“Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”  ~Proverbs 19:21 (NIV)

I remember as a young child, dreaming about singing like Sandi Patti or traveling like The Gaither Vocal Band.  I wanted to “reach the world through music”, travel, and touch peoples’ lives for Christ.

As I grew older and experienced the reality of minstry, I decided that I didn’t want to become a minister, but eventually realized that ministry was exactly what I was called by God to do. 

All of my life, I didn’t want to displease anyone.  Like most everyone, I wanted to be liked, respected, cared about, etc.  But in my own mind, I could never “be” enough – I was never pretty enough, thin enough, tall enough, or funny enough.  Thus, I became dependent upon people’s approval.  As long as I was being admonished for an accomplishment, I felt great.  But if I wasn’t receiving words of affirmation, I struggled with an inferiority complex.

After many years of needing people’s approval and never getting enough of it, God began to change my desires.  It wasn’t an easy process!  I’ve been through times of serious rejection, redicule, and attack.  I’ve been falsely accused (at times by people who I deemed close friends), and discouraged by well meaning authority figures whose approval I greatly craved.  I have stood on the mountain top and have walked through the dark, lonesome valley.

As I reflect back over my life, I can honestly say that I’ve been changed for His glory.  I no longer crave the approval of others and am no longer crippled by rejection!  For, as the old song says, “I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able.  To keep that which I’ve commited unto Him against that day”.  However, had I not gone through the valley experiences, I most likely would still be more concerned about pleasing people than pleasing God.

I’ve been stretched so much that I don’t even recognize the old person anymore.  It’s the “new wine” that flows through my veins!  It’s a new “wineskin” that holds the anointing!  Man looks at the outward appearance – BUT GOD looks at the heart!

Where are you at today?  Are you living your life in bondage to fear, rejection, or people’s approval.  My friend, let me shout encouragement to you:  YOU DON’T HAVE TO LIVE UNDER THE CLOUD OF CONDEMNATION!  YOU ARE A CHILD OF THE KING OF KINGS AND THE LORD OF LORDS!  It’s not your plan or someone else’s plan that really matters, it God’s plan; and He is able to use you if you are willing to be used!