Three years ago today I preached my first sermon as the newly appointed pastor of Kincaid Church of God. On this same day, 9 years ago, I graduated from the Assemblies of God Theological seminary earning a doctorate in Intercultural Studies making me likely the only person in the world with three degrees in that discipline.

I once assumed these 2 events in my life were not interrelated at all. I would frequently question why God would lead me to seek out educational opportunities that are primarily designed for missionary service, only to then direct me to come back to pastor in my country of origin. But in these 3 years in Illinois, I have come to grasp how much and how often I utilize the skills I acquired through my education. I recognize now, how greatly I needed them in my struggle to reacclimate to my home culture that has altered so much from when I departed in 1996.

This newfound awareness fills me with peace comprehending God knew this all along. He knew every step I have taken in my journey with Him. In His omniscience, He was aware of each decision I would make, every nation I would enter, and everything I would require to follow His will for my life. In His sovereignty, not only did He foresee every move I would make, but He in fact directed each and every one of them. In His grace, He likewise prepared me for each step repeatedly without my knowledge. This astonishing reality elevates my faith knowing I have absolutely no justification to possess any anxiety in regards to my future.

The Bible is clear that regardless of how much I arrogantly assume I captain the ship of my life, God alone controls the rudder. Jeremiah reminds me, “Lord, I know that people’s lives are not their own; it is not for them to direct their steps” (10:23). The wise King Solomon admonishes me to never forget, “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps”(16:9). Thus, the places where my ship has harbored and the seas I have sailed has nothing to do with my plans or preparation. While I my appear to have my hands on the helm, it is not I who chooses the port of call.

Over the last 3 years, I had often asked God “Why?” Why did He want me to pursue education for cross-cultural ministry only to direct me to pastor in America? Why did He lead me around the globe for 26 years, working with over 40 people groups and every major world religion, then suddenly bring me to a place where all of that seems world’s away? I don’t really have those queries anymore. As Proverbs 20:24 points out, “A person’s steps are directed by the Lord. How then can anyone understand their own way?” Why? I imagine if God had ever answered that question I would not have understand anyway. Perhaps that is the point. God never promised that I would understand His specific will for my life, but simply asked me to trust and follow Him… and now I see, trusting Him is the point. For He alone orders my steps, and He prepares me for each one, and all I have to do is follow His lead.