A New Beginning With God

A New Beginning with God

 

It was a busy afternoon in the local grocery store. I stood near the cash registers in front of a dairy case as I talked with my mom. I said something to the effect of, “Yes mom, I am resigning from my current position and I am not sure yet where I am going to live, where I am going to school or where I am going to work.” (Very comforting to a mother’s ears!)

My mom told herself that day… “Either God has actually led my daughter or my daughter has gone absolutely mad.”

The former was true. God had been stirring in my heart for months prior to this conversation. The only piece I knew was that he was calling me to go back to school for counseling. No other details came together until the last minute, which of course had me hanging on to my faith for dear life. In this season of unknowns, I was often bombarded with questions and puzzling looks. I cried. I questioned. I doubted. I prayed. But in the deepest part of my soul, I knew this was where he had led.

[pullquote width=”300″ float=”left”] But I soon realized my efforts, apart from God’s leading, were not effective and also exhausting.[/pullquote]I wanted to figure everything out. But I soon realized my efforts, apart from God’s leading, were not effective and also exhausting. I began to ask God for just the next step. Sometimes, it was as simple as cleaning my room. (Really God?! Clean my room? I need answers here!!!) One time, the next step was to make a phone call and that very phone call, unexpectedly, was what led me to my grad school.

Grad school came together and I was able to live on campus. Then I found a job as a nanny for a family that has since become a big part of my life. And also, as a big bonus, after I resigned, a previous co-worker asked me on a date and we are now married! (I did not see that one coming!)

God led me to a new beginning. To many, it appeared as though I had gone mad. But sometimes that is what faith looks like to others. God knew what he was up to and I knew I didn’t want to miss what was on the other side.

A new beginning with God is always worth the risk.

 

Grace & Such strives to advance Christian growth among women. While we believe the Bible is the inspired Word of God, we also recognize human interpretations are imperfect. Grace & Such encourages our readers to open their Bibles, pray for wisdom and study for themselves what the Word says. For more about who we are, please visit the About Us page.
April Jean
Latest posts by April Jean (see all)

9 Comments

  1. Diane on January 7, 2016 at 8:40 AM

    “God led me to a new beginning. To many, it appeared as though I had gone mad. But sometimes that is what faith looks like to others.” Yup, we of faith are just a bunch of crazies on the best roller coaster EVER! Thanks for sharing your ride, April!

    • April on January 15, 2016 at 2:32 PM

      Thanks Diane… it is certainly quite the ride!!! 🙂

  2. Gretchen on January 7, 2016 at 11:34 AM

    Good for you for listening to God’s leading, and for diving in despite any fears or what-ifs or “common sense” which may have threatened. His ways are far different than ours. Don’t know why this surprises me. Nor do I know why I forget too often that He has my life and my story in the palm of His hand. Great post.

    • April on January 15, 2016 at 2:34 PM

      Thanks Gretchen, appreciate your comment! It’s great to see and experience his faithfulness!

  3. Jen on January 7, 2016 at 1:47 PM

    There is such a joy in watching a young person follow God’s leading, even when it’s such a risk. I’m so glad you did just that!

    • April on January 15, 2016 at 2:34 PM

      Thank you, you’re kind Jen!

  4. Terri on January 9, 2016 at 7:34 AM

    It’s been a real privilege to watch God work in your life and to watch you follow his lead. It takes courage, humility and obedience to take a step like you did. I still remember a conversation you, Diane and I had around a table at Passion many years ago and wondering where you were headed. Thank you for sharing with us and our readers.

    • April on January 15, 2016 at 2:35 PM

      Passion!!! What a great time and man, all God has done since then! Thanks for all of your help along the way Terri!

  5. Tara on January 16, 2016 at 6:39 PM

    Proud of you April for having the courage to take the leap of faith, to listen when most would have played it safe. It’s comforting to know that when we leap, God is always there to catch us.

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