Dad had been severely depressed for years. As his condition worsened, I spent more time taking him to doctors and talking with him. I tried everything I could think of to help him feel better---physically, emotionally, and spiritually---but his depression created an impenetrable wall. It was exhausting.

His mental illness was the biggest obstacle to personal peace I had ever witnessed. I tried to help Dad in his battle. But in the hospital, he completely gave up, at first refusing food, then finally refusing water. There was nothing anyone could do. I lost him two days later.

Years earlier, I had changed from business management to being a stay-at-home dad, and then ultimately to full-time writing. As a writer, I usually worked as a ghostwriter, editor, and consultant. But Dad's condition consumed my time and energy. My career declined and fewer projects came my way. A month after his death, I had no work. It was time to get my life back on track.

In the past, I would make my plans and then ask God to have them come true. Because of exhaustion, or maybe my grief, I took a different approach this time. I looked to Him first. "I'll do whatever you want, even if I never write another word professionally." No longer planning then praying, now I prayed and waited.

After my prayer, I felt an urge to call the man who started me in writing, Cecil Murphey. When he learned I was returning to Haiti on a mission trip, Cec said, "You should meet this guy I know. He provides clean water systems and worked in Haiti after the earthquake." Millions die every year from water-related diseases. But what did this have to do with me? I didn't give it another thought.

When I returned from Haiti, an email was waiting for me. It was from Cec to me and Tom Flaim, the "water guy." Out of courtesy, I exchanged a few emails with Tom, but hesitated to get involved. I didn't want to mislead him about my ability to help. After all, I needed to re-start my career---not get drawn into a volunteer effort. But a week later, I agreed to meet and Tom described his vision.

A new non-profit called Water@Work would partner with local churches to provide filtration systems in impoverished communities. The water would be sold for a token amount and the funds used for maintenance and other community projects---such as latrines, gardens, and schools. Not only would clean water support healthy life, but also help churches spread the gospel. And the first target would be the Dominican Republic, which just happens to border Haiti. I was hooked.

Tom needed help with documentation and written communications, and I volunteered. It felt so right. It felt so God. Within a month, I was on a plane to the Dominican Republic. And I was writing again---website copy, FAQs, procedures, etc. Even my past business experiences helped in operational planning. Once a grieving writer without work, within a year I became Water@Work's new Executive Director, motivated by incredible servants of God. I could have never planned for that.

So, no more career strategies for me. I can't compete with God's creativity. His plan was perfect for me, and more importantly, was perfect for Him. I had said good-bye to Dad, and he went to be with God. Soon after that, I said good-bye to the imposter life I'd tried to create, and I headed toward God.

A disciple's life is summed up in two words: Follow me. Jesus wants our total submission. Nothing less. In fact, He had some harsh words for those who said they'd follow him but only after first taking care of earthly concerns. Jesus really meant it when he said: Whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. (Matthew 16:25)