2020… What is going on? I wanted to write this blog because looking back at the past year I have seen many doors shut that have placed me in what feels like a storm. I am also aware that there are many others that are experiencing a lot of the same things.

You always hear what sounds like a cliché: “God’s got a plan for you.” This year I have been able to finally get a broad view of why things have happened the way they have. So, I am going to tell you a little bit about my circumstances and how God has had His hand in it all.

In March I was in my last year of school with my eyes on landing a job in sports. Of course, Corona hits and destroys that vision. Corona also sent me back to Washington in a time where I felt Arizona was more my home. So, what do I do? I simply change “MY” plans to landing a 40 hour a week job and settling into basically the “American Dream” of making money and advancing as quickly as possible with eyes set on worldly wealth. (That last sentence I am hoping to dissect in future blogs)

I would apply to numerous positions only hearing back from a few. There were two jobs specifically I thought for sure I was going to land just to have the door shut on me after several interviews for both. When I was interviewing for those jobs, I thought this makes sense. This is what I am supposed to be doing. Little did I know God was laughing at me as I was trying to make my own plans.

I felt like I was drowning failing to look up and see the light or His hand in it all. (Shout out to the drawing below) He kept me single (another thing I may write about later), ended my amazing college experience early before I had even turned 21, He had me living at home with my parents, I was unemployed for months, and He shut doors on several jobs I thought for sure I was going to get. I felt as if I was in a storm. It wasn’t just my outside world that was falling apart but also my faith and motivation on the inside. I asked God several times what are you doing? I was confused and frustrated. I was struggling to see past the fog to see the beautiful plans God has.

Guys I am hyped God has his own plans for us! God laid out my path perfectly for something greater.. The World Race. Every one of the things I listed above that I saw as a struggle and something that was discouraging me, were the exact reasons that I can do the World Race. I don’t have a romantic relationship keeping me here. I graduated a year and some change early from college to provide me what feels like a perfect opportunity to take the time to experience incredible things around the world. I was not hoping to just move back home after college, but this allowed me to pay off my loans in just a few months using the unemployment checks that I got. Then lastly the jobs I thought I was more than qualified for would have forced me to quickly settle into a career with no possibility or thought of leaving the country for a year. God is working guys! It may not look or feel like it but fix your eyes on Jesus.

My drawing comes from a few different things both relating to how I have felt the last 6-7 months. This type of image popped into my head while listening to the song "Drown" by Lecrae. If you haven't listened to it go check it out! Basically the song is centered around the idea of well drowning.. how life is piling up and you are reaching out to God to save you.

The next reason for this drawing is from the story of Peter walking on water. As Peter is walking towards Jesus on the water a storm comes and Peter starts to sink, but Jesus grabs him. Even when storms come in life keep your eyes on Jesus and don't lose faith. If you take your eyes off of Jesus you will start to sink, but Jesus will be there to grab you and pull you back up.

Make sure to subscribe to my blog to stay updated!!

Much love,

JD.