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Not Our Will, But Yours

A few weeks ago, Parker and I were given an embracing reality check. Parker had a selection to determine the type of plane he will fly in advanced training and then fly throughout his career in the Navy. I didn't really talk about it much because honestly we didn't expect it to be a big deal. He wanted strike (F18s), and we all thought he would get it. He came home from his selection board with a blank look in his face and told me he selected E2/C2. Any planning we had done for the future was instantly wiped clean. Our future in the Navy was suddenly very different from how we imagined it.

Parker and I didn't talk much about this selection beforehand. Like I said, we felt like we knew how it was going to go. I didn't talk much about it with family or friends, and neither did he. A few weeks before he was supposed to select, I did begin to pray. I realized that each route would lead to a completely different experience in the Navy from here on out. It was way too big of a decision for us to think we could make on our own. There are so many unknowns about military life, and we knew that going in. However, with each step we wanted to feel 100% confidant that God had us right where He wanted us. Thus far, it's been easy. God's plan for us was also our plan. Parker wanted to commission and go into aviation, and God granted him that. Parker wanted to select jets in Kingsville, and God granted him that. It's been really easy to put our faith in God because God has given us exactly what we wanted. It isn't until God gives you the unexpected that your faith is really put to the test.

When I prayed those weeks leading up to the selection, I prayed the same phrase over and over again.

Lord, not our will, but yours.

I didn't feel qualified to ask God to allow Parker to select strike when I in no way know what is best for him or our family. I felt really at peace when the selection rolled around, and I know that peace came from God. Again though, I really thought I knew what was going to happen. Parker and I both did. We wanted God's guidance and perfect plan for our lives, but in our minds, we already knew what that plan was.

This happened a couple of weeks ago, and we are still adjusting to the idea. As silly as it may sound, the results of this selection changed our lives. We are going to be moving to places we did not plan on, and Parker will be flying a plane that was not his first choice. And you know what? We couldn't be more confident in what God has chosen for us. Looking back on it, it's so clear that this was His plan for us all along. There are so many little things leading up to the selection that played a hand in the results, some in Parker's control and others outside his control. When we examine those pieces, we know beyond a shadow of a doubt that this is where God wants us. I prayed for God's will to be done in our lives and in this selection, and I know that it has been. 

Parker will be flying one of these planes in the fleet (C-2 on the left, E-2 on the right)

We may not have a magic ball. We may not know what the next few years are going to look like for us, but we know this: God has us right where He wants us. There is nothing in this world I would rather more than to know beyond a shadow of a doubt that God is guiding our journey.

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a future and a hope."- Jeremiah 29:11

This has been my favorite verse since I was a little girl. My twin sister read it at our wedding. Today, Parker and I are clinging to this verse and bursting with contentment over the plans God has laid out for us. Not our will, but His.




24 comments :

Katlin Smith said...

Thank you for posting this. I needed this today and the words "Lord,not our will, but yours" are what I needed to hear.

Jamie Hart said...

What a beautiful post!! I love how you can roll with the punches and be at peace with it. I can't wait to share your new journies with you and learn from how you accept new things!

Melissa said...

Chelsea, you have such a great perspective on this. It's refreshing. It's so easy to just think that everything will go our way, when we know that ultimately, it's His plan. I need to remember this more often.

Pleas(e) and Carrots said...

Your point of view on this difficult situation is amazing and inspiring!

Karla said...

So unbelievably inspiring. Really. I love posts like these. That verse is one of my favorites as well, and was also read at our wedding by my Aunt! It's a good one! =)

Ashley said...

Your point of view is so positive. It's truly inspiring.

Anonymous said...

Chelsea, this post brought tears to my eyes!!! I can't imagine how disappointing the situation must have been, but it's amazing that you are so optimistic in God's plan in your lives.

I can relate to this as I am looking towards the future after college. I recently applied for my dream job but it means life after college would look vastly different than what I had been expecting. I've been praying that God will give me the job (as if I can convince Him to do something!) Instead, I'm going to pray that His will be done.

Alex said...

Chelsea, this was seriously exactly what I needed to read this morning. It stinks when plans don't work out, but your faith in God and His will is amazing.

- Alex @ Radiating Sunshine
alexmhons.blogspot.com

Charity said...

Wow! Praise God for wisdom and peace when things don't go as we plan. I love the scripture that talks about man making a plan but God ordering the steps. Sometimes our plan when in alignment with God's plan will happen but just not in the way we would expect. Your faith is beautiful and God will honor you and Parker for trusting him.

Corinne said...

Nothing is definite, I guess. We are all constantly changing!

Corinne x
www.skinnedcartree.com

Brianna said...

Definitely inspiring! Praying for you and Parker as you both adjust to the changes in your lives. Y'all definitely have such a great perspective and will thrive no matter where you both end up!

Samantha @ A Modern Navy Wife said...

My husband and I completely understand what yall are going through. We were in the same situation at the end of his initial Helo training and wondering what was next.

Yall will love E2/C2. Now, your options of places to live one day has grown to so much more then just a handful. Get ready for some really great duty stations and future port calls!

Samantha
Amodernnavywife.com

Susannah said...

Wow, girl! I'm so impressed by your attitude in this situation. It's so absolutely true that God is in control. I'm sure the Lord will guide the two of you and you'll ultimately see that His plans were so amazingly better than yours. :-)

Jen said...

Your outlook on this whole situation is amazing!

Janelle Cook said...

I'm sorry Parker didn't get his first choice, but your post is beautifully written! You definitely have the right mental attitude, and I bet that has helped him tremendously. Whichever plane he gets, it will be the right one for you guys - it will all work out! :)

Janelle

Hilary said...

You have such an amazing view on this! Sometime life throws you a curve-ball and you have to trust that it is all part of the plan (I know that's how I felt when we found out about having William).

I hope everything works out for the better!

Jen Mc said...

This is a beautiful post! You wrote from the heart.

God will guide you down your path.

Kenzie Smith said...

I love how you are able to find the positive in all situations, it is truly wonderful and a great change of pace. This is a great post! I am glad that you and Parker are so open to changes in plans.

Melzie at Ribbons and Rotor Blades said...

My friends are currently waiting for selection and are hiking for strike. I love your outlook thought. With an attitude like that, you'll both love every second of whatever community you end up in. And maybe one day we'll be stationed near each other! Don't lose sight of that faith and outlook. It's truly admirable and more milspouses should possess it.

Amy said...

what an incredibly solid outlook.
seriously!
I know that plans change and choices happen and we can be blind sighted - but y'all are taking this exactly as we all should - God's plan, and trusting in it (even when it is hard).
i'm so excited for this new journey y'all are embarking on!

Tammy Jo said...

Can I please have a dose or 4 of your strength and faith?!?!!?

Joann @EuchreFun said...

Thanks for a GREAT reminder … trusting God's plan at the moment!! Visiting from Fantastic Friday Link Up :-) Joann @EuchreFun

Eloquent Obi said...

Thank you for linking up with us! Thank you for your husbands service to our country. My mother was in the Navy as well, just recently retired. Continued Blessings!

Chantel said...

Wow, I know nothing about Navy life at all but I do know about God's plans being different than mine! I find it is always easier looking back and see where he was slowly changing directions and working in our hearts. All the best to you and all the changes!

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