Do you ever wish you could sit down with God and have an on-demand conversation? I know I do. Thankfully I’ve come to understand how God communicates with me. Most of the time it’s through a song, a literal sign like a billboard on the highway with a comical response to a question I had asked, or in an opportunity like a community outreach. The pandemic has created uncertainty for a lot of us but for the most part, I know what I’m doing. I know the goals I’m working towards, I know my purpose, I know what Monday through Friday looks like, and I know (for the most part) what the next year looks like in my life. What I don’t know is where I’m going from here. I’m not lost, begging to be shown the way, but I don’t know where the next bend leads me.
I’m spending time in meditation and prayer noticing how there are different levels to seeking direction. For the most part I’ve only heard people speaking about this when it’s coming from a place of desperation- such as a health crisis, job loss, personal struggles, and big life choices that are rather crippling. I think there is a whole other unexplored side of this- the aspect of enjoying the ride while aware the navigation isn’t in the vehicle and curious on how to arrive at the destination in mind. This aspect in my mind looks like open hands versus closed ones grasping onto something/someone.
There is a difference between being confident in God’s plan for our future and then later breaking down in tears while we ask ourselves where our life is going because the way seems far from clear. We have to repeatedly come before the Lord and ask for His protection, guidance, and prosperity in times of struggle – every day.
I think it’s okay to be curious, excited, and daydream - but do so with God. It’s perfectly okay to look to the “what’s next” and try to map things out. Allow room for God’s plan. Honour the blessings He has provided. Utilize the experience, passions, skillset, curiosity, community, and privileges He has placed in your life to obey the calling on your life. When you step into prayer, the panic of “what’s next” and “where do we go from here?” melts into confidence, peace, understanding, and adventure. Every day might not be perfect but there is stillness in knowing you’re right where you need to be and God is developing you for whatever He has planned for your life.
Listen to Him.
Welcome Him.
Talk to Him.
Love Him.
Explore with Him. Don’t abandon God at the truck stop along the highway. Invite Him along for the journey; give Him the keys and prop your feet up in the passenger seat as you flip between radio stations or Spotify playlists. Trust He has the navigation plugged in correctly. God will always show you where to go from here.
“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.” — Psalm 32:8 (ESV)
FOR REFLECTION:
Where in your life are you resisting God’s lead?
How can you begin to release control, allowing God to step into your heart and life?
Read more from Macaila Britton at MacailaBritton.com and look out for the other instalments of this Christmas holiday series.
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