unlikely

I am the unlikely photographer.

You see, a year a ago I just owned a camera. I was also a healthcare consultant. But then a small voice said, “March 31st.” I knew exactly what that meant: it was time to leave my career and pursue purpose. What purpose? I had no clue! All I knew was that I was going to be painstakingly obedient to that small voice. 

You see, I love photography. I’ve loved it since I was a little girl. I can still sit for hours with old photo books just imagining the way life used to be. No, I don’t consider myself stuck in the past, but I do appreciate the past – it’s what shapes us into who we are in the present and who we’ll be in the future. For instance, I still use the skills I learned as a consultant as a photographer, so I can’t forsake that part of me because it makes me who I am.

So, “how did I become a photographer,” you ask? Well, it’s simple. First, I did this: 

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. (Matthew 6:33 NIV)

I sought God first. I didn’t worry about what I would do, I just went to God for everything. From there, He began to only open doors that had to do with photography. Everything else I tried to do was sealed shut. I mean SHUT. Finally, I said, “I get it, God. I’m supposed to use this gift somehow.”

My first major photography “job” was to photograph a retreat for the Young Adult Ministry at my church. I must admit, I was absolutely terrified! I felt completely unequipped for such a task, but they believed in me. God believed in me. I didn’t believe in me, so I prayed.

Then I prayed some more…

I’ll never forget what God did for me during that weekend. He gave me His purpose for my life. He gave me confidence in this gift that He has placed inside of me; therefore, I dedicate it right back to Him for His glory. It’s not by might, nor by power, but by His Spirit (Zechariah 4:6) that I call myself a photographer. 

But guess what? You’re an unlikely “something” too! Seek God and allow Him to fill in the blank. God’s got your back! Just check out what He says about our “plans.”

 ³ Commit your actions to the LORD, 
      and your plans will succeed. (Proverbs 16:3 NLT)