Stuck

Have you ever felt stuck?

Stuck in an emotional state, a physical malady, or a behavioral pattern? I think we have all been there at one time or another in our lives. We’ve reached those crossroads that demand a decision and we freeze, or retreat to a comfortable place, a place of safety and security; even if it isn’t really secure, but simply familiar. Often these crossroads could be a turning point for good, but if we are unable to take the next step, we can become stuck.

It’s a struggle at times to know what God’s will is for us. Our desire may be to follow His leading, but sometimes we just don’t know where to begin. We pray, search the scripture, pray, ask a friend, and pray some more. Yet when the time comes to step forward out of bondage into freedom, we recoil like our hand has touched a hot stove.

Fear of the unknown can be debilitating, and without immense faith that first step can seem an impossibility.  But we are told over and over throughout scripture “do not fear!” 17 times God tells us not to fear, that He will be with us.

You came near when I called you, and you said, “Do not fear.”       Lam. 3:57

When God leads you into the unknown, it can be scary. Some start to second guess whether the leading even came from Him. “Is this really God’s will, or is it just something that I really want?” It can be difficult to discern this sometimes, and short of hearing an audible voice through the clouds, how can we know if it is God’s will?

Here are a few confirmations that I use:

  • A distinct impression upon my heart. Especially if it is something that I wouldn’t normally do or think.
  • The impression voiced to you by a friend. Sometimes the exact thing that I was thinking is reaffirmed by someone that I talk to shortly after.
  • Scripture. Often in my time with the Lord in the morning I will turn to a passage that reflects and confirms what I thought I had felt the Lord tell me through the original impression. Finding scripture this way is something that I call bible roulette.  I actually wrote a post on this phenomenon…seems to work for me!
  • A Sunday Sermon. Many times my Pastor will speak on the very subject that I wondered about.  If I make it this far before acting upon the leading, this is my push to get out of the seat and walk in faith.
  • Complete peace.  If I feel at any point during this process, uneasy about it in anyway, I try to stop and wait for more confirmation. This does not mean that it wasn’t from God, possibly it just isn’t the right timing…and you know with God it is all about timing!

The closer you become with your Heavenly Father, the easier it becomes to “hear” His voice. I’ve learned that if I don’t want to find myself stuck, that I just need to walk the path set before me. And when all else fails – Pray!  Even when it doesn’t – Pray! And did I mention that through this whole process, you should be praying?  This is how you bond with your Father, how you develop that close relationship.

There is nothing more aggravating than being stuck. I know your desire is to move on, become whole and happy. Listening to God is the key. Listening to Him in your daily life, in every situation, and responding when necessary.

When He says go – Go!

Soli Deo Gloria!

Lisa

 

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