About 6 years ago, I was personal training at a gym in Macungie and Trexlertown. A combination of back pain and a vertebral column led me to a special couple who pointed me to Jesus Christ. While studying the Bible with them, I quickly realized where I stood with God and acknowledged that personal training was not all that God had for me. Even though, at the time, I was lost and an enemy, God, in His infinite mercy and goodness, He still heard my prayers, asking for Him to show me where He wanted me to work.
At some point, I also started teaching 1 exercise class per week at another gym in Quakertown. A fellow trainer mentioned a nursing home who was looking for a fitness coordinator. I acknowledged the job but didn’t go much further until one day on a bike ride a fellow cyclist led me up a hill, onto a beautiful campus. As soon as I saw the sign, the connection was made: it was the campus that was looking for a fitness coordinator! That night, I applied for the position.
The following day, I had a phone interview scheduled for a full time corporate wellness position in Bethlehem. While driving to Quakertown to teach the exercise class, I felt conflicted: “if I get the job in Bethlehem, I’ll have to stop training all of my great clients and quit teaching this new exercise class…” It was a fragile time in my life and the relationships formed were also cherished. I asked God to show me where to go. And even though I was not [yet] His child, I still marvel at how He directed my path!
In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.Proverbs 3:6
Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.Jeremiah 33:3
Later that same day, I received 3 phone calls in a matter of 30 minutes. The first phone call was from the corporate wellness interviewer, calling to inform me that they already hired someone but would keep my information on record. The 2 phone calls were in regards to the fitness coordinator position; 1 scheduling an interview in the future and 1 asking if I could meet sooner for the interview. The interview went very well and they gave me a tour of the facility… Later that week I was offered and accepted the part time position shortly thereafter which has since turned into a full time position (just as my clients’ packages were expiring at the other gyms!).
By the grace of God, He saved me a few months later after beginning this position and has been using me there in many ways ever since! There is no doubt in my mind that this job is my current mission field and I’m grateful for God’s sovereign hand in it every step of the way.
This article has been written with the intent of highlighting God’s love and delight in directing paths for His honor and glory. When is the last time that you’ve asked Him for His help in your personal life? When He answers, do you accept it with faith that it is best?
These past 2 years have been very difficult. There have been quite a few dark times when I’ve doubted where God placed me, I’d begin discontentedly seeking other jobs. Every time, my heavenly Father used my spiritual mother to fix my eyes back onto Christ and what He’s called me to do for such a time as this. When I’d share each new job opportunity with her, she’d humbly respond: “I’d be very cautious to move away from where God has placed you, make sure it is His will before leaving.” Time and time again, the Holy Spirit would lightly rebuke me and remind me from where He’s brought me. Each feeling of defeat or frustration, I ask Him “Lord, why am I still here?” Praise God for His patience, shortly thereafter, He always blesses me with a marvelous opportunity to share Jesus Christ or He gives me a sweet way to serve a senior in need. As I walk away with a grateful heart, His still, small voice whispers “That’s why…”
Crystal grew up in the world but God used her back injury to draw her to Himself through the miracle of salvation. She was born again in 2016 and since then has possessed the yearning desire to learn more about His miraculous truths in His perfect Word. Oftentimes, she journals from her hammock near a stream and hopes to serve the Lord in a sailboat one day! In order to choose the title of her column, Crystal combined her heart’s desire with Proverbs 31:14, “She [the virtuous woman] is like the merchant’s ships; she bringeth her food from afar.”