What’s for You Is for You

Sometimes our dreams, hopes, and aspirations are so clear, we can almost reach out and touch them. When doors open up easily for us, we take it as confirmation that we are on the right track. But when we come across obstacles and barriers, do we give up hope? Was it really meant to be, after all?

I’m reminded of the testimony of someone in the financial services field who was going for the job interview of a lifetime. They made their best presentation, felt they answered all of the questions like a pro, and left the meeting with all the confidence in the world. But soon, they found out that the impressive New York City job was not theirs. They were heartbroken, and soon turned to self-pity. They thought maybe this industry wasn’t for them after all, maybe they weren’t as talented as they thought they were, and maybe they were just a failure. It was just a couple of weeks later that they turned on the news and saw the World Trade Center—the very location where they had interviewed—completely decimated. The company they had hoped so desperately to work at was destroyed and many employees had lost their lives. Today, they are gainfully employed at a financial services company in New Jersey, but still sometimes think back and recall, “That would have been me.”

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 tells us to “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” God has a plan for each of our lives. Sometimes, what we need in order to accomplish that plan doesn’t always coincide with what we want in life. And the truth is, sometimes we have to go through struggles and hard times just to simply achieve the greatness that lies before us.

Think about it, David paid his dues as a scrawny shepherd boy, sleeping outdoors with dirty sheep. He came across frightening and dangerous situations, even fighting off a bear and a lion to save his father’s sheep. He was also initially overlooked when the prophet came and asked his father, Jesse, to present his sons so that he might anoint one. But not one of those obstacles that David faced prevented him from becoming one of the greatest kings of Israel. And while he had his doubts at times—as reflected in his poetry in the book of Psalms—he trusted in the Lord and turned all of his worries and insecurities over to God.

What God has for you is simply just for you. But you have to trust that God knows and cares about the things that are important to you. Whether it’s landing a great job or winning a baseball game, we are always welcome to bring our concerns to Him in prayer. There is no request too small or too silly—He listens and He cares. God created us and knows the gifts He has given us. Each one of us was born for a reason. Every one of us is significant. When we trust in the Lord to lead us in our daily walk, we begin to see Him at work in our lives.

There is greatness in you—don’t let a setback or obstacle prevent you from attaining your rightful place. Trust in the Lord and stay connected to Him in prayer—in due time, you will achieve exactly what was meant for your life.