Years ago I abruptly changed the course of my life based on the lust of my eyes, the lust of the flesh, and the pride of life. (1 John 2:16)
I wasn’t walking with the Lord as I should have been, nor was I ministering to Him in any capacity. I was a “Christian” in name only, with no real walk to back it up.
God never told me to pursue the girl that I had met online, but I did. He never told me to quit my steady job to chase a mere lead on a job, but I did. He never told me to move out of my nice condo, store everything in a storage unit, and move halfway across the state, but I did…and everything fell apart.
The job lead fell apart, the relationship fell apart, the housing situation fell apart, and I was close to falling apart. I spent half a year sleeping in a spare room at my girlfriend’s parents house, and I was closer to her parents than I was to her. I quickly realized she had legitimate issues…but I was stuck.
I burned through $7000 in savings and had no job for the longest time. The girlfriend ended up having severe mental and emotional problems which required medical intervention. Every day was a struggle trying to find a job while also caring for her four-year old son in the mornings. “My own thing” had no silver lining.
That period in life seems like a bad dream. I can’t believe such a desperate, chaotic state was at one point my reality. How did things ever get so bad?
Well, I struck out on my own path and made decisions without God’s approval or direction. Have you ever done that? It’s a recipe for disorder and regret. God didn’t make us to forge our own way, He made us to follow Him so that He can be glorified in our lives.
God is not the author of confusion, but rather He orders things to have the most harmonious outcome possible. Can I encourage you to wait on God for His timing and direction? Too many Christians are led into the brambles to do “their own thing” when they could be walking a plain and blessed path with the Lord.
dailyarmor.blog 
Sometimes I wish God would send me a flashing neon sign telling me what direction to go in my life. I’ve tried many roads thinking they were God’s path, only to fail again and again. I’m waiting on Him again now. I’ve heard some pastors say to keep trying doors to see if they are open or closed, others say you have to move in the way that seems right because God can’t steer a parked car. Recently, I heard someone say that God’s will for our lives is simple: Micah 6:8, “And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” So, does that mean it doesn’t matter what job we do, or where we live, or who we marry?
Sorry for the rant, but I’m confused and getting tired of waiting.
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I actually understand completely. This post was born from internal frustrations that culminated in heavy prayer and answers this weekend.
What God told me was deep. He showed me that I haven’t been praying and seeking Him as I should, but have still been trying to do many things my own way.
He showed me that I need to seek Him first, then everything I need would be added unto me.
Then He showed me that my frustration was because my priority in life was still selfish, and I needed to get my heart back on Him.
In short, I’ve been in a rut that God is leading me out of, and He told me how to proceed: Get back to basics.
Maybe that’s not for everybody, but for those who are doing the basics already and drawing close to God daily, I can only recommend they praise Him, wait on Him, and ask themselves the question every day: “What do I truly want in life?”
In my experience, people get frustrated because they’re not getting what they want, but true joy is found in doing what God wants (serving Him), which is a daily discipline demanding that we decrease and He increase.
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Thank you. That’s helps to clarify things.
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My Pastor said this weekend that the number one question he’s received in over 30 years of ministry is this: Pastor, how do I know what the will of God is in this situation?
The answer always come back to Scripture and prayer. If it violates Scriptural principal or commands, then it’s outside of Gods will.
If it promotes and upholds Scriptural principle, then it’s lawful (a possible choice), so we seek God in prayer to ask if it’s expedient (the most suitable and efficient choice).
The Holy Spirit is really the guide for each individual believer here. He speaks plainly, not in riddles. And He doesn’t stir up anxiety and fear. I know when He says yes and no, and I know when He lets me choose.
In my opinion, all Christians must hone their Scriptural knowledge and spiritual discernment, striving to fine tune the personal connection with the Holy Spirit. A lifelong pursuit!😁
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Yes, it is a lifelong pursuit, isn’t it? And I agree that the Holy Spirit is our guide.
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I have strayed into my own ways in the past too, but praise God who knew the road that was ahead of me – He redeemed me, and you too brother Eric – what a loving Father we serve! May He continue to guide and bless you each day 🙏
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