Last week we talked about walking the path with Jesus. But—what if He chooses another path than the one that we chose?
What if you have set your goals and they aren’t working for you? Can you change direction when you are already into the plan?
My Path
I like to plan my life. I like things to go according to plan. Yes, of course I ask God for His opinion, but I don’t always pay attention to God’s plan—even if it’s best. After all, I lay my plans out as to what I want to accomplish and then it’s full steam ahead. Do you ever do this?
Well, I had a check recently. Where I thought I was heading may not be where God wants me to go for now. I had ideas coming out my ears (isn’t that the appropriate way to say it?) but they didn’t yet flow. I was stuck.
Frustration
Publishing is a tough world. It would be only too easy to quit because the rejection is—well—tough! I would think this is so for most of us when we want to make an impression or at least to succeed in our chosen fields. Then we hear a word of criticism for our wonderful projects and slink away to lick our wounds. How frustrating to go backwards!
Loss of confidence
The next thing is that we lose confidence. Isn’t this where God pointed us in the first place? To use the talents He’s given us? If that’s so, then why is it so hard? It’s the way of the world to claw one’s way to the top, but it should not be so with God’s people. Yet, maybe we feel that our talents are belittled or ignored? Maybe we don’t even have talent?
“I just can’t do this!” We cry.
No Where to Fit
Oh dear. After the loss of confidence, it’s likely we lose our bearings. This is the time to hide, right? And if we are into comparing ourselves with others (God tells us NOT to do this for a reason!), then when our friends or acquaintances have successes, we feel like we don’t belong anymore. A side effect of this is that we have a hard time celebrating for them. Is this where we quit?
Another Path
No!
Winston Churchill once said, “Never give up. Never give up. Never, never, NEVER give up!” What good advice was that! I believe it was godly advice: the Word says the same thing—not to grow weary in well doing.
God created us to reflect His glory. He created us in His own image. We are created to create! He has given every one of us talents. It’s up to us to develop those aptitudes; abilities and when we do, we reflect His glory.
That Truth having been said, God also has ways He wants us to develop those gifts.
Yes, it is perfectly ok to change direction—move from one path to another at any time in the plan because He leads us to accomplish His purposes. And what He has in mind for us to do is far better than anything we plan to achieve for ourselves. Not only that—what a relief! The plan flows again!
“A man’s (woman’s) heart plans his/her way; but the Lord directs his/her steps.” Proverbs 16:9.
Linda, well done. Remember you DO have talent, and lots of it! Love you!
Thank you, dear. You are SUCH an encourager!
Linda Jo, what an engaging photo you’ve chosen to prepare us for your heartfelt words. So often the path surprises me with its serpentine detours, cul de sacs, the (seemingly) dead end. Yet there is beauty there, too, as the image shows. Thank you for holding fast to the Trail Blazer in this crazy world of publishing and reminding me to do so, too! Cheering you on in the next creative direction you take, hand in hand with our Maker.
Yes, Laurie, the path certainly IS surprising. I’m sure glad we have our Lord to walk us through it all! This sidewalk is on the South Side of town. Saw it at the Garden Tour and loved it.
Great words of encouragement, Linda!
Thanks, Sis. We all need “a little help from our friends” now and then, eh?
Yes, we do. I’m so glad you are there for me!