"And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ." Philippians 1:6 ESV
When I was growing up we lived on the east coast and had to travel a great distance to see family. In those days the speed limit was fifty five and I vividly remember the sounds of the truckers on the CB radio talking about doing "double nickels" as the speed limit. So on Monday, August 9, I turned double nickels and finished the last module to complete my graduate degree with Louisiana State University in Social Work. Thirty three years earlier I completed my Bachelor's degree in Social Work at Louisiana College by the skin of my teeth and I was glad to be done. Thirty one years ago I was accepted to go to Seminary in Fort Worth and decided I really wasn't ready to go back to school yet so I waited.
The waiting seemed to go on forever. I waited for so many reasons and many times I thought I would never go back and get the Master's degree that I wanted. Then January of 2020 I started school again. This time it was much easier to stay focused and complete the work. I graduated with a 4.112 GPA which was something I never accomplished in high school or college. To say I am proud of what I accomplished would be an understatement. To me it is truly a miracle. My brain isn't as quick as it used to be so I worked hard and stayed disciplined, something I never could have done before now. I survived the pandemic, two hurricanes, a freeze, a flood, losing my job, starting a new one, two weddings and a whole slew of anxiety and chaos to finish the goal that started so long ago. My God is the only reason that I was able to maintain my sanity and finish the task during this time. He sustained me in ways that I can't even explain.
God always knew the plan. I had no clue. He picked the right time when He knew I would need to be able to focus on something other than the chaos that was surrounding me. He sent me an amazing husband who encouraged me and family and friends who prayed and supported me. God is the reason I finished and the reason I did so well. If left to my own devices then I probably would have never started and fear would have won.
Never give up on your dreams. I don't know where God will use this new degree and my next step is to get licensed but I know this - God's time and plan are never the same as mine. I just have to rest in Him and seek to know Him better every day. For now I am finished with school. Studying for the test and moving in His plan will continue as I trust the plan He has for me.
"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
