Life is full of beautiful mountain-top experiences along with some pretty miserable pothole experiences. OK, some of those potholes feel like deep ditches and it may be difficult to imagine how you can climb your way out, let alone get your life back on track.
I understand. I’ve been through a few potholes – some that felt like ditches – layoffs, divorce, financial difficulties. There have been times when I wasn’t sure how I was going to pay the bills, where I would find my next job or even what I would be doing.
The one thing I’ve learned through all of the difficult times is: God uses the potholes in our lives to create majestic mountains and teaming springs that align with His purpose for our lives – if we will only turn to Him.
Proverbs 3:5-6 says “Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways, seek His will and He will direct your path.”
For many years, I didn’t realize that I could turn to God for things like my work. I was determined to survive, to do all I could to have my life work out. And for a while, it seemed my plan was going well. But eventually, my plan and depending on my own efforts was no longer cutting it. Bit by bit, I began turning to God more. And the more I’ve sought Him through prayer and through His Word, the more I’ve come to realize that His purpose for my life is so much better and more fulfilling than anything I could have dreamt up.
Here’s what I’ve learned:
- Surrender the situation to God. When I lost a job and had no idea what I would do next, I had to recognize that God was in control, not me. So I let go of what I wanted and prayed that God would show me what He wanted. He did, and it was better than I expected!
- Don’t cease praying. Sometimes the answer to prayers comes quickly. An idea will spark or a person shows up with an answer. Other times, it can take a while for an answer to come. What I’ve found is that it doesn’t mean God is missing in action. His timing is not our timing, but it’s His timing is always perfect and I thank Him in advance for an answer.
- Listen. I’m a talker, but if I don’t stop talking and listen, how can I hear the other person’s response? The same is true for God. We need to observe and listen through the circumstances, people and Scriptures that He leads us to.
- Take action. God will show us the way. We need to trust and take action. I’ve found that I’m not always sure it’s God, so I may take small steps to test the waters. One thing I’ve learned to pray is “Lord close the doors where you don’t want me to be and open them wide where you do.” Then, when a situation I worked towards doesn’t work out, I trust that God has something better for me. I’ve found this to be true every time.
What difficulty are you facing right now? Do you know God cares and wants to use it for your good? Romans 8:28 says “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” I pray that God shows you how great His plans are for you and how much He loves you as you seek Him.
