Stumbling Along in Following God {when seasons shift}

Are you having some trouble following God’s will right now?

Dutch Sheets, one of my all-time-favorite Bible teachers said, “I find that I stumble into the will of God more times than I find it on purpose.” That helps me a lot for when I have trouble knowing God’s will, I can still be confident that He will get me where I need to be even if I stumble into it.

Many of you are feeling an uncomfortable shift in your life this year. It’s OK. It’s God getting your course corrected. So if you wake up most mornings wondering if you’re still in your right mind or feeling out of sorts, just keep leaning on Him. He can get you right where you need to be. (Learn to be aware of His presence with you. Pray honest prayers. Read your Bible. Listen for His subtle leading.)  

You may be in a physical shift from one job to another. This may be a mental shift as your thinking is changed in an area. But this is definitely a spiritual shift. (Remember, everything is spiritual because you first are spiritual!) Everything is about getting you in a better, more blessed, more free place looking more like His Son. 

How do you handle it? Let yourself be keenly aware of how much you need God’s help and direction. (That means you don’t know everything you need to know.) The challenges you face are far too great to handle alone. To walk with God in humble dependence is the most strong, blessed, and protected place you can be! Practice resting your mind, will, and emotions, and let Him “train you in trust” while you wait.

How long will it last? That is between you and God. Your shift and season may be similar to another, but will be uniquely different from anyone else. This is about you and God, so let it be… about you and God.

Why is it so hard to submit and follow? Because we think we know best! We think we know what our life should look like and be like, but without God our life will never have the meaning and outcome He has in mind. We want God’s best, but we usually don’t want the trials, work, introspection, change, and personal growth that goes along with it.

Comparing yourself to others is a dead end. There are many famous TV pastors or authors with followers who say, “I want to do what you do!” They  see the glory in it and may want to do it, but do they realize the price that’s been paid to get there? Jesus faced a similar question from Peter in John 13:37 who boldly proclaimed, “Lord, I am willing to lay down my life for you!” To which Jesus responded, “Will you lay down your life for Me? Truly, I say to you, a rooster shall not crow until you deny me three times. Let not your heart be troubled: believe in God, believe also in Me.”  (John 13:37-14:1)

We think we are strong enough. We think we are ready. But our Father knows our hearts and what we need next. He is faithful to lead us through preparation, shifts, and changes that are right for us individually. While many are not easy or comfortable, and some are downright hard, hang on for He’s not finished yet and neither your past nor your present gets the last word!

Listen – I understand. In my life, I’ve experienced many shifts and literal moves that seemed crazy at the time, but looking in that wonderful rearview mirror it’s easy to see how the Lord was faithful in every step.

For today, can we just say something honest like this? “Lord, help me, I’m an unblended mess. This is hard, but I am willing to be made willing to take the next step with You. Give me a desire for what pleases Your heart. Protect me and strengthen me for what is to come.”

You’re going to do alright. You are unconditionally and greatly loved. You are held in very strong hands. So get still and listen.  Practice resting your mind, will, and emotions, and let Him “train you in trust” while you wait. 

When this shift is over, you will stand in a new place. A place that maybe you weren’t expecting, but a place where you know with more certainty than ever that the Father’s eyes are upon you and His hand is guiding you. You are living a journey to remember. 

Lots of love & grace,

Robin

From the desk by the window where the robins are resting in the yard, taking all they need, and then taking flight!!

Want to find out more about how Spiritual Life Coaching can help you go forward? Email me at robinlewiswords@gmail.com. No one has to do life alone.