Encouragement for when you don’t know what to do
Recently I was in a panic over some decisions I needed to make. I’ve been one to pause in the face of not wanting to make a mistake or miss God. Meanwhile, God is much too big and too good to be missed. But with decisions needing to be made, time ticking, and no sure answer, I’d completely overlooked that truth. I believe that is why God tells us not to worry; it’s hard to hear Him when we’re worried.
At some point, I decided to step away. It’s hard to solve a problem that you’re staring at. So, I chose to step away from it. I assured myself that the answer would come, the decision would be made, and therefore it made no sense to stress about any of it. While I wish I could say that the answer came after making that decision, it didn’t. However, what did come was much better than the answer.
Before I share, I’ll preface it with this. I can be an overthinker, many times especially when it comes to the things of God. Perhaps that’s another tactic of the enemy; I most certainly wouldn’t be surprised if it were. But I’d recently attended a women’s conference, and I even remember times when some wise people in my life, at different times, talked about how God sometimes leaves the decision up to us. I’d lived under the gauntlet of God needing to make every decision for me—to an extent—but if I’m being honest, I’d left that space up to huge choices for awhile. I’ve since grown, even to the point of overthinking things. #humanity
With God allowing us to decide in mind, I was comforted when I heard Him ask, “If someone you loved were in this position, what would you tell them to do?”
It may not seem like much, but that question unlocked so much for me. As I’ve said time and again, I enjoy encouraging and helping people. So, coming to a decision wasn’t nearly as hard as I’d made it out to be. It was as simple as considering how I’d help someone else in the same situation. I’m not saying that this is always the case, but it was the answer I needed for me in this instance.
It’s amazing to think about how faithful God is, which is why He can’t be missed. I mean, consider this. Is it possible that the same God who so loved the world and gave His ONLY Beloved Son to save it is the same God who still so loves the world and those of us who’ve accepted His Son and will stop at nothing to get us where He wants us to be? I don’t doubt for a second that He’ll change, rearrange, and do whatever He has to for us to be in His perfect will.
After all, Romans 8:28 says that God causes ALL things to work together for our good. I believe that includes the times we may have missed Him, too. If we really knew just how much God loves us and how He is for us AND that He knows our heart is to please Him, I think we’d make more moves for God than we ever have because we know the One who loves us is the same One who sent us and the One who will equip us.
Yes, please seek God’s guidance in everything. But be open to hearing whatever He has to tell you. You may find that it’s more simple than you think. Even if it isn’t, don’t forget Who’s with you. God won’t let you fail!
Be Encouraged
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6)
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. (James 1:5)
For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. (Philippians 2:13)
