This Godfirmation hailing from Proverbs 3:5-6 is a familiar one, but one that I think we often forget or don’t really walk in like we claim. It’s an easy passage to remember because it’s quoted often, but how many of us really trust God to direct our steps FULLY? If we are truly going to follow God, we have to trust Him to guide our steps in every area of our lives – career, home, love, finances, etc.
The problem is the trust part. Because it requires you to let go of what you think you know, what things look like on the outside, and what you feel is best for you. When we begin to trust God, it can mean saying yes or no to things that, from an outsider’s perspective, look incredibly dumb or risky. But we don’t move by the world’s standards. We move by God’s.
I can recall several times when listening to my own mind instead of consulting God put me in some tough spots. Some easily fixed…others, not so much. A few of those times left incredible damage. Now, I am definitely an overthinker and move according to plans. But I’ve learned to listen to God’s voice pertaining to my steps on all of my life decisions. We can’t just plan out our life and then ask God to bless our moves. We have to pray according to His will, and follow His plan…knowing that He is omniscient and knows the best routes for each of us.
I was reminded of that recently. There was a time last year when I was planning to extend my working hours on a side hustle. I just KNEW that extra money coming in would be good for me, especially because I was in the middle of closing on my first home. I prayed before I made the move, and God said a clear and immediate NO. No clue at the time why, but I didn’t go through with it. Some months later, I was presented with a promotion at my current full-time job with a pretty significant raise, which was awesome but also took a lot of time and energy to learn and organize tasks. Time and energy that I wouldn’t have had if I had plugged in more hours with my side gig. I realized why God had said no.
I’m learning to step back and give God the reins to my life. That takes surrendering this idea of control, which is difficult, especially as an overachiever who’s used to doing a lot “on her own.” I’m sure that also many of your stories. However, if we truly believe in God who has plans for us, then we have to be willing to follow His plan. The good news is that we know that God cares for us and will never lead us to something that ultimately won’t work out for our good.
Imperfectly B 