What to Do

By -
What to do when there was uncertainty in your life before, and now with COVID-19, another layer and level of uncertainty - unprecedented and complex uncertainty is presented? Where do we go from here? How do we keep navigating these uncharted waters and move forward with "life" with courage and intentionality but also with mindfulness and a sense of responsibility all while things are frequently still changing and evolving? Surely it can be a strength test for some relationships and perhaps a litmus test for some others. All to say, it makes many if not all facets of life a little more complex. 

 What to do when we're struggling to navigate? A few thoughts came to mind. I'm sure it's redundant in some regards but I'll share in its rawest form as it feels the most authentic to me at this moment. Remember, I'm a deep feeler and can be very specific. 

 1. Hope in God alone. Hope in his character and not in my context or circumstances.  
There is nothing wrong with hoping my context and circumstances will change, and we are certainly allowed to pray that it would change. However, if I only hope in my context and circumstances changing, what if they don't, at least on this side of heaven? We are only promised the assurance of God's character - He promises himself to us. He also promises that He will be with us and help us to persevere in faith while working all things for our good, and that one day Jesus will come back for us and make all things right.  

 2. Look up. Take your eyes off of yourself. 
We cannot change what is going on in us or around us. So look up and take our eyes off of ourselves.  

 3. Turn your heart and attention towards God, and not away. Resist the temptation to turn away from God in your heart.
Actively choose to turn towards God first. Before you run to the friend, or to the latest news outlet, book, blog or Instagram post of the person you admire or who is "crushing it," turn towards God first. Make him first and a priority in your heart.  

 4. Stay. Commit to follow through right where you are with the last instruction and directive God last gave. 
When we don't know what else to do, just stay. And keep doing the last thing God last instructed. If it is to work, then work. If it is to take care of your kids, then do that. If it is to continue with the volunteer ministry than do it. When God wants you to move or change course of action, He'll let you know. 

 5. Keep moving towards God. 
We need to continually, daily, intentionally and actively keep moving towards God. This is an active decision and practice. It is so easy to fall into the "slow drift."  
The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are protected (raised high). Proverbs 18:10 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Surprise

By -
Surprise! I am not a fan of surprises. Absolutely no. Clarification. I am not a fan of surprises that are not good. In other words, I only like favorable, wanted, and pleasant surprises that work for me. Otherwise, I'll pass. No thanks. I'm not too fond of the feeling of being unprepared. I like to predict and curate how I respond. I don't want to be caught off guard. Yes, I have control issues. But as I dig deeper, I think my "need" to control stems from fear. I don't like unpredictable circumstances. I don't do well with awkwardness. And I don't particularly navigate uncomfortable situations with grace or poise.  However, I'm learning life is one big surprise! So if I want the good from the unexpected, I must also be willing to accept and embrace everything in between.  In my quest to insulate myself from discomfort or pain, and avoidance of situations or taking risks that could possibly subject myself to hard things, could I possibly be disadvan
Read more

Moving Forward

By -
Moving forward is a choice. For those who have decided to follow Jesus, there is no other viable option. We must keep moving forward in Him and in faith.  We have been given everything we need for godly living and to run our race. We have direct access to grace and resurrection power because greater is He who lives in us than he who is in the world. It might be a fight, an uphill battle, but if we would not fail or falter but keep pressing forward, we'll see the victory in Jesus. Fear is a liar. Don't let the angst of uncertainty or the obstacles you see deter or discourage you. Dig deep, and stay in the game!  How do we run our race with endurance, longevity, and fruitfulness?  We run after the Father with hearts of surrender, open hands, and no ulterior motive or agenda of our own but to obey and be about the Father's business. Our obedience is not rooted in fear, obligation, or some pro-quid tactic.  It's rooted in love, gratitude, and adoration towards a loving and
Read more

The Light

By -
Over the last two weeks, the word "light" was mentioned three times by three different people, and each time, I was in the headspace of thinking of our pending transition. It's not a word that is typically used or expected, in my opinion, especially in light of the context. The word choice and frequency were significant enough to catch my attention each time. So naturally, I'm inquiring and asking the Lord, what does it mean to me and my situation?  I'm still musing over it. But for now, it's given me encouragement, confidence, and enough strength to keep moving forward in faith and trust - especially in the face of the uncertainty, the mystery, and tasks to get us from "here to there."  As I type this, it's taking one day and one step at a time - towards the light. So while I do not know all of the steps and how they will all ultimately work out, I can have peace and assurance in the steps I am taking.  For me, "follow the light, keep walki
Read more