I never would have thought that a trip to the Gerald Ford Museum would be an inspirational reminder of God’s plan for our lives (and maybe even, dare I say, life-changing?), but here we are. A couple weeks ago, I visited Grand Rapids, Michigan, and one afternoon when I had some spare time I visited the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum. It’s located along the Grand River surrounded by walking paths, bike trails, and lush greenery.
I definitely wouldn’t say that I was a fan of the man or his politics, but as a traveler, a curious person, and a lifelong learner, I decided to visit. And I must admit I gained a new perspective on Ford and his presidency.
Gerald R. Ford was serving as the leader of the Republican Party in the House of Representatives when then-President Nixon appointed him as his new vice president. And then when Nixon resigned (ahem, Watergate), Ford, a congressman from Grand Rapids, Michigan, became president. Without ever even running for the office, Gerald Ford became the leader of the free world because his boss, in essence, picked him to be second-in-line. Ford has gone down in history as being the only person to become U.S. president without winning an election for president or for vice president.
The story goes, after running for Speaker of the House, Ford had even promised his wife that he would retire from politics. And yet, God had bigger plans. After receiving the appointment to vice president, Ford told his wife that it would be a “nice conclusion” to his political career. And yet, God had bigger plans still. How many times have we, too, underestimated God’s plan for our lives? Ford never aspired to be president, but he accepted the charge when it was given and healed the country in a divided time.
As I left the library that day, and in the days since my visit to the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum, his rise to presidency has haunted me. Gerald Ford had neither outward ambition nor desire to become president. But God had a plan and a purpose for Ford’s presidency—even for the short 895 days that it was. We are often told to dream big, but how often do our big dreams scare us? How many times have we said aloud to someone a smaller dream than the one God has in store for us?
I wonder, in his private moments of hoping to win Speaker of the House, had former President Ford ever thought—but not shared with anyone—it sure would be nice to be president, but I bet it will never happen…? God has a plan for your life. And while it may not be as big as becoming a United States president in an unprecedented way, it’s a plan that is wonderful and will be a blessing to you and others.
I love Matthew 25. It tells the parable of servants being faithful over small things, and after showing their faithfulness, God blesses them with more. Clearly former president Ford must have been faithful over small things, and God blessed him with much more than he was ever expecting.
So, keep moving forward, keep serving with excellence, and keep being faithful over the small things in your life. God has something great in store for you.
Have you had an extraordinary surprise from God in your life? Tell me about it in the comments!
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Thanks for the history. Very inspiring story.
I love the way this story supports the fact that miracles are happening all around us! And yes, I have had an extraordinary suprise from God. Last year, I gave myself permission to dream about my “next.” While dreaming, I found a business for sale that I loved. I went to look at the business, but it was much more than what I was prepared to pay. I left my visit saying, “Thank you. It’s beautiful. It’s out of my price range.”
My husband later asked me what I was willing to pay. I gave him a figure and then tried to put the business in the back of my mind assuming it couldn’t happen. A few weeks later, the owner of the business called and gave me an updated asking price. Low and behold, having not talked anymore about numbers at all – his number matched the number I told my husband!! Here we are, and the doors of the business (under new ownership) have been opened 7 months and counting!!
I became the 1st African-American female President over a large union even when I advocated against myself. But God…held position for 14 yrs even after several times working to relinquish the position, but God.
I truly believe that God has more in store for me. I’ve always dreamed big…very big. I let others and myself stifle the outcomes. It’s all in Gods plan!
So I am applying for a mortgage post-bankruptcy and the broker has given me an amount below what I think I should’ve qualified for which is an extraordinary surprise and below what I feel I need to purchase the home I desire…I’m not giving up though. For I know according to Luke 1:37 God’s word cannot fail and I have stood on the promise of Jeremiah 29:11 since I became single eleven years ago. With that said, I know God has plans for me…plans that are bigger than I could think. The house I selected I know despite this difficulty is mine because my God is a way maker, a promise keeper and a miracle worker…so I look forward to posting again and confirming news of my new home being closed on.
That was a great word for me this morning. Stop putting limits on He(God) who is limitless. I have done soo much of that my entire life. Thanks for the message that came right on time!!
I have great conversations routinely with young people I teach and supervise. They are the smartest in society-optometric professional students-with great attitudes. I love giving myself to them and my patients. My work is my ministry because I see the value in helping these individuals develop into health professionals who will change lives in their communities. What a ride it’s been for 31 years and counting!