DON'T WORRY! God Always Offers a Plan [practical steps to reconnect]
I don't know about you, but I leak sometimes.
I leak confidence. I leak hope. I lean into despair or worry... and it seems so legit, cuz the stuff is real and it hurts, or it is taking too long, or I don't know why "it" didn't turn out like I thought.
What's wrong with me? I've seen God answer plenty of prayers. I've been the beneficiary of provision, healing, forgiveness, guidance, comfort and so much more, but when stuff comes up. I seem to forget all that.
When I was a child and first heard the stories of the Israelites being delivered from Egypt, going through the Red Sea on dry ground, and being provided for in so many miraculous ways but then crying out to God wondering where He was, and asking to go back to Egypt; I didn't get it. I thought they were short-sighted and ungrateful.
Turns out they were just human.
Turns out I am too.
I guess the Apostle Paul was like that too. In Romans 7:15 he says,
I do not understand the things I do. I do not do what I want to do, and I do the things I hate
Surely I want to keep my chin up. Certainly, I know God IS there for me. Actually, I do believe He will lead me through. But over and over I let the worries of this world keep me from trusting in full confidence, and from praying in faith instead of whining.
So what's a gal to do?
First of all, I think it is important to take a hope inventory on the regular. Ask yourself if you are focused more on the stuff or truly believing God is going to come through for you.
Second, acknowledge your humanity. Talk to God as if He already knew what was in your heart. (Hint: he already does know.) Ask for forgiveness for the drift.
Third, ask Him for what you need:
- direction
- patience
- comfort
- connection
- peace
Then, wait, trust, listen, and repeat as needed.
Bonus assistance comes in finding what my husband likes to call Anchor verses - a verse that can hold your ship in a safe place even in a storm. Here are a few I love.
I am guiding you in the way of wisdom, and I am leading you on the right path. Proverbs 4:11
... I will be with you always, even until the end of this age. Matthew 28:20b
He comforts us every time we have trouble, so when others have trouble, we can comfort them with the same comfort God gives us. 2 Corinthians 1:4
The Lord says, “I will make you wise and show you where to go. I will guide you and watch over you. Psalm 32:8
What stuff of life is trying to distract you right now?
What lies feel more real than God's promises?
Not sure, talk it out in a coaching session!
The good news is that even when I leak, He remains faithful! He is all that is GOOD.
Next time we will talk about the third part of the Always Circle, how We Always Make Choices.
Until then...