This past Wednesday was my 30th birthday.
Whenever I reach these five- and ten-year milestones, I often wonder: what if I had a time machine?
What if I had returned five years ago, and invested in Bitcoin and scored an astronomical capital gain? What lifestyle would I have now?
What if I had returned ten years ago, and performed better in school with the knowledge and confidence as I have now? Would I be working for a leading consultancy?
What if I had returned 15 years ago, and approached my friends and family with a more grown emotional maturity as I have now? With whom and how would I be communicating?
What if I had … the list of thoughts goes on …
My mind is often distracted by thoughts of “could have, would have, and should have”. I wrestle to remind myself that I live for the glory of God (Isaiah 43:7).
If I am to live for the glory of God, I should be less concerned about the hills and valleys, the successes and failures, and the achievements and unplanned turns (Genesis 50:20).
Rather, if I am to live for the glory of God, I should have faith that He has a plan and purpose for me (Psalm 57:2). Those hills and valleys, successes and failures, and achievements and unplanned turns, are all part of His plan. It is not to say that I should have no ambition, but truly, “the heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps” (Psalm 16:9).
From this lens, I have no need for a time machine. I should rest in knowing that He had and will always have a plan for me (Jeremiah 29:11).
