My Personal Journey: Trusting God’s Plan

You might not know this, but my middle name is Joseph, and like the Joseph in the Bible, I’ve always had big dreams and ambitions. However, God has sometimes steered me in directions I never expected.

Recently, I’ve been doing the Proverbs Challenge, where each day of the month, I read a chapter of the Book of Proverbs that corresponds with the day. On August 16th, I read Proverbs 16, and a verse stood out to me: "In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps" (Proverbs 16:9). This verse hit home because it reminded me of a time when I thought I had everything figured out, only for God to lead me down a completely different path.

I was studying actuarial science at university—a field known for its difficulty. I chose it because I love a challenge.

I was doing well until my second year when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Unfortunately, I didn’t pass many subjects due to the disruptions caused by the pandemic. Determined to succeed, I retook those difficult courses and passed all but one—a statistics course. Because of that, I was kicked out of the program. I was determined and knew I could pass the course, so I asked if I could take it again. However, they told me no because you can’t redo a course you’ve failed twice.

I found myself lost, not knowing where to go next. I hadn’t chosen actuarial science because I wanted to be an actuary; I chose it because it was challenging. But when that path closed, I suddenly had time—a lot of it. That demanding degree had consumed so much of my life, but now I had the space to pursue something I’d always wanted to do: content creation.

It’s funny how God works. I never wanted to go to university; I did it to make my parents proud. I also never wanted a traditional office job; I always told my parents I wanted to go to different places. And now, in my role as a content creator, I’m doing just that—traveling, creating, and sharing my knowledge with others to help them on their journey. God led me to something better, and I’m so much happier than I could have ever imagined. Words can’t describe how grateful I am for how He worked in my life. What I thought was a setback was actually God directing my steps toward my true calling. I ended up graduating in Finance and Economics a few months ago

I wanted to share this story with you to remind you that while we plan our own steps, God directs our path. When you grow closer to God and delight yourself in Him, He will give you the desires of your heart—often in ways you never expected.

The Story of Joseph: A Dreamer with a Purpose

My story ties in closely with the life of Joseph from the Bible, a man who also had big dreams but faced many unexpected turns along the way.

Joseph’s life is a powerful example of how God’s plans unfold, even when the path seems uncertain. As a young man, Joseph received dreams from God that hinted at his future greatness. These dreams sparked hope and ambition in him, but the journey to their fulfillment was far from straightforward.

You can find Joseph’s story in Genesis 37-50. From being sold into slavery by his own brothers to rising to become the second most powerful man in Egypt, Joseph’s life was a rollercoaster of highs and lows. Yet through it all, he remained faithful to God and trusted in the dreams that were planted in his heart.

1. Dream Big, But Be Ready for the Process

Joseph’s story teaches us that dreams often come with a process. God may give us a vision of the future, but there are often trials, challenges, and periods of waiting before those dreams come to fruition. Joseph faced betrayal, false accusations, and years of imprisonment before he saw his dreams fulfilled.

Practical Lesson: When you set goals and dream big, understand that the journey may not be easy. Trust that God is working behind the scenes, even when you can’t see it. Philippians 1:6 encourages us with these words: "Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."

2. Stay Faithful in the Small Things

Before Joseph was placed in a position of great authority, he was faithful in the small, humble tasks he was given. Whether as a servant in Potiphar’s house or a prisoner in jail, Joseph worked diligently and with integrity, earning the trust of those around him.

Practical Lesson: Whatever stage you’re at in pursuing your goals, stay faithful in the small things. Luke 16:10 reminds us, "Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much." By being diligent in the present, you prepare yourself for the bigger opportunities God has in store.

3. God’s Timing Is Perfect

One of the most challenging aspects of pursuing our dreams is waiting on God’s timing. Joseph spent years in prison, seemingly forgotten, before his breakthrough came. But when the time was right, God elevated him to a position where he could save many lives, including his own family.

Practical Lesson: Trust in God’s perfect timing. If you’re in a season of waiting, know that God is using this time to prepare you for what’s ahead. Isaiah 40:31 promises us, "But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."

4. Forgiveness and Purpose

When Joseph finally faced his brothers—the very ones who had sold him into slavery—he chose forgiveness over revenge. He recognized that God had used even the darkest moments of his life for a greater purpose. "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives" (Genesis 50:20).

Practical Lesson: As you pursue your dreams, there may be times when you face hurt or betrayal. Remember Joseph’s example of forgiveness and see how God can turn even the most painful experiences into something good. Embrace the purpose that God has for your life, knowing that He is weaving all things together for His glory.

Conclusion: Dream with God

Joseph’s life reminds us that our dreams are not just about us—they’re part of God’s greater plan. When we align our goals with His purpose and trust in His timing, amazing things can happen.

This week, I encourage you to take some time to reflect on the dreams and goals God has placed in your heart. Pray over them, asking God for guidance, patience, and the strength to stay faithful on the journey. And remember, just like Joseph, your story is still being written, and God’s plans for you are beyond anything you can imagine.

If you ever feel lost or uncertain, remember that God is directing your steps, even when you can’t see the full picture. I hope my story encourages you to trust God, even when things don’t go as planned. When we delight ourselves in the Lord, He truly gives us the desires of our hearts—often in ways we never expected.

Thank you for being part of this community. I’m praying for you as you continue to dream big and walk in faith.

Love you all and God bless 🙏

Timothy