When we no longer see the pathway

I’m struggling with a decision. You’ve been there, haven’t you? Just when we think we have a plan, set reasonable goals, and developed strategies to a achieve our objectives, roadblocks and obstacles pop up. What do we do when we no longer see the pathway?

We have His promise to bless our plans:

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV*)

But, what about when we’re not sure which path to take?

That’s when our trust matters.

Trust in the LORD, with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

But it isn’t always easy to trust others with our tough decisions, is it?

Walking usually works really well for me to clear my head and think through a problem. When I’m stuck on a scene in my novel in progress–I take a walk to ponder. Or if a decision is especially tough–a walk stimulates my tired brain to review the pros and cons of the choices.

The picture above is from a recent walk during our “preview” of spring–sunny and eighty degrees the first week in March! Except for the pollen arrival (it comes with spring preview, too), the walk provided ample time and stimulation for great thinking.

But a stop sign at the crossroads spurred my critique process and made me question, “Have I stopped to pray about this?”

YES! I have prayed a great deal over this issue, but another question arises–Have I listened for God’s guidance?

Maybe not.

“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” (Isaiah 30:21)

When we no longer see the pathway

STOP!

We shouldn’t try to solve the issue or make a challenging decision without guidance. I tend to think of a solution before asking our Father’s guidance. What about you? Are you patient to wait or do you want to make a decision quickly?

PRAY!

Do you sometimes make a quick decision then pray for God to guide you on the solution you devised? What if we pray first, then pray some more and wait patiently (this is hard) for God to guide us?

LISTEN!

Waiting patiently (or even impatiently) allows us to listen and be led by our Lord to a decision guided by His wisdom. In this method we continue to pray and listen as He mentors us in the direction we should go.

REPEAT!

We may need to repeat the process more than once as problems and obstacles arise during the journey–Stop, Pray, Listen; Stop, Pray, Listen…

Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. (Psalm 119:105)

I welcome your wisdom on making challenging decisions. Please share your thoughts in the comment section.

Prayer: Father, sometimes decisions are tough. We need your guidance on those hard decisions, and on the ones that don’t seem so challenging. Help us to Stop, Pray, and Listen, but also, help us to take Action in Your service. Grant us wisdom in our decisions so that all we do is in Your will. Amen

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*All scripture is NIV