I’ve written about my struggle with fear and anxiety as I consider my future. And my friend’s challenge that I begin to pray for willingness to see God’s next step. His challenge uncovered my battle to trust in God’s goodness. But the simplicity of his suggestion also brought me a deep sense of relief. Which surprised me, at first.
Words
Like most teenagers, I was fearful and anxious about my future. My older brothers had entered the work force by first working with dad, and then working for area farmers. Their transition into their successful “hands on” occupations of farming, carpentry, and mechanical work was a natural progression. I was not cut out to do any of those things.
My parents probably had a hard time knowing what to do with me! They seemed to have a hope-he-figures-it-out approach, which left me with this terrifying fear about my future: I am alone. And now, once again facing fear and anxiety about my future, those same three words, “I am alone” were hitting me. Hard.
Weapons
I accepted my friend’s challenge and began praying that I would see God’s next step. During one of those prayer times, God reminded me of David’s words recorded in Psalm 139: 16. Those words have become God’s weapon of truth to do battle with my “I am alone” fear.
All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.
Since God has known all the days of my life from before I ever was, and since He’s the One who created me, can’t I trust Him to lead me into the future that is best for me? Can’t I trust Him to take my talents, abilities, and even weaknesses and insecurities, and weave them together for good? Wouldn’t I rather trust Him to lead me, than try to figure it out on my own!?
Winning
My relief from my friend’s challenge makes sense now. I’m relieved as I realize that I can actually ask and trust God, my perfect Father, to show me the next step He wants me to take. My Father is showing me that I’m not alone to try to figure out my future. God is showing me, once again, that He is a good Father.
And perhaps accepting these truths are my first “next steps”, as I seek for what God has for me and my future!
Have you ever felt alone when facing “next step” decisions? What promises of God helped you remember that you did not have to figure out the “next step” by yourself? How else has God reminded you that you are not alone. Click here to encourage us with your story!
Read Part 1 here.
Read Part 2 here.
Mark, thank you for this incredible reminder. I just resigned from my full time church staff position and am sitting out from the music ministry – not my choice. This last month has been confusing and painful, and yes, I have felt alone, even felt without God’s presence or guidance. OF COURSE He has a plan for me, and of course in my weakness I have forgotten that truth.
Keep writing!!!
Wow! It sounds like a lot going on. It will interesting what God opens for you, as you step into what feels unfamiliar and unknown.
I’m sorry for what you are going through, but thankful that you are remembering God truly has a plan for you.