Change of Plans...

The first time I tried to say this, I wrote an essay. Here's the scoop. I'm going to Adelphia Bible School* this year. Yeah, not Northwest University. There is so much I could say; so many hours of prayer and thought went into this, but those transcripts would be, ah... a bit much. 

Basically, I only chose the "big christian university" route because I thought it would impress people in my life and make them proud of me. I realized that I thought that, and it made me sick. So now, I'm taking some time to 1) Learn more about the Bible and who I am in CHRIST (not who I am in others), 2) Get a better idea of what I can/should be doing in the world, vocationally, and 3) Become more financially stable. Then, God willing, I'll be better prepared to go somewhere like NU if he leads.

It all makes sense on paper, and I know in my spirit this is what I have to do. But it's scary. Everything is ready at NU. It's comfy. I certainly don't question the value of the education. And there's a concert choir and a sweet workout room and friends and sports teams. I have to yank up every one of those roots. Everyone (even you, gentle reader) gets to see my terrible decision skills, my financial incompetence, and the fading away of my "private university student" status.

But you know, I'm alright with that. In my limited experience, I've found that it's FAR better to be temporarily uncomfortable and completely in God's will than it is to live in momentary luxury and apathy towards his call. 

See, I've thought about all this. I have all my rationalizations. But in the end, no plans are being changed. God knew all along. I don't have to be afraid for the future; I don't have to stress about getting it all right. He's got me in his hands. I can rest in the promise in Proverbs 19:21 - "Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails."

Amen?

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* [For those who don't know, Adelphia is a one-year bible college, located on Lake Retreat in Ravensdale, WA. It was founded on the basis of teaching students to live for God NOW, not just when you've got the diploma or when you feel prepared enough. Along with invaluable (meaning "extremely useful", by the way - not "un-useful") hours of accredited Bible and theology courses, there's a huge missional, community focus; in fact, the last two weeks of the year are dedicated to one of three mission trips around the world. The rest of the year is spent largely preparing for those trips, as well as living the gospel in local churches and businesses. I'm super pumped. Did I mention it's on Lake Retreat??]