“The ones who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones that do.”
This morning during my drive to school, I was thinking about one of my two main life goals. I want to change the world (the other goal is to write a book- a little more attainable I suppose).
Both are fairly difficult goals especially changing the world. They’re pretty far-fetched, and I’m comfortable with the fact that neither may happen. But I’m not giving up on them even though it’ll be a hard road to both.
So, I was thinking about changing the world. I’m not sure how I want to reach that point. Hence the whole “I don’t know what I want to do with my life” dilemma. But I do know that it’s one of my long term goals. I want to die knowing that I made a difference. I want to feel significant and used in some way. I don’t think this is an uncommon want. Most people don’t want to live their life feeling like what they are doing doesn’t matter. Like it’s pointless. We want it all to mean something. My goal, then, isn’t much different from yours. I just want to see actual significant change happen in response to my efforts, and maybe you do too.
As I was thinking all of this, God popped in. You know, He did that thing where he just jumps into the conversation even though you weren’t really asking Him to. And He says “Hey, it’s not your job to save the world. It’s mine.”
Ouch. Okay, God. But I said “change” not “save.” They’re different. “Survey says… eeeehhhh.”
Maybe they are different, though. They do have different meanings after all, but God knows my heart. He knows my desires, and maybe my desire is to save, not change the world. And He was just reminding me that He already did that 2 thousand years ago. He did it by sending His son, the perfect lamb, to die on a cross while bearing my sin. Sin that includes my desire to take on His role of savior.
Here’s the deal. I can try to change the world, and I intend on doing so. There’s nothing wrong with that, but I can only be successful with God’s help. It’s not a fun realization for my very human “I want to be in control-ness”, but it’s a true one. I will not be successful unless it is God’s plan, and I trust in Him as I walk through every moment of life.
I’m holding onto Matthew 19:26…
But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
And Ephesians 2:10…
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
God has a purpose for me. I will be used. Maybe I won’t change the world. Maybe I won’t write a book. But He will use me. He is currently using me. And the same is true for you.
Through all of my goals and the paths to those goals, I should seek to bring glory to Him. If I win at something, it is because of Him. If I lose at something, it is also because of Him. Through all things He is glorified, and that is something I hope I hold onto through all of life’s battles.
All of this doesn’t let us off the hook, though. I still have a gigantic heart for correcting injustices and fighting for justice and equality. It’s something I will forever advocate for and forever work towards hoping to see change… if only in one person’s life. God put this compassion and empathy inside of me, and I’m not going to ignore it just because I can’t do it on my own. Christians are called to help those in need whether you feel as strongly about it as I do or not. So, I’m going to keep on pushing towards my goal, and I hope you do too… whatever your goal may be. Only now, I will keep in mind that I need God to accomplish it, and that no matter what happens… He will be glorified.
Now, what should I write my book about?
Mikayla Ann 