In Alignment

I recently was reflecting back upon the time in my life when I was applying to colleges. Despite the fact that was a while ago, I clearly remember the Holy Spirit nudging me about a Christian college. I shrugged it off. Being the “smart” high schooler I was I thought I was smart enough to make my own decision on this very big life decision. So I applied to the schools I saw fit and in line with my plans. Eventually I landed on one. I made my way to that college in the fall. I felt out of place and just couldn’t fit in. While I was there God was still nudging me about the other school. I decided just to take a peek at the application to see what was needed. I read what was needed and did not think I could fulfill what was needed. Again, I blew off the nudging. Eventually, I gave into the nudging and started listening. As I reflect back at my time there, best decision ever. I finally was in line with God and His plans for my life. Things started clicking into place and I felt in harmony. God really was moving in my life during that time in my life and my faith really started to transform.

Life happens though. I would love to tell you that I stayed in that ultimate place where I was in line with God 100% of the time, but no I fell out of that beautiful place. I have often experienced that when I am not in alignment with God and His plans for my life that I will feel stuck or that my life isn’t moving like other people’s lives are. I will get mad and frustrated that I just can’t have what this other person has. Also when I have not been alignment with God it’s like you are fighting Him. You are in this constant battle to control your own life. There are also those moments where you can’t feel God in your life and wonder, well where are you in this moment? Here I am falling down, but you aren’t there to pick me up. There I am drowning, but you don’t save me.

Have you ever felt like you just can’t move out of the place that you are in? I felt that way pretty recently actually. I wasn’t walking in God’s plan and ignoring the nudging that He was whispering into my ear. He reminded me of my interest in student ministries. I said no, I’m not qualified for that. I can’t lead students in their faith. Eventually the nudging was quite strong and I said, okay, why not just ask the church what it takes to lead these students. I reached out and passed the first pass of the background check. The next pass was to talk with one of the leaders to see if I would be a fit. Again, I was wrestling with the nudge. I had made a time to meet with them, but then canceled because I got so scared. Yes, eventually I did meet with them and it was a fit. Level two completed. We had some training days, which I missed a few because I let my fear overcome my own personal desire to lead students. It was rough in the beginning. I finally found my rhythm and found ways to engage and encourage the students. Toward the end of our time together for the school year one of the girls asked me quite honestly how I managed to stay patient with them. I honestly didn’t know and admitted that. But I know that it was God giving me that “calmness” with them even when they were quite squirrely.

As I reflect back on my time with them, I realize that God taught me a lot about what it means to be in alignment with Him. It may seem that He is asking you to do the craziest thing ever, but He has your back and will give you exactly what you need in that exact moment. When you walk with Him, He will help to break down those crazy barriers that you face. Things seem to get easier when you are walking with Him. I have also experience that when I am the most align with Him I am: happier, more at peace, and things seem to be going my way. I have become more intentional about trying hard to listen to what He has to say to me now. I realize that He might be speaking to me even if I am not listening at the moment. The next time I come to a place where I am struggling, because we all know that there will be a next time, I will try very hard to remember that I need to seek Him out. I need to find where He is in the craziness. He is there, I’m just not looking or listening very well. These verses are a reminder to us to make sure to focus on Him and how things work out so much better when we are walking with Him:

We can make our own plans, but the Lord gives the right answer. People may be pure in their own eyes, but the Lord examines their motives. Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed. Proverbs 16:1-3 (NLT)

And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him. Hebrews 11:6 (NLT)

Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world. James 4:8 (NLT)

If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. Jeremiah 29:13 (NLT)

You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! Isaiah 26:3 (NLT)