Detour?

The sermon today was entitled Detour; it was all about how God changes our plans to get us to where He wants us.

For six months, I’ve been planning on moving to Connecticut to work with a faith based musical theater group. It seemed like the perfect fit. They go on tour. They love Jesus. I’ve been dreaming about doing this for six years. But I couldn’t shake this uneasiness about the decision.

Three and a half weeks ago, I had a meltdown at my small group because I was so unsettled about the decision. A few days later, the Holy Spirit clearly prompted me to go to a Global Legacy event. I’d never been before, but I knew that I needed to go. There, I began talking with a friend who I hadn’t seen in a long time and she brought up Bethel and how her kids were going. Then she shared about specific ministry teams that went from Redding to Hollywood/LA. I have had a huge burden for LA for a few years now and have felt that God is leading me there at some point. She knew none of this. Then she looked me in the eye and said, “I don’t know what this means exactly, but I just hear, ‘It’s not too late.'”

That night and the next day I spent a long time praying intentionally about Bethel. “It’s not too late?” I thought, “School starts in a month and half!”

“Okay, Holy Spirit,” I said, “If you want me to apply…will you confirm it?”

I went back to Global Legacy and began speaking with someone else I knew. He asked me about my plans, I told him about Connecticut. “Oh,” he started, “well, the reason I asked is that when I looked at you I thought, ‘Bethel.’ Not saying it’s God, but it’s a thought.”

Haha, Holy Spirit. I’m starting to wonder…but I still want more.

Another man overheard this conversation and approached me later. “I’ve never thought anything like this before,” he said, “But you walked into the room and I thought to myself, ‘she looks like she belongs at Bethel.” I laughed.

Okay God, I’m starting to get the picture. But I want one more…

At the end of the evening, I thanked the worship leader because he’d played some of my favorite music. “Oh you like Bethel music?” he asked, then continued, “I’m a third year student and my wife’s about to start second year.” His wife followed up with, “Have you ever thought about applying?”

You’d think that by this point, I’d be totally convinced. Well, I was convinced enough to apply but I still hadn’t given up on Connecticut. Stubborn as I am, I wanted someone not connected with Global Legacy to bring up Bethel. The following Tuesday I asked my friend, Veronique, what she thought about Connecticut vs. Bethel. She replied, “I’ve never had peace about Connecticut. And if you remember…three months ago I told you to apply to Bethel.” I laughed, “No you didn’t!” “Yes, I did,” she quipped back.

I immediately called the man in Connecticut and shared with him where I was at. His response was the clincher: “I was starting to think that maybe this wasn’t the right fit for you…you made the call first.”

Then and there, I knew I was going to Redding for the next year.

But here’s where the story gets even better…back in May, I went to visit some friends on what I thought I was just for fun and a trip to meet with the founders of this theater company. Once I got there, it was clear that God had sent me for other reasons, one of which was to be with this family and intercede on their behalf. Long story short–they were gifted with huge financial support and gave to me out of that. The amount they gave me covers most of my tuition.

God eradicated my excuses.

He so clearly has His hand in this that I have this unshakeable, ridiculous, illogical peace about everything. I don’t know where I’ll be working or living yet (or how long my car will hold out!), but I know He’s got it covered.

I received my acceptance letter this past week and plan on moving in two. Bethel was not part of my plan, but undoubtedly it’s part of God’s. And I am so very excited to step into what He has for me because I know that I know that I know it’s gonna be good.

A detour?

I’ll take it. Might even stop and enjoy the sunset.