What was your least favourite subject at school? It’s a question that often sparks memories and lively conversation. For me, it was always the creative subjects where I felt least comfortable, in particular the TAS workshops.
Fast forward to 2013, and I’m back in High School as an early career teacher in Perth. Our school organised a staff bonding day, with teachers split into two groups: cooking or woodwork. With memories from high school framing my perspective, and being much more at home in a kitchen than a workshop, I was convinced I would end up in the cooking group. So when the lists were posted, and my name appeared under woodwork, I was dumbfounded. Memories of frustrating junior high TAS classes came flooding back, and I imagined an afternoon of struggle while others enjoyed making gourmet pizzas. Reluctantly, I made my way to the workshop.
Our task, however, quickly caught my attention: building CO₂ dragsters from small blocks of balsa wood. With only two hours to design and build, I decided to embrace the challenge. Drawing on my long-term interest in Formula 1, I thought carefully about aerodynamics, traction, and weight distribution. Later that day, as the cars raced in a round-robin competition, my humble dragster found its way into the grand final. After three close races, my car crossed the line to win.
What began in discomfort ended in a surprising victory—and the small wooden car quietly sits in my office, reminding me that God’s plans are better than our own. And I’m in good company; there are multiple characters in the Bible who learned this lesson, often the hard way.Jonah – the runaway messenger who discovered God’s purpose was bigger than his fear.
Moses – the reluctant leader who believed he was not capable, yet God used him to lead Israel.
Abraham – the impatient father who learned to trust God’s timing.
Paul – the former persecutor whose life was completely transformed for mission.
Peter – the impulsive disciple who learned humility and courage.
Gideon – the least likely leader chosen by God to deliver His people.
Each of these stories shows that God’s plan often leads us into the spaces where we are uncomfortable. Yet, when His people chose to trust Him, incredible things are accomplished. For each of us today, God provides the comforting promise for each of us, found in Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future”.
My small CO₂ dragster may not look like much, but every time I see it, it reminds me of a simple truth: the uncomfortable moments we initially resist may be the very moments God intends to use for growth, joy, or even victory.
When we place our plans in God’s hands, we open the door for Him to lead in ways we never expected. And sometimes, just like a reluctant visit to a wood workshop, the path we didn’t choose becomes the very one God uses to show us His purpose.
May we continue to seek His plans above our own—and trust that His way is always best.
Mr Darren Martin
Assistant Head of Secondary: Teaching & Learning
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