Seek God First

How many times have I said yes to an opportunity only to regret it almost instantaneously? Too many. Since God blessed me with knowing my purpose a month ago, that helps me know what opportunities to take and what not to take so I don’t make bad choices, but seeking God first is still more important.

Eight Grade to Fifth Grade - Huge Mistake!

When I was teaching eighth grade, I became discontent and decided that I wanted to build more of a relationship with my students so I decided I needed to teach in elementary school. Yes, even twenty-five years ago my purpose of building relationships and companioning with others was being played out in my life, but I didn’t know it. Even though I wanted to teach elementary school for good reasons, I didn’t seek God’s will so I failed miserably. 

I began interviewing for teaching positions in elementary school long before the school year ended, but I couldn’t get a job. I interviewed at one last school. Finally, I got the call I wanted. The school principal left a message for me to call him. When I called to accept the job, I heard, “Don’t take it”, but I took the job anyway. Before the students stepped into the classroom, I knew I had made a mistake. 

By Christmas of that year, I was crying every day on the way to school. I’d pull into the parking lot and have to compose myself before I could get out of the car. One day, as I dried my eyes, I cried out to God, “I’ll do whatever you want me to do if you just get me out of teaching.” 

And So Much More Will Be Added

I can imagine God saying, “Ahhhh, finally, she’s ready,” and he changed my life completely. Within a month I was pregnant. By May John and I decided I would quit my job. By August I had a new career in computer training. In September we had our first child. WOW. What a change God made when I decided to seek him. 

I look back and think how immature I was, how immature my prayer was, and how I had no idea what I was doing, and turned to God when all else failed instead of turning to him first. God was still faithful. He took my simple prayer and brought it to life. Through my new career as both a computer trainer and a mom, he was allowing me to fulfill a purpose I didn’t even know I had. 

I leave you with this. Determining your purpose is important in helping guide your life, but seeking God first is much more important. Seek God first and your purpose and so much more will be given to you. (Matthew 6:33)