by John Shirk

When I was young I chose to follow Jesus, and began making plans.

And my plans were good.

I would go to college and major in biblical studies. After college I would go to seminary and hone my ministry skills. Upon graduating from seminary, I would get a job working with young people at a church like the one I grew up in. In fact, ideally, I would get a job working with young people at the church I grew up in.  My father was the pastor. It would be great to work with him. The congregation was like family. Actually, many people in the congregation were family. The small town in rural California was a great place to raise children. The Summers have great swimming weather and the Winters are mild. It is an easy drive to either the ocean or the mountains. My children could go to the same schools I went to and enjoy the same small-town traditions like the Almond Blossom Festival. All this, and the chance to do ministry helping young people learn to follow Jesus, devoting their lives to serving Him by loving God and loving their neighbors.

I was sure my plans were good.  God was calling me into the ministry. This was ministry. This must be what God wanted. All I had was follow Jesus by following the plan.

But it never happened.

I ended up moving 2000 miles away from my family and the quaint little town where I grew up. Instead my wife and I raised our daughters in the urban jungle on the west side of Chicago.  I left behind the comfortable congregation I loved and embraced ministry among people who were never part of my plan. I went places I never dreamed I would go and did things I never dreamed I would do.

How could I fail so miserably to follow the plan? It’s simple really. I found that I can’t follow Jesus and follow the plan. At least, I can’t follow Jesus and follow my plan. Jesus has plans of His own. Following Him means embracing His plans.

His plans may seem foolish. But following Jesus means embracing the foolishness of God that is wiser than the wisdom of men. They may seem dangerous. But whether He leads me beside still waters or through the valley of the shadow of death, I need not fear.

Jesus has taken me on a journey I could have never imagined. I wouldn’t have it any other way.