The older I get, sometimes it feels like the less I trust myself. I know, that seems counterintuitive, because ~ experience ~ but hear me out. The decisions I make on my own, typically don’t go well for me. Sure, they do sometimes, but often I have to strain to force an outcome. A perfect example would be an ex-boyfriend. How much time and energy is spent trying to make something work because it feels nice, but ends up slipping through your fingers anyway? How much time and energy did I spend chasing after some goal for the wrong reasons? I remember in high school I wanted to be a cheerleader so bad! SO BAD! But I do not have good rhythm, so even though I rehearsed and practiced, when the rejection came, I was more than devastated because I had put my whole worth into a vapid goal.
You might be able to argue that those plans didn’t work out, as part of God’s protection over my life. Or, maybe it’s not that deep. I’d be willing to bet there are examples of both God’s intentional no, and naturally closed doors in all our lives. Those “failures” I mentioned (you know exes, and failed cheer try-outs) stand out to me, because they were strenuous. I was totally focused on pleasing some person or achieving some goal in my own strength, and when it wasn’t enough, felt as though I was basically reminded that I wasn’t enough. So that’s why I don’t trust myself. My humanity is messy! But the older I get, the more I learn how to navigate life by leaning on God, and His plans and His desires for me. And one thing God is not – is messy. He is perfect and works all things together for our good. All things.
Choosing to walk through life with God as navigator, brings so much fruit in our lives. For me, I have confidence that if He has called me to pursue something, that it won’t end in failure. And if it does, it is still for my good, and there was probably some lesson He needed me to learn, or person I needed to meet to grow with. Being led by God also prevents so much unnecessary exhaustion! You won’t have to strain for something that is earmarked for you by Him. Sure, you might have to work hard, but I promise you won’t be called to work so hard that you lose your relationships, your health or sense of self-worth. I find it so reassuring when things don’t have to be forced, as if He sends small confirmations along the journey that I’m on the right track.
Whether it’s a new job, or how to navigate a sticky relationship, how and where to give generously, or maybe you are just cruising along; I find it is such a game-changing habit to check in with God, and say, “is this the right path?” or simply ask for guidance. The Bible is literally peppered with reminders of how God guides us, and desires for us to do life with Him. If you would like some verse examples, click here to my verses page. One story in the Bible that I love and sticks out to me is of David, because he was consistently asking for guidance from God, even when the answer was probably an easy one to us. In 1 Samuel chapter 30, some major atrocities had happened to David’s people, and any outsider would have probably said he had every right to go and avenge them. David was a fearless leader, a strong warrior and had the troops to execute. And yet, before he takes any action, he asks God 2 things. First, if he should go after the men that wronged him and his people, and second, if he will succeed. God confirmed yes to both, and he did. The bible says he rescued everyone and everything. We love a good ending! And I can’t imagine this ideal outcome was a surprise to David.
And that’s the point.
When we go to God before we act, we get aligned with His good and perfect will. God will show us things that we would not have seen otherwise; and if He tells us it’s going to work out, we can operate with the confidence that it’s going to work out! This might sound crazy, but when I first met my future husband, God told me to write down after maybe 2 or 3 dates that he would marry me some day. He hadn’t even asked me to be his girlfriend yet. About 3 years later we got married, just as God told me. The beautiful thing about this story for me, was that because our relationship was blessed by God before it had even started, I never had to force it. Over the years we might disagree, but when push came to shove, I never had to chase after him, because what God says is for me, is for me; and the same goes for you.
So maybe your next steps are clear, and you know what you should do like David, I would encourage you to still seek God. Perhaps you just met someone like I had, with no clue what’s in store, seek God in those moments too, and He can fill you with more peace and hope than you can imagine for what He has in store!
So go, achieve, conquer, and lead as you are called! And have peace, because if He called you to it, He will see you through it.
Her Office Closet 