Steps of Faith and Growth
Thank you to everyone who replied to my poll on stepping out in faith. We had a lot of discussion and great comments. Several of you mentioned that you experience self-doubt once you take a step of faith.
- Second-guessing.
- Cold feet.
- Mixed feelings.
- Can I do this?
- What if I fail?
- Should I step back–or keep going anyway?
What is He calling you to do? What step does He want you to take?
- To start a new career?
- To seek help for your addictions?
- To move on from an unhealthy relationship?
- To help someone in need?
- To adopt?
A person may plan his own journey, but the LORD directs his steps (Proverbs 16:9).
Opportunity knocks, but will God open?
God closed a door today.
A little part of me expected it, but a bigger part of me wanted it badly. I still do.
If I’m honest, the opportunity has consumed me over the past several months:
- I’ve talked about it without end.
- I’ve daydreamed about it.
- I’ve dreamed about it.
- And I’ve talked about it some more.
Surely this is God’s best for me. How could it not be?
But during the past several months, a little voice nagged at me.
Is it really God’s best?
As the months crawled by, I noticed more and more red flags about the opportunity. Still, I wanted it–like a newborn baby reaches for her bottle.
Today, God confirmed my misgivings: He closed that door.
The moment I learned of the opportunity, I stepped out in faith but prayed for God’s best for me. If it was not His best, I did not want it–regardless of the disappointment. He would help me process any sadness; of that, I’m certain. But I did not want to risk walking outside His plan for me.
Today, I learned that opportunity was not part of His plan for me.
…
This evening, my husband helped me talk through my disappointment. I melted in his arms and cried.
“I wanted it badly.”
He hugged me tighter, and as he did, an encouraging voice from above soothed my soul.
“I have something better.”
The man holding me in his arms was living proof. At that very moment, God used my husband of four months–the one He sent to me, the one holding me in his arms–to remind me that every good and perfect gift is from God (James 1:17). He brings His best at exactly the right time.
…
I will continue to process my feelings. But deep down, I sense another door will soon open. God is about to do a brand-new thing. It has already begun, and I’m starting to see it unfold (Isaiah 43:19).
His best is on the horizon.
Come alongside…Have you wanted something so badly that it hurt? How has God responded? How can the verses above help you trust in God’s timing and best for you?
