Woman in the Mirror – The Adventure of You
We are in week 2 of our series The Adventure of You. Last weekend, Lead Pastor Ben Snyder taught the story of Rahab and how her faith led to action. She stepped into the challenges that presented themselves and trusted that God would save her and her family. She acted with BOLD faith believing that God would protect her.
Like Rahab, many of us have raised our hand, volunteering for something we didn’t understand. Something that was new, different, and definitely outside our comfort zones. And with some reflection, often we come to the realization that it may not have been our plan, but it certainly fit into God’s.
I knew from a very young age that I wanted to be a teacher. But I was only four weeks into my first college education class when I realized that my public speaking anxiety was going to be a detriment. On the advice of a counselor, I switched majors and, eventually, universities to pursue a career as a computer systems analyst, which better fit my personality.
Fast forward several years, a husband, and three children—I volunteered to be the PTA president of my children’s school. In this capacity, I attended meetings with other district leaders and was exposed to district-wide problems and decision making. Eventually, my role led me to become a member of the Board of Education. As a school board member, I gained knowledge of academics, funding, policy, and district operations. I also became aware of the roles that the community, state, and federal governments play in education. After my service, I was asked to become a member of a board that sponsored charter schools across the state. Gaining additional knowledge, I found differences and similarities between the two types of educational systems, yet a common purpose to educate children.
During each transition, I found myself doubting my abilities and questioning if I was in the right place. Time and time again, I realized that although I had failed at my original plan to become a classroom teacher, God trusted me with more. No way was this path in my plans, but God has shown me that I matter. And I can hardly wait to see what’s next!
Learning about Rahab has reinforced my belief that sin doesn’t interfere with God’s willingness to use you to advance his kingdom. No matter what you’ve done, God wants you and recognizes your importance. God never gives up on you or discards you. God wants you to have an important role in his plan. Are you ready for the Adventure he has for you?
Isaiah 43:19
“For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.”
Questions:
Has there been a time in your life when you felt like you didn’t matter? Did you come to the realization that God had a plan for you? Do you understand that an inconvenience is a door, not a dead end?
Next Steps:
Step outside your comfort zone. Don’t make the mistake of doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. Make a change.
As Michael Jackson’s song “Man in the Mirror” says,
I’m starting with the man in the mirror
I’m asking him to change his ways
And no message could have been any clearer
If you want to make the world a better place
Take a look at yourself, and then make a change
Do something. Educate yourself. Help someone. Be kind. Believe that you matter to God.
Prayer:
Dear heavenly Father, thank you for bringing me to CedarCreek and to the realization that no matter how I’ve sinned, you have a plan for me. I matter to you. Amen.
This post was written by Pam Haynam. Pam is a writer for the LivingItOut Bible Study and a cook for the weekend worship band. She has a passion for education having served her community on a district school board and is currently serving on a board that sponsors charter schools across the state. She and her husband have three grown children, a daughter-in-law, a son-in-law, and five grandsons.
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