Starstruck

<p>In high school, I had a plan for my life, and I didn’t want anything to get in the way. I loved Jesus, but I didn’t want to surrender my goals to Him.</p><p>.</p><p>My junior year, I had the chance to go on a trip with my church to Honduras. We had a week of medical clinics, building homes, and soccer games. But my favorite part was the relationships we built with our Honduran coworkers and neighbors. The last night of the trip, we sprawled on the driveway of the guest house with our new friends and stared up at the stars. I’ve never seen anything so magnificent as that sky. </p><p>.</p><p>As we laughed and shared stories together, God revealed Himself to me in a whole new way through the night sky. I realized God was greater than I had ever imagined. Even the stars sang His praises, “for at his command they were created” (Psalm 148:5). And these stars were the same ones I’d be able to see again when I stood on my porch in Pennsylvania. It was too much to comprehend. We talk about being starstruck by celebrities, but I was starstruck by God. Stunned by the glory of His creation. </p><p>.</p><p>Why had I held so tightly to my own plans? Wouldn’t my Creator know what’s best for me? What would it look like to surrender my goals to Him? </p><p>.</p><p>Since that trip, my life hasn’t looked the way I expected. Every time I think I have a grasp on what’s coming, God shows me something different. Surrendering the future to God involves a lot of sacrifice, waiting, and trust. But it’s worth it. When we loosen our grip on our own goals and trust our Creator with all we have, we will find many gifts along the way. • Becca Wierwille</p><p>.</p><p>• What aspects of God’s creation make you feel closer to Him?</p><p>.</p><p>• While it’s good to have goals and plans, God calls us to follow Jesus first and foremost, and to entrust our dreams to His tender care. What are some goals you have a tight grasp on as you look toward your future? What might it look like to surrender those goals to your Creator?</p><p>.</p><p>• Paul or