It was the first time I was driving to Durban without an adult in the car. For those of you who know me, you'll know how terrible my geography skills are. Honestly, I'm surprised I don't get lost walking from my room to the bathroom (the bathroom is right next to my bedroom, just saying).
So my best friend and I decided we needed a beach day- two girls driving alone to UShaka Beach, where we have been MILLIONS of times before; what could possibly go wrong?
Well, firstly, the driver could take the wrong turn off and end up heading towards Scottburgh.
Secondly, the two best friends could be jamming so much to music that they don't realise they're ending up in some dodgy area with lots of litter and minimal people.
Thirdly, the driver could start having a stress attack (yup, we all know how I over-worry...) and be near tears while the passenger laughs and says "Calm down bru, we can just do a U-turn" (yes, because doing a U-turn in a totally dodge Durban area on a highway is the best possible solution).
Anyway, needless to say, that was the most stressful trip to Durban I have EVER had and relaxing in the sun was MUCH needed after that! Despite the dangerous journey, we eventually arrived there safely.
Did I kiss the ground and shout thanks at the heavens?
Maybe.
Often this is how life is. We are so busy cruising through life that we forget there will come times when the journey is terrifying, dangerous, uncomfortable; and often in those times, we lash out and blame others, our situation or even God. But think about it: how boring would life be if the road to our final destination was always straight and calm?
Even in my opening story, the journey to the beach was HORRIBLE. I panic so easily and end up making myself sick, but after we arrived, it was actually really funny.
Maybe you're in a place now that's hard and stressful, but keep going on- drive ahead and DON'T MAKE THAT U-TURN! Growth isn't meant to be easy or comfortable, why else would it be called "growing pains"?
If we keep wanting to drive back to the beginning of our journey, it'll just take longer to reach the right destination. Now I'm not saying that's always bad, sometimes it's better to make sure you'll get there safely in one piece, rather than to get there quickly but full of regrets.
As it says in Proverbs 3:5-6,"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding. Acknowledge Him in all your ways and He will make your paths straight."
When we rely on our own understanding, that's when we end up taking the wrong turn off and ending up towards Scottburgh instead of UShaka.
It's okay to not always understand what's going on; it's okay to not have everything worked out. Romans 8:28 says that God works everything out for the good of those who love Him. It's unrealistic to have everything worked out for yourself- life is filled with mishaps and inconsistency, but if you remember that no matter what, God wants you to have good, not bad, it really gives you a different perspective.
Now I know sometimes it feels like "Why would God let this happen to me?", but at those times, you need to look at your own actions. It's unfair to steal a car, get arrested and then say "Why would the police do this to me?” For every action, there is a consequence, and at the end of the day God did give us free will, so what we decide to do will bring its own outcomes and we are the ones responsible for that.
Furthermore, if you don't have it all figured it, remember Jeremiah 29:11 where God says He KNOWS the plans He has for us. He has a plan for your life, you just need to ask Him to let Him show you where to go.
Stop relying on people or things-they don't last forever. Malachi 3:6 says that God DOES NOT change. Isn't it more beneficial to rely on the One Thing that stays constant no matter what, instead of the worldly things that can change on a moment's notice?
So my best friend and I decided we needed a beach day- two girls driving alone to UShaka Beach, where we have been MILLIONS of times before; what could possibly go wrong?
Well, firstly, the driver could take the wrong turn off and end up heading towards Scottburgh.
Secondly, the two best friends could be jamming so much to music that they don't realise they're ending up in some dodgy area with lots of litter and minimal people.
Thirdly, the driver could start having a stress attack (yup, we all know how I over-worry...) and be near tears while the passenger laughs and says "Calm down bru, we can just do a U-turn" (yes, because doing a U-turn in a totally dodge Durban area on a highway is the best possible solution).
Anyway, needless to say, that was the most stressful trip to Durban I have EVER had and relaxing in the sun was MUCH needed after that! Despite the dangerous journey, we eventually arrived there safely.
Did I kiss the ground and shout thanks at the heavens?
