While in college, I applied for an internship that seemed to be everything I wanted: a fast track to a good job and a way to make decent money—for a student. The application process lasted for several months, and every step of the way proceeded smoothly, except for one “minor” detail: my heart was filled with doubt every time I prayed. 

I tried to explain away my hesitation as anything else but the obvious—God was leading me in another direction. I could even convince myself that the Lord supported this great opportunity until I bowed my head in prayer when my misgivings about the position took away all my peace. 

My internal battle lasted until I was offered the job, and I could no longer put off making a final decision. Although I wanted to take the internship, by then, I had come to recognize God’s clear indication that the position wasn’t his will, and I was faced with a choice. In tears, I decided to follow the Lord’s guidance. 

It felt like a painful sacrifice at the time, but now, as I look back with the advantage of twenty-twenty vision, I can see I didn’t give up anything of value but only benefited instead. 

For one, I wouldn’t have been able to live in Poland and would have probably never become a global worker, not to mention the negative impact on my daily walk with the Lord. Frankly, I shudder when I think of the possible consequences of taking that internship. I’m glad I never found out. 

In Romans 12:1, the apostle Paul encourages us to offer ourselves as a living sacrifice to God. Yes, being on the altar can hurt, and we may only feel pain in the heat of the moment. That’s why it’s important to remember that following in God’s footsteps is always the best decision because he knows what’s best for us. Ultimately, God makes up a hundred-fold for whatever loss we may give up. 

In the end, we only benefit from obedience, as I learned by turning down the internship that wasn’t in God’s plans.