God Has a Plan

Life was tough while growing up in the rural countryside of Jamaica. I grew up with two siblings but without a father in the home. We often lacked basic needs—clothes and shoes, food and running water. Nevertheless, I grew up happy and had high hopes and big dreams for my life. I dreamed of attending college and having a professional career, getting married by the age of twenty-five and having four children, traveling the world, and living in a mansion. That is what a successful life meant to me. I wanted the life I did not have growing up. Not until I reached my twenties did I realize life has a way of throwing curve balls at our dreams. From sickness and broken relationships to near-death experiences, I experienced it all. Yet, through it all, I learned to pick up the pieces and keep trusting God.

Through the storms of life, I learned these four lessons: First lesson: God has a plan. He wants us to know Him and love Him above all earthly possessions. God desires to give us eternal life, and that is better than gaining the entire world.

Second lesson: Material things do not indicate success, though some are necessary in life. Everything I sought was only temporary in the light of eternity.

Third lesson: God can heal us from the pain and disappointment of life. He is the God who heals, and He is ready to help us. He does not hold grudges because of yesterday’s failure. Fourth lesson: God is enough; therefore, I am enough. Though we were made for relationships, they should not come before our relationship with our Creator. Unfulfilled dreams and broken promises can sometimes get in the way of trusting and believing God, but we can find peace and comfort in knowing God has a plan for us. His plans are always the best.

I have accomplished all my dreams and plans, except I am still single and have no children. Even though I desire the latter, I know I am complete in Christ.

One day I will be made whole when I see Jesus.

I will shout and sing a hallelujah song. My trials will be over.

I will have completed the journey and rest safely at home with Jesus.

Dawn M. Johnson