The final year as an undergraduate is often filled with excitement, anxiety, planning, and changes. During my last year at UCI, I was finishing up my psychology classes, filling out my petition to graduate, thinking about graduate school, and preparing to move home. It was a year of many changes. I thought I was ready to move on from undergraduate life and begin pursuing my career by applying for grad school. I knew I wanted to pursue occupational therapy, but God had a different plan for me.
After winter break and weeks of researching graduate schools, I had a change of mind. I did not want to pursue occupational therapy anymore but I didn’t know what I wanted to do. I panicked. I asked God why he would change the plan at the last minute, at a time when everything seemed to fall into place. Personally, I struggle with being anxious and adjusting to changes in life. I felt secure knowing what I wanted to do and what path I would be taking. Little did I know that God had an amazing plan, a plan for me to panic over not having a direction, a plan for me to take a leap of faith and trust him, and a plan for me to become a special education teacher. I am currently finishing up my second year of graduate school, getting both my special education credential and a Master’s in teaching. I love teaching students with special needs and I am enjoying every part of being in school.
Be encouraged and reminded that God is sovereign and that He is always in control. No matter how much we plan for our future, no matter what we’ve envisioned for our future, God’s plans are always best for us. God is the God of the universe, the one who controls all things, the one who knows our hearts and thoughts. Put your faith in Him and trust in His ways. Although this verse is often referenced, it is one of my favorite verses. Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages all Christians to “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.”
I love to plan my life and create my own schedule and depend on my knowledge, but I need to trust in God and understand that His ways are right and His ways are the best for me. So as you continue finishing up school, planning for a career, or continue praying for direction, I encourage you to trust in our God with all your heart and know that His plans are always the best for us.
Reflection Questions
- Have you had moments in your life when you realize you have absolutely no idea what to do? How have you responded in those moments?
- What does the writer in Proverbs 3:5-6 say? Do you trust that God has a better plan for you?
- Try memorizing these verses so that you will always remember to trust in the Lord, especially in moments in which you might be tempted to worry.
About the Author
Michelle Chan, 23, from Diamond Bar, CA, is currently pursuing a special education credential and master’s in teaching at Biola University.
About the Artist
Christine Hwang graduated from UCLA with a BA in Art History. She loves art and wants to glorify God with the gifts that He’s given her. She is currently pursuing further education at a community college and hopes to build a career in either illustration or animation. Currently, her time is spent in Northern California, where she is building her art portfolio and developing her skills in animation.