Somehow, society and even our own selves have succeeded in creating a timeline for our lives. This timeline is divided into different phases of life and for each phase there are a number of things that we feel we must achieve! Oftentimes, the timeline changes depending on where we live in the world, our social class and which era we are living in. The timeline that many of us have is one which looks like the following: by the age of 18, we should finish high school, we must get into college and maybe even work part time; By 22-24, we should be starting our career; By 25-26, get married and maybe even buy a home; By 30, we should have one or two children and manage a business; By 55, we should become grandparents, retire by 65 and finally, die by 80-100. Does this sound like your timeline? If you answered “Yes”, I have a question for you: Was God involved in the making of this timeline?
I’ve learned early on in life that the timeline that we or others have created for our lives doesn’t always work because many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails (proverbs 19:21 NIV). Maybe you’re asking: ‘well then, does this mean it’s wrong to have plans and goals for my life?” Of course not! It’s not about whether we have plans or have set many goals or not, but it’s about whether or not God is involved in making those plans and setting those goals. Can He add or remove some things from your timeline? Can He switch some things? The Word of God also teaches us to trust in the Lord with all [our] heart and lean not to [our] own understanding;In all [our] ways, acknowledge Him, and He will direct [our] paths (proverbs 3:5-6 NIV). Are you able to acknowledge him in everything you are planning?
I’ve seen people, including myself suffer because of this. We would reach a certain age bracket and realize that we’ve not accomplished what we wanted to at that age. Then, discouragement kicks in, sometimes even anxiety and depression. So, my reason for writing this post is to reach out and encourage those of you who are at a certain age, and you’re not where you planned to be. I have been there and there are many others out there that are going through it or have gone through it. So, I want you to know that you are not alone. Secondly, I want to remind you that you are unique, you are made with a purpose that can only be fulfilled by you! This means that your journey may look different than others; the process might not make any sense to you, but remember the verse I just shared with you “lean not to your own understanding[…]” His ways are higher than our ways; He works in ways we cannot see! And believe me, He knows you better than you know yourself! Therefore trust Him and trust His process! Let us normalize God’s timing, not our own, for His timing is perfect. He will be with you. You are much loved!
Love, Shéshé
I’d like to leave you with a small assignment (if you’re up for it): Find a blank sheet of paper and write down your timeline up to your current age, write down everything that you wanted to accomplish under each age-bracket (you can start from the age you want). When you are done, place a checkmark next to each one that you accomplished, and an X next to the ones that you haven’t. Then, I want you to start giving thanks to God for each thing that you were able to accomplish and even that which you haven’t. Then, tear down that paper and re-submit your life to Him and allow Him to lead the rest of your life!
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