Someday.

Someday when my kids are grown…

Someday when I’m financially stable…

Someday when my life isn’t so crazy…

Someday when I feel like my friends/family approve…

Someday when (fill in the blank with your reasons), I’ll follow this big dream that God has given me.

Sometimes God gives you a glimpse of what’s to come and we need to wait on His timing. We may have lessons to learn first. Or maybe there are things that need to be put in place before it’s time.

BUT..

When God says, “Do this…”, our only response should be to pray for guidance and obey.

Let me tell you a bit of my story…

I had been in an administrative position for several years when I began to feel very strongly that God had something else for me. I didn’t have a clear vision of what it was or where it was. I just knew that I was to begin preparing.

Now, if you knew me back in the day, you’d know that I was very shy and quiet, definitely a behind-the-scenes person – way behind the scenes! If you knew me then, you’d realize how out of character it was for me to begin studying leadership. I had a hunger for it. I read books, attended workshops and webinars. I even studied Moses and was amazed at his leadership skills.

So… Time went on… A few years went by… I prayed for God to show me where this other job was that He had for me. I watched job postings and kept my ear to the ground. Crickets. But I kept praying, waiting and watching.

I was watching but I really didn’t know what I was watching for. Sometimes, I doubted that this new thing would ever come. Maybe I misunderstood? Maybe I missed the opportunity somehow? Maybe I wasn’t good enough?

One day, I told God that if I were to keep watching and waiting, I NEEDED to know what I was looking for!

He gave me some clues – but not the whole picture. (And isn’t it best sometimes that He doesn’t tell us everything?!?) He said that this new thing would be in ministry, involve women and event planning.

Of course, my type A personality tried to solve the puzzle and figure it out. But God’s ways are not our ways. It’s so difficult to guess what He’s up to!

For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:9

Another six months goes by…

One day, I’m feeling like it might be the time to leave the security of the job I was at for 24 years. And I’m praying about this “future plan” and is this the time to do something about it. I told God that I was throwing out a fleece (read Judges 6) and He needed to give me a clear sign – should I stay or go?

This is so cool!

So, after my fleece is laid out, I go to check my email. I kid you not! There’s an email with the subject “Job Opening”. Wait! What?! Yep! And it gets better… The opening was with a ministry that serves women and was for event planning.

I discussed it with my husband and we agreed this was the time to move. I handed in my resignation and applied for the new job. I didn’t know if I would get this job but God had clearly given me the sign that I asked for. So, I stepped out of the boat in obedience.

Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. Isaiah 43:19

Was it easy? Yes and No.

“Yes” because God was so clear about my next step (He confirmed it in multiple ways) that I KNEW this was His will for me.

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Psalms 119:105

“No” because it was scary! Change is scary. I didn’t know if I would be hired for this job and we’d be losing 30% of our household income. Yikes!

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6

When God says, “Go!” You need to go. Even when it’s scary or doesn’t make sense to the world.

“Slow obedience is no obedience.” – Tabitha Deller

Being in step with God’s plan should always be our goal. It won’t always be easy or seem “perfect” to us but we need to trust that He know what He’s doing.

Mandy Hood

Are you wondering if I got that job?

Yes, I did! It was a wonderful experience. But it wasn’t the end goal. I like to believe that I was a blessing while I was there and I learned so much in that position that I needed for what He was truly preparing me for.

Two years after beginning that job, The Connection was born and I’ve been part of the leadership since it’s conception. Remember what God told me about His plans for me?

Work in ministry.

Serve women.

Plan events.

How cool is that?!

Mandy Hood is a board member and executive director of The Connection. She loves to facilitate women connecting with each other and helping them grow in their faith.

Mandy and her husband have been married for 41 years and have 2 adult children, 2 in-law children and 3 grandchildren. Every year, they look forward to GramCamp – three days of spoiling and fun.