The Next Step In The Grand Adventure

by | Jan 26, 2016 | personal journey

I was asked recently,

“Where do you see yourself in three years?”

As I pondered that question for a few seconds, I chuckled to myself. Years ago I would have had a planned-out answer. I would have had short-term and long-term goals mapped out. I would have had goal posters or tracking sheets to inspire me and keep me focused on where I was taking my life. I would have been able to answer that question quickly.

But through the last handful of years or so, I’ve stopped planning my life in such detail.

Some would disagree with me, and that’s okay. But I guess I’m at the place in my life where I desire God’s will, and not my own. I desire to live my life led by Him. I only want to do what He wants me to do. To work where He wants me to work. To live in the ways He desires for me to. I want to be obedient to His call on my life.

Some may think living like this is silly. Some would say it’s not wise, or I’m living without vision and purpose. Some might think I’m just being a puppet on a string. Some might even think I will get nowhere in life without a plan.

Oh, but there is a plan. It’s just not mine.

I’ve learned, living this way is filled with peace and a whole lot less stress.

This is where I’m at today.

This doesn’t mean I’ve stopped dreaming and planning, but I do it differently. Yes, the dreams God has placed in my heart are still alive and well. And, I believe they will one day come to pass. But only in His time. I am excited to watch them unfold as I continue to journey on this grand adventure with Him. Life is one grand adventure.

My life is one grand adventure.

So, I answered that question above honestly.

“In three years I want to be doing what God wants me to be doing.”

Period. End of story. And I pray daily for that to be the case. I believe there’s no better way to live (even if it’s an imperfect grand adventure).

This brings me to this morning. I will drive out of our garage and head to where God is leading me next on this adventure with Him… to a new job. Naturally, I’m filled with both excitement and nervousness. I look forward to seeing how this fits in God’s plans for my life. I will be joining the staff at a local church.

I would welcome your prayers as I transition from being home to working part-time. It’ll be an adjustment for my family, but I’m trusting God will handle it all.

How can I pray for you today, on your adventure with God? Where is He leading you? What do you believe is the next step on this adventure? It would be an honor to lift you in prayer today.

‘May the Lord bless you
    and protect you.
May the Lord smile on you
    and be gracious to you.
May the Lord show you his favor
    and give you his peace.’ Numbers 6:24-26

I’ll update you soon!

Much love,

Julie

 

 

Linking this post with Kelly for #RaRaLinkup, Holly for #TestimonyTuesday, and Crystal for #IntentionalTuesday. You’ll be blessed to visit their places of encouragement.

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18 Comments

  1. debbieputman

    Praying your new job and new adventure are a joy. Joining you from #Testimony Tuesday

    Reply
  2. Michele Morin

    I’m with you on this — and I smile when I remember the years of “five year plans,” thinking that I was exercising big faith. I’m thankful that God is showing me that it honors Him more to trust Him for the next step instead of piling all my hopes and dreams onto my plans. Thank you for your good words today!

    Reply
    • Julie Lefebure

      Oh, Michele, you know exactly what I’m referring to in my post. Yes, trusting Him honors Him, unlike what I used to do… making my own plans and asking God to bless them. Silly me! Thanks for being here and for sharing!

      Reply
  3. Sabra Penley

    I pray in three years I am doing exactly what you said, “Doing what God wants me to be doing.” The Lord has been showing me more and more how I must live for THIS DAY, as He reveals what I should do step-by-step. And there is so much freedom in that! As long as I recognize He is in control, He has a plan for good, He loves me, and He will reveal what I need to do at just the right moment and provide everything I need to be successful…I CAN TRUST HIM. So I guess, if I answered that question, I would say: “Trusting God in each and every step.” I love living this grand adventure.

    So excited about your new job, Julie. Praying God’s blessings as you get started. May He lead you each step of the way! Blessings, sweet friend!

    Reply
    • Julie Lefebure

      I love your answer to the question, Sabra. I love living this grand adventure with Him (and you!) too. I appreciate your prayers, as my first week has been great. Thankful for your friendship!

      Reply
  4. Mary Geisen

    YES!!! The words today that you wrote are exactly what I have been trying to share with others since I retired. I want to do God’s will and His timing and plan are always perfect. It is frustrating to others to hear this answer because they see everything in black and white, but what a blessing it is to us who are on this grand adventure.

    Praying for you today as you begin a new job. God’s got this and you! I am so glad I stopped by today to read this lovely offering of words!

    Reply
    • Julie Lefebure

      Mary, you know exactly where my heart is and how I’m feeling. It looks like you’re right there with me. I’m glad we can be on this adventure together. Thank you for your prayers. It’s been a good week!

      Reply
  5. joanneviola

    Julie, may God go before you in this new journey. May He bless you as you trust Him.

    Reply
    • Julie Lefebure

      Thank you, Joanne! Your words blessed my heart. I appreciate you more than you know!

      Reply
  6. betsydecruz

    Oh may the Lord bless you as you take this next step, Julie! I’m so glad for you. And I love what you say about how your life has a plan. It’s just not yours. :-)That puts a smile on my face.

    Reply
    • Julie Lefebure

      Thank you, sweet Betsy. Yes, His plan is great, I just am taking it one step at a time with Him. You’ve encouraged me today. Thank you!!

      Reply
  7. Tara

    Praying you have a great first day!

    Reply
    • Julie Lefebure

      Thank you, Tara. It was a great first day!

      Reply
  8. holyvacationqueen

    Beautiful..such was my new year’s blog..with similar intention..yes, it is so true, living God’s will is a true adventure, and a much more peaceful one!! This happened to be a day I was feeling a bit yearning for a project to move more quickly..but your blog reminded me again that God has a plan, and I need to hold my project dream loosely..Blessings! beautiful post today!

    Reply
    • Julie Lefebure

      I’m with you as I wait on God’s plan. Yes, He has one for us all, and it’s going to be good. I’m trusting Him with you, and am so thankful you stopped by to share. Bless you!

      Reply
  9. carlybenson

    I’m glad I found your post today. I like to have a plan and know what to expect but the word God has led me to focus on this year is “Surrender” and it is a challenge to surrender my plans and my ideas and go with his. I like your attitude of seeing it as a “grand adventure” and being open to where God will lead you. I hope your new job goes well.

    Reply
    • Julie Lefebure

      Thank you so much! Surrender is a big word, and it’s one God continues to grow me in. I totally understand where you are coming from. May God bless you in so many ways on your grand adventure with Him!!

      Reply

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