Jen’s Gem: God’s plan for your life is the best plan!

This time last year my children and I were living out of boxes…literally. We were preparing to move from our home of twenty-two years into our current residence. Every room you entered was a reminder that life as we knew it was coming to an end.

When the clock struck twelve on December 31, 2019, the only goal I had was a successful move. I’d never done anything like this on my own and I thank God that I had experts who guided me through the process.  It could not have gone smoother. Even today, I marvel at how perfectly timed everything was.

“The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, And He delights in his way.” (Psalm 37:23)

I didn’t know that 2020 would be the year I’d publish my book, “Finding God. Finding Me.” I didn’t know it’d be the year I’d launch my Elevate the Day podcast. I also didn’t know that my daughter would spend more time at home than at college or that my son would start a new job.

We’ve often heard the phrase, “Man makes plans and God laughs” indicating that God gets a kick out of us thinking we can achieve our goals or that He enjoys watching us scurry around aimlessly trying to accomplish them. Nothing could be further from the truth. God delights in giving us the desires of our hearts and when we partner with Him along the way for guidance, those desires come to fruition in ways we could have never imagined.

This is the time of year we take a step back and reflect on the previous few hundred days. Did we learn any valuable lessons? Are we letting go of anything that’s not working for us any longer? What will be our vision for 2021?

I hope to take some time off this holiday season to ponder this very thing. I’ll be taking a short break from my Elevate the Day blog and podcast to reset or perhaps just recalibrate so that these endeavors are aligned with God’s plans, not just my own. When we partner with God, when we get with His program – woo eeee – nothing but great things can happen!

“There are many plans in a man’s heart, Nevertheless the Lord’s counsel—that will stand.” (Proverbs 19:21 NKJV)

In a few short months, I will obtain a degree in Theology. It seems like it was yesterday that I sat in my car in a Dunkin’ Donuts parking lot on the phone with who would become my pastor asking if his church had any Bible studies. He invited me to the Bible college class and I was hooked. I signed up immediately and now nearly four years later, here I am about to complete my degree.

Never in my life would I have ever imagined that I’d be going to Bible college or writing and speaking about my walk with God in a weekly blog and podcast. While writing a book was always something I wanted to do, I thought it would be about my entrepreneurial journey or perhaps documenting stories about my family. But a memoir on my spiritual rollercoaster? Never!

I didn’t know. God knew. God knew all along. I could lament not lining up with His plans sooner but I’m not going to do that. God has a way of working all things out for good and even my delay in getting with His program will turn out for the best.

I’m looking forward to 2021 – not simply because it’s a new beginning or because it’ll mark the end of a very challenging year. I’m looking forward to what God has in store for me and my children. What blessings will abound as we continue to seek His face? What new opportunities are waiting around the corner? What are you looking forward to?

“And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:13)

All things are possible with God and He works all things out for good for those who believe in Him. Doesn’t that sound like a great way to begin the New Year? Believing all things are possible and that everything will turn out great?

I hope that my Elevate the Day activities have blessed you in some way during this challenging year. I’m grateful for your continued support and your lovely emails that encourage me. If there’s any way I can support you in your faith walk, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me. I’d love to help!

I pray that you and your families have a very Merry Christmas and an abundant New Year. Until then…

“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace.” ’ (Numbers 6: 24-26)

See you in 2021!