Trusting God’s Plan In His

TRUSTING GOD’S PLAN IN HIS PURPOSE FOR ME

By Lisette Balangue

Finding what God had purposed for me has been quite a journey. I remember being in kindergarten and being asked what I would like to do. At first, I responded that I wanted to work at a retail store with clothes, but the teacher smiled and asked, “Have you ever thought of being a teacher? I can see you as a teacher when you are older.” As I grew up, I carried those words with me that I would be a teacher or someone who works with children. I realized it was a passion from the inside to help people grow or feel better. My mother would always tell me that I should be a journalist and although I admire that occupation, I am unfortunately not a writer, per se. In high school, I had the best guidance counselor who was motivating and inspiring. She gave such great advice on growing in school and motivating you to do your best in school. She had such an impact on me that I knew after I was a teacher that I would be a guidance counselor to help others get to college and make the most out of themselves. After high school graduation, I set out for college, checked the box for the teacher track and was on my way to becoming a teacher. I completed all classes on the teacher track and was set to graduate. I had even been accepted to the credential program to start the following fall after I graduated.

As close as I was to my teaching career being almost complete, it was close to its screeching halt. The year was 2007 and America was in total recession. My step-dad had gotten laid off and my mom told me that

I would not be able to continue my education, I know this is what you have purposed for me. but would need to look for a full-time job. I was In addition, I applied for a Masters of Education devasted, however, I thought this was a “sign” from and single subject credential and if that opens God to stop me from becoming a teacher. I was not then I know the Lord has this path for me. It was liking working with the elementary students when about a week and all the doors opened. The first I would substitute teach at schools. I actually was school I went to substitute at was La Serna High realizing that I preferred substituting at the high School and when I look back on my dreams, I had schools and helping those students. This got me to a dream six months prior about that specific high thinking, teaching may not be for me and God was school. I was having dreams about high school telling me there was something else out there for student problems and praying for these students. me. In college, I had even taken a career test and The Lord was speaking and it showed me just how it said teaching or nursing. That was it! I should much the Lord has plans. Jeremiah 29:11 was in become a nurse while I work full time to help my full effect. family. While I got a job working full time for a The world is at a stand-still at this very marketing company just to have a steady income, moment. My teaching has come to a bit of a pause, I went to school to become a nurse. I took all my but I choose to trust God this time around instead prerequisite classes after work. It was of trying to find what I should all working so well. Life went on, I thought this was all in God’s plan as it "...all I could hear do instead or take it as a “sign”. Just this month, I received an was all working out and smoothly for the most part. I have to admit, I never was His still small email from my school that they will allow us to take some really got on my knees or really asked Him about this all. To be completely voice say 'Trust classes without being in the schools so we can continue our honest, I was in a time of my life where I was lukewarm and did not really seek me'..." teaching credentials. The Lord is amazing and all we need to Him for the answers just assumed do is trust He has a plan. these were His answers.

So, there I was ready for my next step and accepted into a nursing program. The economy was back up and I was now married. This is when God met me! All of a sudden, I was hit with the biggest storm in my life. God has a funny way of saying “HEY! Are you listening!?” Lisette Balangue is from Los Angeles, California. She is Everything was starting to be pulled from me to currently in her master’s program grab my attention to Him. I was at a point where I for education and obtaining was not able to start nursing school. I was so lost a credential in social science with the whole storm around me, but all I could teaching along with guidance hear was His still small voice say “Trust me”. I counseling. She is a mother of have to admit it took a long time for me to give one daughter and a lover of the up the control of my life because I had to find the Lord. California, USA. solution and take control of what was happening. The very last thing the Lord took was my job, but I was prepared because I kept asking Him about my job and if I should be there or what does He have for me. Finally, I was laid off from my marketing job. During my lay-off, I spent my time with the Lord and really sought Him for what my purpose was. I was praying, reading His word, worshipping, but most of all just having a relationship with Him again. I started applying for administration jobs, but no doors were being opened. So, I told the Lord, I am going to apply for a substitute teacher and renew my certificates and if the door opens,