I can only describe the last few years as crazy. I don’t know what’s been happening in your life, but I've experienced highs, lows and everything in-between. A mixture of wild, thrilling ascents followed by jaw-dropping descents. I’ve had moments of absolute joy and equal moments of utter despair. It’s fair to say my emotions and my faith have never been tested like this!
In August of last year, I was lost. I had no idea where I needed to be, or what God was trying to teach me or show me. I’d lost all hope, I was actually ready to throw in the towel, but I heard God whisper in my ear, “Laura Jane, I'm not done with you yet!”
So I pressed on. I kept moving.
I‘ll be honest, I didn’t know where I was going, where God was leading or what was coming next. I just had to trust Him and believe that what He said was true.
“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye" - Psalms 32:8 NKJV
“You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! Trust in the Lord always, for the Lord GOD is the eternal Rock."-Isaiah 26:3-4 NLT
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.”- Jeremiah 29:11 NKJV
With every promise came an assurance, with every disappointment came an answer. If it wasn’t an encouraging word from a friend, it was another open door opportunity. If it wasn’t a new opportunity, it was an unexpected glimmer of hope.
God hadn’t left me. I wasn’t alone. I had to keep on trusting Him.
'Many are unable to make definite plans for the future. Their life is unsettled. They cannot discern the outcome of affairs, and this often fills them with anxiety and unrest...We have not wisdom to plan our own lives. It is not for us to shape our future...So should we depend upon God, that our lives may be the simple outworking of His will. As we commit our ways to Him, He will direct our steps.' - Ellen G White, Ministry of Healing pg 478
I made the decision to let go of something i’d cherished and nurtured for the past seven years, my first business. For those who don’t know, I studied Fashion Design at University and after not being able to secure a job in the industry, I started my own brand. I won awards, participated in multiple fashion shows and showcases. I even have a dress exhibited in the local museum and became the first black fashion designer to be curated there!
After Covid hit, things took a turn for the worst, not only was the business struggling to bounce back, I no longer felt called to serve in that area.
I was tired of fighting, tired of guessing and running and trying to do things my way, so I leaped into the unknown and watched as God caught me, cushioned my blow and placed me on even higher ground than I was before.
“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the LORD. “For 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 NKJV
God knows what He’s doing, even if you don’t. Heads up, it’s not important for you to know what God is doing. You are called to just trust and believe that His way is best.
As I write this I can assure you, the way still isn’t completely clear but i’m choosing to follow where God leads even when I don’t understand. We serve a God who knows the end from the beginning, a God who‘s never let us down and promises to never leave nor forsake us.
I don’t know what you’re going through, or what this year has for you but know that God has a plan for you beyond your wildest dreams!
What lessons have you learnt so far this year? Let me know in the comments below.