Maybe.
Often this is how life is. We are so busy cruising through life that we forget there will come times when the journey is terrifying, dangerous, uncomfortable; and often in those times, we lash out and blame others, our situation or even God. But think about it: how boring would life be if the road to our final destination was always straight and calm?
Even in my opening story, the journey to the beach was HORRIBLE. I panic so easily and end up making myself sick, but after we arrived, it was actually really funny.
Maybe you're in a place now that's hard and stressful, but keep going on- drive ahead and DON'T MAKE THAT U-TURN! Growth isn't meant to be easy or comfortable, why else would it be called "growing pains"?
If we keep wanting to drive back to the beginning of our journey, it'll just take longer to reach the right destination. Now I'm not saying that's always bad, sometimes it's better to make sure you'll get there safely in one piece, rather than to get there quickly but full of regrets.
As it says in Proverbs 3:5-6,"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding. Acknowledge Him in all your ways and He will make your paths straight."
When we rely on our own understanding, that's when we end up taking the wrong turn off and ending up towards Scottburgh instead of UShaka.
It's okay to not always understand what's going on; it's okay to not have everything worked out. Romans 8:28 says that God works everything out for the good of those who love Him. It's unrealistic to have everything worked out for yourself- life is filled with mishaps and inconsistency, but if you remember that no matter what, God wants you to have good, not bad, it really gives you a different perspective.
Now I know sometimes it feels like "Why would God let this happen to me?", but at those times, you need to look at your own actions. It's unfair to steal a car, get arrested and then say "Why would the police do this to me?” For every action, there is a consequence, and at the end of the day God did give us free will, so what we decide to do will bring its own outcomes and we are the ones responsible for that.
Furthermore, if you don't have it all figured it, remember Jeremiah 29:11 where God says He KNOWS the plans He has for us. He has a plan for your life, you just need to ask Him to let Him show you where to go.
Stop relying on people or things-they don't last forever. Malachi 3:6 says that God DOES NOT change. Isn't it more beneficial to rely on the One Thing that stays constant no matter what, instead of the worldly things that can change on a moment's notice?
Psalm 146:3 warns us, “Do not put your trust in princes, in human beings, who cannot save.” At the end of the day, we are only human. Humans make mistakes and I can guarantee you, if you rely on people for your happiness, you’ll never really be happy, and you may end up going on the complete wrong road. Proverbs 12:26 says, “The righteous choose their friends carefully, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.” Don’t be lead off the path you’re meant to go because of the people you choose to surround yourself with. You may miss out on an incredible future.
Please hear my heart. Don’t give up just because the journey is tough. Exams are horrible, work can be depressing, people can be annoying and life can just throw curveballs your way 24/7, but just know that God has a plan and I like to believe there is a reason for everything. When my parents and younger brother died, it wasn’t something I could have ever imagined happening to me, but at the end of the day, it did happen and that’s life. No one said it would be easy. Jesus Himself says, “… In this world you will have trouble.” (John 16:33). Ah, but then comes the hope, that one, sweet piece of joy in a world filled with unhappiness and negativity: “However, as it is written, ‘What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived’- the things God has prepared for those who love Him”.
God has such amazing things in store for YOU. Yes, YOU. I don’t know what’s going on in your life at the moment or what you’re struggling with, but I can promise you this: if you trust it to God and have faith, it will turn out even better than okay. In fact, you will look back and laugh.
“For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.” Psalm 91:11.
God’s got your back. He is the best GPS you will ever find- He will never, ever let you go the wrong way as long as you decide to trust His guidance.
So are you ready?
Are you ready to experience a future like none you could have ever imagined?
Again, Dr Seuss says it perfectly,
“Congratulations!
Today is your day.
Today is your day.
You’re off to Great Places!
You’re off and away!
You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes.
You can steer yourself
Any direction you choose…
With your head full of brains and
Your shoes full of feet,
You’re too smart to go down
Any not-so-good street….
OH!
THE PLACES YOU’LL GO!
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