When I Chose Him First

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a future and a hope."

Jeremiah 29:11

There is no safer, sweeter place than in the center of God’s will—even when it doesn’t make sense at first.

In 2022, God told me something that would shift the direction of my life: “Choose Me first.” At the time, I had already passed the college entrance exam. Everything was set. My plans were falling into place—until they weren’t. All the documents I submitted for enrollment got wet. I couldn’t enroll. I was devastated. Confused. Hurt. But somehow, I also knew… this was God's doing.

So, I obeyed. I chose Bible school.

It wasn’t easy at first. I had doubts. Regrets even. But God began to fill my life with the things, people, and experiences that I didn’t know I needed. Slowly, I found myself learning what it means to trust and truly let go. I began to believe that if He was asking me to give up something precious, He must have something even better in store.

Then came another test of obedience. After finishing Bible school, I was thrilled to join the mission exposure trip with my classmates—something I had long been excited for. But God said, “Not yet. This time, pursue your college studies.”

I was heartbroken and confused. “Again, Lord?” I asked. But this time, I said, “If this is really from You, make it easy for me.” And guess what? He did.

The university required me to go through another set of entrance exams, interviews, reading comprehension, essay writing, and even a teaching demo. It sounded like a huge mountain—but God made the path smooth. I passed everything, and I could feel His peace leading me every step of the way.

I enrolled in the same university I planned to attend in 2022. This time, it wasn’t in my own strength or timing—it was in His. And that made all the difference.

Now, as I write this devotional, I’m sitting in awe. His plan was so much better. I’m now in my second year, taking the same course I planned to take in 2022—Bachelor of Secondary Education major in English. But this time, it’s with joy, clarity, and full surrender.

I’m also serving in an expanding children’s ministry in Guihulngan City, something that fills my heart with purpose. I work under Equipping the Saints International Ministries, which was once only a prayer in my heart. I am now an alumna of the School of Yada, something I had only dreamed of since I was 13.

One of the most beautiful promises God gave me during this journey is found in Genesis 28:15 (NKJV):“Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go... For I will not leave you until I have done what I have spoken to you.” And I hold on to that verse every day—even when life gets confusing, when things don’t make sense, or when my heart feels overwhelmed. I trust that if God promised to never leave me until He fulfills His word, He truly will finish what He started.

If all of these things hadn’t happened—if I had enrolled when I wanted to, if I had gone on that mission trip—I truly believe I wouldn’t be where I am now. I wouldn’t be this active in ministry, I wouldn’t be preaching, I wouldn't have this kind of relationship with God or leading worship with the heart to glorify God alone. Because back then, I did things to please people. My mindset was all about being seen, being approved, being accepted.

But God changed me. He gently led me out of my old self and showed me what it means to serve with purpose. To do things not for applause, but for His glory. And for that, I am forever grateful.

There will be moments when God tells us “no” or “not yet.” And it might feel painful at first. But in every redirection is a greater purpose. We don’t always see it right away, but He does. And when we choose to follow Him first, He takes us to places we could have never reached on our own.

If you’re in a season of uncertainty right now, take heart. He is not done with your story. And He will not leave you until He has done what He promised.