Make Room
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts
Isaiah 55:8-9 (NIV)
During my first year Full Sail University as an employee my goal was to obtain a position as a Campus Admissions Guide. At that time, it was a well sought-after position so whenever a position became available several people jumped at the opportunity. The first time I interviewed for the position, I didn't get it. I remember co-workers openly expressing their shock and of course, this didn't make the news easier for me to handle. It was very disappointing at that moment, but eventually I shook it off and kept it moving. Shortly after, I was encouraged by my leadership to interview for a team lead position in another department… I didn't get that one either.
I have struggled with insecurity in different areas of my life and like many, I have experienced a few letdowns that carried a little more weight than others. This was one of those times where the weight was heavy, but I remember having the urge to stay focused and encouraging myself to hold firm to the joy of the Lord. One of my leaders asking me how I was doing after being denied twice in such a short time. I shared that although it was a major tug at my heart, I was okay because what is meant for me will come in the right timing, and it did. About a month or so later I received a second call from CAG leadership extending an offer to join the team. My heart was overwhelmed with joy.
I held the position as a Campus Admissions Guide for almost two years when I began to feel a prompt in my heart that it was time for a change. Transparently speaking, I was overwhelmed with uncertainty as to whether it was God influenced or me wanting to leave the department. At that time, we were on the other side of an unexpected shift in our department. A lot changed, and I do mean a lot, so much so that going to work became very challenging. So, when I began to feel the "change in the winds", I had a lot of uncertainties. So, I presented it to God, and He showed me where I had gotten comfortable in a place that He never intended for me to stay. He was also working on maturing my faith and my dependency on Him. Then He simply said, "Make Room".
Eventually, I ended up leaving the CAG position and returning to the first department that I started in. It wasn't an easy decision to follow through on for several reasons. Taking a major pay cut was one. Although it was difficult, I was determined to "Make Room". It was not an easy transition and I had quite a few hiccups along the way, but I had to decide to be intentional in making God's will be my priority. In making room, it opened up doors and time for things and opportunities connected to my purpose. I couldn't see it in the beginning but the more I walk in obedience and step out in faith, the more I understood.
When I started at Full Sail University, I had many ideas of how my career would turn out. My mind was pretty set on the dream in my heart at that time. I saw myself becoming an executive at some point and I took advantage of every opportunity to glean from those around me that could help cultivate and develop my skills. I got involved with leadership programs and met one on one with executives. I was never afraid to step out and ask the big questions or to request a lunch meeting. I know that every one of those moments had a purpose and what I obtained in those moments will not be wasted.
God's plans for us are so much bigger than what we have in mind. 1 Corinthians 2:9 says, " But as it is written: Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”
God's plans for us are purposed with others in mind. Matthew 25:40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, since ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.
Making room means creating space in your heart for the desires that God wants to give you. It means making time for the things God has purposed you to do. It means getting rid of things that will interfere with your hearing and obeying God. It means cutting off relationships that interfere with your relationship with God. Although not clearly understood in the beginning, the plans of God are good and have a great purpose. When we obey it unlocks the doors that lead to the next point on the path of our journey of purpose. His thoughts are not our thoughts, neither are our ways His ways. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are His ways higher than our ways and His thoughts than our thoughts. Is God asking you to make room?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, your ways are higher than ways and your thoughts are not mine, but I trust that you know what's best for me. Every day I am faced with decisions, but the most important one is for me to place my faith in you. You are faithful in all of your ways and your ways are perfect. Help my unbelief and align my heart with your will for my life. If you are asking me to make room it's because there is greater ahead and no matter what the journey may bring, I trust that you will be faithful to guide me. You are a good good Father and choose today to make room. In Jesus' name, I pray, Amen!
