Sometimes a defining moment sneaks up on you without warning. But what about the one you can see coming?
I’m facing that. By the end of this week, I’ll be at a fork in a road that will shape what I do with a large chunk of my time for at least the next five years.
Is it good or bad to know in advance you’re facing a major crossroad? I’m not sure.
When Lot and Abram talked about parting ways so their herds would have enough land to graze on, all Lot had on his mind was “same job, bigger office.” He was ready to expand his assets, and he couldn’t pass up a golden opportunity to do just that. When he chose the more verdant land of the Jordan plain, it seemed like a no-brainer. But it was a big mistake.
Would Moses have gone into the desert near Mount Sinai if he’d known he would encounter God in a burning bush? Would Joseph have gone to Dothan if he’d known his brothers were plotting against him?
Maybe it’s good that we don’t have time to prepare for many of life’s crossroads. Those never-be-the-same-again moments you see only in retrospect.
But what about the times when you do know it’s coming? When the cancer is unstoppable … when a relationship is unsalvageable … when corporate downsizing is inevitable.
Jesus knew what was coming. From time immemorial, He knew He’d go to earth for one purpose: to die. During His three years of ministry, He enjoyed one year of popularity, one year of oppression, and one year of persecution. Yet He never wavered in His purpose.
Rationalizing “well, He’s Jesus and I’m not” rings hollow. As believers, we have all of God’s resources at our disposal. The courage to get through anything in God’s strength. The peace to walk through chaos no matter how thick it swirls around us.
Yet …
As for me, I may be standing on the outside, but I’m kneeling on the inside. Pleading with God to get all of “me” out of the way so I don’t mess up His plans. Praying for God’s guidance to choose the right path. Professing Isaiah 30:21—that God will show up and say, “This is the way; walk in it.”
Please pray for God to make my path clear and straight. If you’re going through something similar right now, rest assured I’m praying for you as well.
Father God, in every decision, large or small, we need You! Thank You that You can see the past, present, and future all at the same time. Show us how to walk in Your ways so we may glorify You all our days. Amen.
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Whew, you have no idea how timely this message is for me. I’m standing at my own fork. I feel like God had a neon sign pointing me this far then, suddenly, he unplugged it! Now, where I am isn’t making sense and I’m not sure which direction to turn. I’m cautiously taking very small steps. Thank you for sharing your heart and encouraging those of us who have felt alone on our own journey.
Nothing like feeling you’ve had the rug pulled out from under you when you thought you were full steam ahead. That’s so tough. Praying for God to shower clear guidance on your life, Kim!
Praying for God to make it clear to you on what you should do!
May He give you His peace in the midst of these decisions!
Thanks, Diana! (I’m still praying!)