It’s strange, when you first meet someone and immediately know you’re going to be friends with them. I’ve met people before and have known in my heart that I’m supposed to pray for them, but it was an entirely different sort of knowing when I met Cass.
It was late winter, those months when the Earth is trying to decide if she wants to stay frozen or dive into spring. I had started a new job, and quite honestly, was frustrated about where my life was headed. By headed, I felt like I wasn’t going anywhere, and if I was going somewhere, I sure wasn’t getting there fast.
My plan was to get my novel published — which was proving to be more difficult than I thought. I was doing my best to be faithful, and I’m learning faithfulness often looks like taking a step forward. So I sucked in my pride and set my writing aside until evenings; I took a step forward and chose the logical thing: I got a job.
I was confused. I didn’t want to be working another minimum wage job.
I wanted my book to be published. I wanted to be writing and doing art full time. Didn’t God see my dreams and plans? Didn’t He understand what I wanted so desperately? I thought I had it all figured out: my career, my future . . . and yet there I was, feeling quite discouraged about how my life was seemingly going the opposite way I had planned.
Then I met Cass.
I had been working my new job for a week or so, and Cass had been away for a couple of days. But on that specific day we ended up working together. She came up to me and introduced herself. She was kind to me — a genuine kindness. Still, she was reserved, and for some reason I kept thinking I hope someday she trusts me. I couldn’t understand why I was thinking that when I didn’t even know who she was. We talked for a few moments, and throughout our conversation, something inside me shifted.
A peace covered me, but also an urgency, and I felt so clearly that she and I were supposed to be friends.
I started to pray for her, unsure as to what I should be praying about. I actually said out loud to Jesus, “I’d really like to be her friend, but is she going to think I’m too crazy?” I’m certain He laughed. When I think back, I laugh too. (Truth is, we’re all a little crazy.)
I almost missed out on a friendship that has become such an important thing in my life. I was so busy running around in my self-indulged fog, caught up in the mindset of thinking only about me and getting my book published. It saddens me to think about if I had stayed there, what I could have missed. I can’t tell you how grateful I am that I didn’t miss it.
Thankfully God had far better things in store for me than having me write full time. I smile when I think of how tenderly He arranged this friendship, plopping kind Cass in the middle of my tangled life. I don’t think she knows this yet, but she keeps teaching me so many things, especially kindness and grace.
When you think you have a plan for your life, I’ll bet God has a better one.
It may not make sense yet, especially when you want something so badly. But let me tell you what I am learning: often God gives you what you need before you even know you need it.
I thought I needed my book to be published. In truth, I needed my friend.
Leave a Comment
Tami says
Hi! As long as it isn’t a romance, I look forward to reading your novel! I’m always glad to see your name as I open the latest Incourage blog post! I know that wasn’t the point of your post, but wanted to tell you…
Aliza Latta says
That is honestly so encouraging, Tami, thank you!
Beth Williams says
Aliza,
Thank you for following God’s lead in your life. “When you think you have a plan for your life, I’ll bet God has a better one.” It is so easy to think we should be here or there at this point in life. In reality God knows best for us. This reminds me of Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you, declare the Lord”. “Plans to prosper you and not to harm you”. God also knows what others need and how we can satisfy that need. It is important to follow those promptings from God.
Blessings 🙂
Aliza Latta says
I do love that verse, and I’m learning not to forget the part that comes before it… when God tells his people that they’re going to be waiting in captivity for awhile, and yet he still has SUCH good plans for them. Thanks so much, Beth.
Mary Francis says
Yes I love verse 10….even in the midst of adversity our Father tells us we are not forgotten and makes His intentions and plans for us known. I am encouraged by the devotional to trust that God has a better plan for life than I could ever have. Please pray that I will live out His truths as I await medical reports.
Yoshiko says
Deeply touched. God’s grace comes down when we desperately need it, but often times we don’t even think about it while being too busy for other things which seemingly quite significant for my life. Important thing is, however, I think whether or not we always open to such an unexpected surprise He gives to me.
From Kyoto, Japan
Aliza Latta says
I’m so glad this touched you, Yoshiko. You’re spot on about his grace.
Prislaine says
Amen, our lord Jesus wants and knows the best for us!
