We all face obstacles in our lives. Tests that build character and faith. But sometimes those tests feel like they are never ending. You continually ask God, “Are we about done yet? I don’t know how much more I can take.” This is my life at the present moment. I’m in the battlefield facing Goliath but I forgot my rocks and I’m not sure what weapon God equipped me with to slay this giant beast.
You know sometimes as I look at Goliath and think about just how large of a man he was, I wonder why God has so much faith in our abilities to see the potential he has placed in us to go through with the battle and not just turn and run in the other direction. I’m sure I’ve missed plenty of opportunities to be blessed by God but instead I turned away and ran because of my insecurities and doubts. I refuse to believe God when he tells me my worth sometimes. I want to tell him, “You got it wrong.”
Hearing the voice of God and his direction in any situation is tough. Just when I think I know the direction and path to take, I get a ping on my GPS asking, “We have found a faster route. Do you want to reroute?”
Well honestly……..No, I’m not sure.
We all get to this point. This place in our journey, where we come to that famous fork. That place where you have a decision to make because God doesn’t give us the option to keep going straight (even though it looks like the faster way to get to your destination). But honestly I don’t think I want to. I want relief and clarity and I know straight won’t give me those things. I can’t continue to do the same things I’m doing now and gain a new perspective or gain relief from the current pains.
So, what do I do when I get to this point? How can I figure out that weapon God wants me to answer the questions I have and find my path in life? I have to remind myself to:
- Pray. Pray that God opens my eyes and heart to hear what He is telling me to do. But after I open my heart, I must listen. Patiently listen for God’s response.
- Read my bible. God will give me direction through His word. But I first have to prepare my heart to receive it. That is why praying first is essential. You are asking God to reveal His plan through His word. I love how when I’m intently searching for answer, His words come alive and hit me like a ton of bricks. A verse i’ve read a thousand times, now has new meaning.
- Write down my thoughts. It’s amazing what you find out about how you truly feel when you actually have to confess what your thinking on paper. Being able to identify your questions will make it easier to find the answers you’re looking for as well.
- Be Patient. God doesn’t work on our time and this is one of the hardest things to fully grasp.
So what’s next on my journey? Only time (God’s time of course) and continual prayer will tell. But for now I will continue to press in to Him, waiting for His response. What next on yours?
