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My desire to become a teacher began when I was just a child. I would play “school,” teaching my baby dolls, my grandpa, and, on rare occasions, my younger sister—when she would sit still long enough to listen to my ‘lesson.’
I attended a small Christian university where I earned my degree in elementary education. During my undergraduate program, I gained hands-on experience in the classroom, eagerly preparing to launch my teaching career as soon as I graduated.
In California, becoming a certified teacher requires passing a series of comprehensive tests. These exams are designed to assess your ability to teach specific concepts, and they are long and challenging. I graduated in late April and spent the summer preparing for and taking the tests, with plans to begin my student teaching internship in the fall. As a recent college graduate, I thought I had everything figured out, It seemed like the perfect plan—everything was falling into place.
Except it wasn’t God’s plan.
I passed every section of the exams except the last one, falling short of the required score by just seven points. I found out just two weeks before my internship was set to begin, and with that news came a surprising sense of relief.
Why was I relieved? I had dreamed of teaching for as long as I could remember. I was excited to be in the classroom, working with children. So why did I feel peace instead of disappointment?
Looking back, I now understand that God had a different direction for me. But in the moment it was painful and confusing.
With only a part-time job at a diner lined up—one I had planned to work during evenings and weekends to supplement my unpaid student teaching internship—I had no idea what to do next. All I could do was trust that God would work out the details, just as He always does.
I kept my job as a hostess, and to make ends meet, I took on two more part-time positions. I spent the next year juggling these three jobs, all the while trusting God to show me the path forward.
Then, in a surprising turn, God made it clear: it was time to move from Northern California to Northwest Arkansas.
A family friend, whom I hadn’t seen in a decade, lived in Arkansas and owned a custom furniture business. He offered me a position running the showroom and handling sales. After seeking God's confirmation, I made the decision to accept the offer. I put in my two weeks’ notice at all three part-time jobs, packed up my apartment, said my goodbyes, and set off on a three-day road trip with my mom to start a new life in a state I had never even visited.
Upon arrival, we were greeted by my friend and his wife, whom I had never met. I introduced myself, saying, “Hi, I’m Lauren. It’s great to meet you! Thanks for letting me live with you until I find a place of my own.”
My mom stayed for a few days to help me find an apartment before flying back to California. As I dropped her off at the airport, I had an overwhelming thought: What have I done? I had moved to a state I knew nothing about, to work for a friend I hadn’t seen in years, in a place where I had no friends, and with a job that left me working alone in the showroom.
That was the moment the sadness began to set in.
I had left behind a life I loved, full of community and deep connections, only to start over in a foreign place with no one. But God, in His faithfulness, began to make connections for me at a large church in Northwest Arkansas. I started attending a weekly small group, and as people asked about my move, I found myself sharing the only truth I knew: “I don’t know why God moved me to Arkansas to sell tables, but I have peace that this is where He wants me right now.”
I worked for the furniture company for a year, and during that time, I became increasingly involved in the church. I began volunteering in the children’s ministry, and soon, God placed a new longing in my heart. It was then that I became deeply dissatisfied with my work at the furniture store. For the first time, I admitted to myself that sales was not my passion, and it wasn’t a strength of mine. I called my sister in tears, processing the disappointment I felt about wanting to leave a job I had moved across the country to take. I felt like a failure.
But God didn’t see it as a failure.
He used it as a stepping stone! He had far greater plans for me!
Despite applying for multiple jobs in the area and receiving no responses, an opportunity opened up to lead the preschool ministry at my church. I applied, though I had little expectation, given how many doors had previously closed. But this was exactly where God wanted me. Every door opened in His perfect timing, and just a few months later, I was offered the position.
Fast forward a decade, and God has led me into a new season. After nearly nine years in full-time vocational ministry at the church—leading teams of volunteers and launching a new campus—God has moved me again. This time, He has called me to launch my own consulting business, serving churches, ministries, nonprofits, and Christian businesses.
As I reflect on my journey, I can clearly see God’s hand at work every step of the way. As a young girl, He planted in my heart a desire to work with children and a love for ministry. He equipped me with knowledge of child development and curriculum. He gave me insight into business ownership while working at the furniture company. He allowed me to develop sales skills, even though that wasn’t my natural strength. He then led me into full-time ministry where I grew in my ability to lead a team, and grew deeper in my faith and relationship with Him. The new campus launch sharpened my organizational and planning abilities and helped me practice keeping track of lots of moving parts and details.
Looking back, I now see why God called me to “Go.” He moved me to Arkansas, not just for a job selling tables, but to equip me to do His Kingdom work. Each season has been unique, full of both blessings and challenges, but God doesn’t waste anything. He uses every single circumstance and situation as an opportunity to make me more like Him, and to continue leading me to His calling for my life.
And if you listen closely, you’ll hear God doing the same for you. Don’t be afraid to trust Him during seasons of change. When He says, “Go,” step forward in faith—because He has a plan, even when it’s unclear to you right now.
AUTHOR:
Lauren is a wife, daughter, sister, friend, and follower of Jesus. She is passionate about ministry and discipleship and is the CEO and lead consultant for Lauren Ralston's Ozark Ministry Consulting. There, she empowers and equips ministry leaders to establish effective ministries through Focused discipleship and strategic planning.
Contact: lauren@ozarkministryconsulting.com
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