Julie Garmon says
Love this! Sharing~~~
Deb says
Wonderful words of comfort this morning
Thank you
Alecia Simersky says
Oh boy, God’s timing. Your post was right on time for me. I’m in this exact struggle right now. Trying hard to trust God when I’m so confused about what he wants me to do, and what I want to do 🙂
So thankful for this reminder to trust Him when things don’t make sense.
Aliza Latta says
I love when God’s timing works out in this way. Grateful you were encouraged this morning!
Jeanne Takenaka says
Aliza, what a beautiful post! Years ago, I had a gal I’d met a few times call me up and say she felt the Lord wanted us to be friends. What followed was a deepening of our relationship for a season. It was amazing to me that the Lord would place that on her heart, and that she was brave enough to call me and share that with me. 🙂
I love what you said. I’m going through a bit of a struggle with something as well. It hasn’t panned out in the timing I expected it to. I’m learning to lean in and wait on the Lord. When I received a No earlier this year, God showed me that there was work He needed to do in me. He’s led a couple people into my life who have been helping me. I’m truly grateful He knows what I need before I do. Like you, I’m learning to trust God’s plan.
Aliza Latta says
Thanks, Jeanne! So fun to hear about your friendship — I really do love when Jesus puts friends into our lives!
Marianne says
Amen , I still struggle with the timing and what I want!! Asking for a very loud whisper from GOD
Jenny says
So very relatable for us all Aliza…missing God’s very best right in front of us while looking for what He has for us! Thank you for the reminder and helping us gals recognize that it really is trusting to release the “what else” and embrace the “right now”. Solid words!
~Jen
Aliza Latta says
Thanks Jenny!
Keri Underwood says
These words are so stinkin’ true! There was a time in my life that I was so discouraged because everything I thought I wanted was slipping away. It wasn’t until I finally gave up control and put my full trust in my Father’s plan that I realized “Oh! Now I get it!” I can’t imagine what would have happened if I would have happened if I continued down the path I thought would lead me to happiness! Thank God for His ultimate plan and sovereign love!
http://www.littlelightonahill.com
Aliza Latta says
I relate with that completely. Thank you for your encouragement, Keri!
Kathy Sturgis says
Thank you for your post today. I have always had my life figured out. God has always changed it. Right now I am in a spot where I know what I want and God is working on me for his better plan. I feel like I am trying to hang on to the first trapeze (what I want) while trying to grasp the other one (God’s best) without letting go of the first. He is not smiling about that. Asking prayers for the let go and the flight to God’s Best. You incourage me that you survived.
Aliza Latta says
“Asking prayers for the let go”… I love that, Kathy.
Rebecca L Jones says
That’s the kind of wisdom I wish I had when I was younger. He’s always on time, and I know He wants Christian writers to prosper.
Aliza Latta says
He’s always on time. You’re so right.
Beth Walker says
Great perspective! I’ve found myself trying to rush through life at times only to have God move at what feels like a snails pace. It’s always good to look back on the blessings you would have missed if your “plan” was put into action in your timing!
Ellen says
You are a blessing, friend! XO
Aliza Latta says
Right back at you, Ellen! xx
Stephanie says
Thank you so much for sharing, really touched my heart. A beautiful reminder to trust God and His perfect timing. God bless you and your beautiful friendship. Xoxo
Aliza Latta says
Thank you so much, Stephanie!
Melissa Hirshburg says
I just love this. Thankful God knows what we need. Your story encouraged me so much today. Thank you for sharing
Theresa says
It’s funny how God knows us better than we know ourselves; and how he knows what we really need. I am so glad you listened to him and are now one more friend wiser and blessed. Thanks for the reminder that listening to him brings us much more happiness than going our own way.
Sheeba Mathew says
This post reminds me what I have struggled with for 9 whole years. Since then I have learnt to trust and love and serve those around me without holding/clinging and trying to keep only what the Lord will allow me to keep.i can say now my confidence and strength and my total reliance is on the Lord and my relationship with Him. This relationship sometimes comes at a cost to keep and nuture.the cost involves hearing those near to you calling you foolish, or moving from friends circles because you have grown to depend on them without realizing it. Every season involves change.
However at the end of it, it’s life content and accomplished
Pam Blosser says
Such a well-written reminder of how the people He places in our lives trump everything. They are there for a reads and a season, and He always knows best.