Networking with GOD
“Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.” —Isaiah 46:4
In college, there were two facets that my peers deemed essential: kickbacks and networking. The race to join as many social clubs and organizations as possible, while maintaining close relationships with the “higher ups” was heavily encouraged. Whether it was a sorority/fraternity, Ladies-who-Tailgate social club, or an extracurricular activity, we all knew the importance of getting involved on campus.
However, when my fresh sandals touched the Bulldog soil, I was unaware of the expectations looming above me. Don’t get me wrong, I knew that my mom expected me to graduate within four years, with a stellar gpa, and an immense amount of accomplishments, but I had been taught to achieve to a much higher degree, to be comfortable with being alone, and to lean into my spiritual gifts in ways that only GOD would teach me.
Well, soon after, I became a peer counselor in the Holmes Cultural Diversity Center, where I realized that I was a leader. While majority of my colleagues were receiving pay, I worked for the experience, as I didn’t receive financial aid. In this group, I learned that I was different from others. Then, I joined the Campus Activities Board, putting on events, and ultimately became president. Finally, I joined a sorority, in which my experiences both highlighted and clarified my ideals of what it means to network. While people knew me and I knew them, my position within these organizations strengthened my leadership skills but did not directly lead to my decisions or positions thereafter.
When I began my Master’s program and became a graduate/teaching assistant, it was my writing skills and not my extracurricular activities that were evaluated. I appealed to my former professors to write my reference letters, and it was GOD, who led the program coordinator to me.
Ever since, I have found it difficult to join cliques, or organizations that promote networking. and it wasn’t until recently that I fully understood why: GOD has been the ultimate network!
In Isaiah 46:4, we learn that GOD is a Keeper, a Way-maker, a Pathfinder, a Sustainer, and a First Responder! Therefore, HE is everything I need to walk in my purpose. Because I know that HE has made me and as a result knows my purpose, I can trust that He knows how I will reach that purpose. There is no need for me to seek out others for direction simply because, they are not my creator. Yes, GOD can place people in your path as a vessel for information, growth, and guidance, but I dare not underestimate his power in my life.
But yet, there are times when I need to be reminded just who HE is, and I’m sure you do, too. Understand that Isaiah 46:4 says that HE will be with you “even to your old age and gray hairs.” Wow! What confirmation HE has provided for you and me! We can rest knowing that if we give it to HIM, he will guide, carry, and even re-direct us when we need it most. What a NETWORK we have in JESUS!
