Proverbs 16:9 NKJV says, “A man’s heart plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps.” That verse captures my journey into school administration. I love the work I do today, but the path that brought me here was filled with uncertainty.
After more than twenty years as a teacher, I began exploring the possibility of becoming an administrator. I submitted more than fifty applications, but only a few resulted in callbacks. Several times, I became one of the final two candidates, only to learn that someone else had been selected. Each rejection made me question my abilities, my direction, and whether I had misunderstood God’s plan for me.
Eventually, I told my wife, “I give up. Maybe this is not what God has planned for me.” At the time, I thought the journey was ending. Looking back, I can see that God was turning my frustration into surrender and teaching me to trust Him with the outcome.
Then I received a call from Sterling High School.
Sterling was not just another school. My father, uncles, cousins, and other family members had graduated from there. I had spent nearly every Sunday of my childhood nearby in Stratford with my grandparents. My family and I had also recently purchased a home only six minutes from Sterling, a tremendous change from my ninety minute drive to Bridgeton.
I also have the privilege of serving alongside a principal who is a believer and many staff members who share our faith. Their fellowship reminds me that God was doing more than leading me to a new position. He was placing me within a community where I could serve with integrity, compassion, grace, and purpose.
While I was completing applications and receiving rejections, none of these details seemed connected. I could see only the next closed door, but God could see the entire picture.
Romans 8:28 NKJV says, “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” This does not mean every part of the journey will feel good. Those rejections did not feel good, but God used them to prepare me and redirect me.
Perhaps you are facing your own season of uncertainty. Faith does not always give us an immediate explanation, but it gives us Someone to trust while we wait. Keep praying, preparing, and walking faithfully, but hold your plans with open hands. God sees the destination before we do.
I once looked at more than fifty applications and saw rejection. Today, I look back and see God’s redirection. I thought I was searching for a job, but God was leading me home.
So what rejection in your life is really God’s redirection?
Frank D.