to Nashville to sing Christian music but God had different plans. He took me there a few years later to write instead.
I’m so glad He did.
In just a couple of months I will celebrate 10 years since my first book published and 14 years that I’ve written professionally. I do not take those numbers lightly and even as I’m in the trenches right now with my sixth book, working to get it completed before my fast-approaching deadline, I am humbled and grateful for the opportunities He’s given me over the years to write for Him.
It was a different direction than I had in mind, but as I was reminded while reading in Exodus recently, God always has a reason.
When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them along the road to the land of the Philistines, even though it was nearby; for God said, “The people will change their minds and return to Egypt if they face war.” So He led the people around toward the Red Sea along the road of the wilderness. And the Israelites left the land of Egypt in battle formation. {Exodus 13:17-18}
If you are facing a journey right now that leaves you scratching your head, wondering, Why this road, Lord, why not that one?, can I just encourage you to pursue the road He’s put you on – with EVERYTHING YOU HAVE? Battle dress ready? Focused and alert? Eager and anticipating what He is going to do? Trusting that whatever happens, He’s leading you?
In every season of life where there was a fork in the road and the direction He was nudging me or plainly showing me didn’t make any sense by my own simple understanding – those are the decisions I can look back and say with confidence, God was there and He had a reason. I couldn’t see it at the time, but I’m so glad I followed Him just the same.
Follow Him. Serve Him. Your dreams may not be His, but one thing I know is that His dreams for you are always better. He doesn’t ask you to give Him a perfect life, but an available one. So be available. And watch Him work!
I’m still working hard to finish my new book that releases this fall, the Sound of Forgiveness, but we’ve got some fun things happening this month with some of my other books! Check back here on Friday for a fun announcement! And in the meantime, subscribe to my blog and receive my free devotional, 30 Days to Love His Way. What a better month to work on your marriage than February?!
Join the Conversation and comment below: Has God ever given you a detour you weren’t expecting?
