After graduating from college, I moved to Alabama to be closer to my long-distance boyfriend. Coming from a small town in Tennessee, I felt like the world was ahead of me, and I was eager for a change—new scenery, new opportunities, a new start.
Settling into my one-bedroom apartment made everything feel real. It was my first time experiencing adulthood: my own place, my own bills, my first full-time job. At first, I loved the work. It felt like everything I had prepared for in school was finally happening. But over time, I knew that was not where God had me to stay.
It began as a gentle nudge from the Spirit. I grew anxious, convinced I needed to cling tightly to the job so I wouldn’t lose it. I told myself to work harder, to push through. But the job was wearing me down—physically, mentally, and spiritually. It consumed nearly all my time and began to strain my relationships.
That December, that gentle nudge became a loud call. I knew it was time to let go. I thought of every excuse – “But God, how will I pay my bills?” “But God, I don’t have a Plan B.” “But God, what will I do after the New Year?”
These common verses gave me rest: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding; in all your ways know Him, and He will make your paths straight” (Prov. 3:5-6).
I quickly knew that my futile understanding was no match against our omniscient Father. Because I sought Him, He made clear the path I should take. After that, it was pretty clear that I needed to walk away from the job.
In all of my “But, God” moments, I am pleading with Christ and asking Him why things are happening. In Scripture, Christ Himself is the answer. Because He is wise, merciful, loving, gracious, and strong, we have hope!
- “But God understands the way to wisdom, and knows its location. For He looks to the ends of the earth and sees everything under the heavens” (Job 28:23-24).
- “We too all previously lived among them in our fleshly desires, carrying out the inclinations of our flesh and thoughts, and we were by nature children under wrath as the others were also. But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love that He had for us, made us alive in Christ even though we were dead in our trespasses. You are saved by grace!” (Eph. 2:3-5).
- “My flesh and may heart my fail, but God is the strength of my heart, my portion forever” (Ps. 73:26).
I left my job right in the middle of the holiday season. Because my job had kept me so busy, I had not had the opportunity to meet many people in this new city. It was lonely, and there were a lot of unknowns ahead.
A couple of days after leaving, I got engaged to my boyfriend at the time, and that sure put a smile on my face amidst my situation. We were fortunate enough to spend a lot of time with family over Christmas and New Year’s. During that time, I applied for what I could, knowing that God would provide the right job at the right time. After all, God was not unaware of my situation. He knew my needs, and He knew I had bills. He didn’t lead me down a path that He was going to leave me stranded on.
Within two months, God opened the door to another full-time job—one I never expected: interior design. And in His sense of humor, He even fulfilled my old college dream of working in a coffee shop, giving me part-time hours between jobs to help cover the bills.
I have been at this job for nine months now, and I have not had more assurance that this is where God has me. It has not only jump-started my career in both interior design and marketing, but it has also allowed me to have more time to build relationships at home and in the local church.
God has a path for each of us. No two paths are the same, yet He holds them each in His Hand.
In light of Christmas last week, I’d like you to think of Mary. In Luke 1, she was told by an angel that she would give birth to Jesus. She was naturally surprised and had no idea what this meant. Yet, her response was beautiful. “‘See, I am the Lord’s servant,’ said Mary. ‘May it happen to me as you have said’” (v. 38).
I hope to have the response of Mary in all circumstances. She was about to face a lot of unknowns, but she knew that the God who leads her would not leave her. Known or unknown, Mary trusted God with where she was heading.
Our final destination is Heaven. This life is just the in-between. Our goal is simple—just like Mary, we should strive to be the Lord’s servant. If you are in a season of transition, or a season of not knowing what’s ahead, know that your destination and goal are still the same. Your path may look different than another’s, but God still has you in the palm of His Hand.
Let your unknown be an opportunity to glorify the Lord and serve Him. Come to Him, weary traveler, and He will give you rest.
About Lauren Bonds
Lauren Bonds served as a communications intern for Lifeway during the summer of 2024. She now lives in Alabama with her husband, Coleman, and their two puppies, Bruce and Weagle. She currently works as an interior designer and marketing manager. She enjoys serving the college girls at her local church and spending time with friends and family.
