I found out (with much ‘groaning’) that we don’t have to know the complete route to our destination in this Christian walk; and I believe that is part of the trust.
The key for me is LIVING daily for Him no matter what I am doing that day, and He will lead me to the right path…or redirect me if I take a wrong step…and I will be amazed by Him.
We (I) have made it too hard.
When I got my current job, I had been through a time of searching for what path I should be taking…career-wise, ministry, life, etc… (thus, making it too hard!)
I had actually settled into being home (which is a place I dearly love!) when I got the call from my friend about an opening. I knew that she might call, and I had even thought, “What will I do if she calls now?!” ….like the week before she actually did!
During that time, I had also been praying for balance in my life. Balance is something that I feel is so important and easy to become out of whack if we are not careful. We live in a blessed time, and there are so many opportunities that it is easy to overcommit ourselves trying to take in too much. (#beenthere!). As Christians, I think, too, that to some degree, by some, we are often made to feel that we are not doing enough…or we should be doing more— and more… which can cause not only discouragement, but discontentment, anxiety, fear— overcommitment.
Now don’t get me wrong, I know doing good works and taking opportunities is a good thing. Where you or I need to be careful is looking at every situation as an opportunity and feeling like we must grab it or we will be missing out on something that either, will benefit us, or something we should be doing.
Jesus said…
…”Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.””
Matthew 11:28-30 NLT
I love this so much…how often have we become weary from being out of balance with our time/commitments? I can answer for myself, “Too many.”
…which leads me back to this job “opportunity” …was it a true opportunity?
When I was praying about it, I asked The Lord, “How can this bring balance?” Immediately, the words, “Lean not on your own understanding” came to mind. The second verse (vs. 6) of the two following verses had already been a theme verse of mine; however, just recently around that time, had the first verse of the two (vs. 5) become more real— more challenging. I was reminded that God sees the big picture. Like an illustration I once heard, He can see the whole ballgame like a coach. When a play is made, the players may not see the end result beforehand, but he knows the outcome.
In this particular instance, I decided to take the opportunity, and I have been glad that I did. Not that it has not seen its own challenges, but I have seen His hand at work on more than one occasion, and He has grown me through the process. It has been a blessing. I am enjoying living daily, and I have learned to say “no” better than ever before…and experienced what I have often spouted—
Sometimes, less is more.
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“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;”
Proverbs 3:5 NIV
“In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”
Proverbs 3:6 KJV
Simply Celebrate With Jackie 