Letting Go of My Plans: Trusting God in Transitions

Hey there!

For one of my first posts in the Still Waters section, I want to give you a glimpse into my journey over the past few years - especially the way the Holy Spirit began to reshape plans I once held so tightly.

For 17 years, I was a Christian school educator. It felt like my forever calling - one I imagined retiring from as a grandma, surrounded by books, kids, and laughter. My four children attended the school where I taught, and I was surrounded by coworkers, students, and families I loved. It was joyful, fulfilling, and safe.

But a few years ago, I started to feel a stirring. I began praying for clarity about my true purpose. I asked the Lord that His will - what He has written in my book of life - would be done on earth as it is in heaven.

At first, I assumed it meant a shift in grade levels. But over time, His calling became clear: I was being asked to step away completely. Not because something was wrong, but because something new was ahead. God was calling me to turn more fully toward my home and my family - to give my heart, time, and energy to the people right in front of me.

I wrestled with it for several weeks. I was only teaching two days a week - surely that was a perfect balance! I didn’t understand. I was afraid of the financial impact. Though we’d always lived on my husband’s income, my salary helped fund family travel - our goal was to visit all 50 states. Could I let go of that? Would I be letting my children down?

But God, in His mercy, kept gently leading me back to His Word. He spoke to me again and again through the books of Isaiah and Jeremiah:

“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’” Isaiah 30:21

“My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord.” Isaiah 55:8

“I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go.” Isaiah 48:17

There were many Scriptures that shaped this decision. Some corrected me - He gently revealed the idols I hadn’t seen: the approval of others, the grip of my own plans, and a subtle dependence on money - not out of fear for daily provision, but because of the missed opportunities for travel, family vacations, and the freedom to pursue adventure. Some comforted me. Some simply reminded me that my identity is not in what I do - it’s in who I am in Christ.

And slowly, I surrendered. Through many tearful conversations, I shared with my school family that I wouldn’t be returning. It was hard. Letting go always is. I didn’t know what was next, but I knew God’s voice was calling me forward.

He reminded me that I could trust Him with my dreams. Even the dream to travel and explore His creation with my family.

“I am the Lord, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?” Jeremiah 32:27

And when I struggled with giving up the money that funded travel?

“You cannot serve both God and Money.” Matthew 6:24

“Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy?" Isaiah 55:2

Those words struck deep. I had unknowingly placed too much trust in financial comfort and my own timeline. But as I laid those things down, His peace rushed in to meet me.

“You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace.” Isaiah 55:12

God was not just calling me out - He was calling me into something new. 

I don’t know what season you’re in today. Maybe God is asking you to lay something down too - to release what feels secure so He can lead you into something deeper. If so, I pray my story reminds you that obedience isn’t about what we’re giving up - it’s about who we’re trusting.

Take a moment to reflect or share in the comments: Do you feel God inviting you to surrender something today?

Your story may be different, but the invitation is the same: to trust Him more than the comfort, control, or timelines we are tempted to cling to.

My step of obedience opened a door I never saw coming…and I can’t wait to tell you what happened next.

-Crystal