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
Reminder: If you’re not yet a subscriber, there’s one more week to sign up for my newsletter to catch the March updates, pick up a wellness tip, and join the book giveaway opportunity (For March it’s romantic suspense). Wishing you a blessed week!
*All scripture is NIV
Thanks Katherine for this great thoughts on learning to trust God and wait for His answers to our prayers. I tend sometimes to be inpatient and forget God’s own timing!! May I be more willing to wait for God’s answers!!!!
I have that same problem, Martha. Let’s pray for one another! Thank you for your encouragement. Wishing you joy and blessings.
Thank you for this insight. Isaiah 30:21 is one of my life verses.
Isaiah 30:21 is one of mine, too. We are so blessed to have a loving Father and Savior to guide our steps. May God continue to bless you, Virginia, in your service to Him.
I do some of my best thinking and praying while I walk too, Katherine. Thank you for the great reminder to stop, pray, and listen.
This spring weather gifts us with wonderful opportunities to be in His creation–to stop, pray, and listen. Although the new explosion of pollen has set off my allergies already, I love this time of year. Blessings!
Amen Ms. Katherine.
When I have decisions to make, I think about two questions I have learned to ask. First, “Have I prayed about it as much as I’ve talked about it?” The second is, “What has God been telling you lately?” Both remind me that God is my source of wisdom, discernment, and guidance in my life.
I wish I could tell you these questions were “JD Originals”, but the truth is, much like what you have shared with me through your blog posts and newsletters, wisdom gained from mature Christians who have taken enough interest in me to teach me to walk more closely with our Lord.
Wonderful counsel, dear friend.
Thank you for sharing your wisdom and encouragement, J.D. In answer to your question, I don’t think I’ve prayed about it as much as I’ve thought about it–and except to God, I haven’t talked about it either. Thank you for blessing me with you response, dear friend, and granting me “food for thought.”
Great advice, Katherine.
Thank you, Tim. Sending wishes for peace and blessings, kind sir.
This is a wonderful and much needed message. Thank you Katherine. This reminds me that God is answering prayers in His way and His timing. God bless you. Have a wonderful week!
You’ve hit the nail on the head, Melissa. Our God answers prayers in His way and in His time. He’s working on my trust and patience. May God bless you, my friend.
Thanks for your encouraging words! Many blessings on your journey!
Thank you, Sarah. Your encouragement sends a blessing. I searched for your upcoming book to order, but couldn’t find it. I’ll keep looking. Best wishes on your launch–I’ve finished a part time job which kept me from joining your meetings and sharing information–I hope to do better now.
One qualification I use, other than those you have mentioned, is to determine which route gives me peace. If I feel anxiety about any decision, I feel that is not the way God wants me to go. His peace can be a determining factor in following His leading. Thanks, Katherine!
Yes, Barbara, you are absolutely right. Thank you for sharing that insight. If we don’t find peace with a decision, more prayer and Bible study is needed to find the answer. Hope your week is filled with joy and peace!
Thank you for your words, Katherine, especially the reminder to Stop, Pray, and Listen. May God give us the grace to apply this practice. Blessings!
Grace…what a blessing that our Lord grants us grace, mercy, and love. Like you, I pray for His grace and guidance. Thank you for your encouragement, Kim. Peace and blessings!
I too find that walking, or gardening, or some other distraction from the issue clears my head. Often, when I return to it, I see the solution immediately. Patience is a big factor in make important decisions. If we feel rushed or pressured, we’re more likely to make a wrong choice.
I had no idea you were writing a novel! How exciting!
As always, your words have encouraged me. Many blessings, Katherine.
You have encouraged me, Terri! Thank you for sharing your thoughts and for your kind words about my novel. I’m so glad that a walk in nature brings blessings for you, too. Wishing you joy and sunshine, my friend.
Thank you for the post, Katherine. It’s a good reminder to pause and pray. I’m grateful for God’s guidance and help to do what He wants.
Thank you, Joni. I’m also thankful, especially when He forgives me for my impatience and impulsiveness and I have to confess that I didn’t ask for guidance in advance of a decision that didn’t go well. Peace and blessings!
Wonderful advice Katherine.
Thank you, Yvonne. Wishing youjoy and blessings!
I put pressure on myself to make the right decision when faith is what pleases God. Believing He will deliver the wisdom I asked Him for. I aways regret when I do something because some “authority” told me to and I didn’t have peace about it. But those authorities can be intimidating with their “knowledge.”
You are absolutely right, Debbie. I experience the authority and intimidation issue as I jump through the hoops in seeking publishing opportunities for my Christian fiction manuscripts. It’s discouraging, but I strive to remember that I write to glorify our Lord and spread His light and love to others, rather than seeking to please people. Wishing you continued blessings in your ministry of service to our Father.
I’m a problem solver and admit I don’t always turn to God first. When my choices don’t work or I don’t find clariy, I go to Him. I like your visual of a Stop sign to remind me of this important step.
Blessings.
I have that trait as well, Candyce, and sometimes have to back up, apologize, and seek His guidance after I’ve messed up. I’m so thankful for His patience, mercy, love, and grace. May your spring be filled with joy and sunshine, my friend.
God showed me this same lesson a few weeks ago in my morning study time. It’s the listening part of prayer where I was getting slack. Thank you for sharing this.
Thank you for stopping by and sharing your thoughts, Jeff. I often struggle with the listening part of prayer, too. I’m an action person and want to solve the issue or problem immediately. I’m thankful our Father is patient with me as I strive to develop more patience. Wishing you a blessed week.