Does God have a specific plan for my life? How do I know I’m following His will and not my own? What’s my part in fulfilling His plan?
Like many of us, Tommy and Kleist Rhodes of North Carolina faced those same questions. Prior to attending Charis Bible College, the Rhodes witnessed an entire generation of believers drown themselves in their negligence of the Word of God as the foundation.
But one day, while listening to Andrew on the Gospel Truth program, Kleist heard him say, “If the church was doing its job, I wouldn’t have to have a Bible school.” Something sparked within her, and a seed of destiny planted itself in her heart. Continuing to listen, Kleist gleaned additional truths about grace, righteousness, and discovering God’s plan for her life.
At fifty-three years old, Kleist told her husband,
“Tommy, I’ve finally found someone who is telling the truth. I’m going to Colorado.”
Five years later, after God had planted and watered the seeds of His Word in the Rhodes’ hearts, Tommy and Kleist began the application process to attend Charis Colorado’s two-year program. They graduated in 2010 and enrolled in the third-year training program with a desire to be extension school directors and disciple others in the foundations of the Word.
“Okay,” Tommy responded, “but would you cook dinner first?”
When they returned to North Carolina, they witnessed the fulfillment of what was prophesied over them—
”People will rise up and come alongside you…everything is ready for the school. You’ll be surprised how things just materialize.” Unexpectedly, a master carpenter called and offered his services. “I’m going to be one of your students,” he said. “If you need anything built or fixed or moved, I’ll do it. I’ve also been collecting stuff out of dumpsters and from old projects. I have desks, chairs, filing cabinets, bulletin boards, and even a nice countertop. Could you use them?”
“Everything we needed literally walked in the door,” Kleist recalled.
As excitement for the new school grew, other students found projection screens, mail cubbies, decorations, a refrigerator, and tables for what would become their breakroom.
“It was amazing to watch God work out the details. When I approached our resident master carpenter to discuss building modifications, he said, ‘I know exactly what to do; the Lord has already shown me.’ The accuracy of his sketch compared to my vision was surreal.”
The growing classes of Charis Bible College, Raleigh-Durham.
All it took for the Rhodes to begin walking out God’s plan for their lives was an initial step of faith. God planted and watered the seeds of destiny in their hearts, but Tommy and Kleist had to be willing to follow Him for the seeds to grow.
If you’ve lost your sense of destiny, I encourage you to read Andrew’s book How to Find, Follow, and Fulfill God’s Will. It will really bless your life and get you going in the right direction!
