I've been praying for a long time that God would change a certain situation in my life. Move things around. Change my approach. Change someone else's.
But yesterday I had to face the fact that He wasn't going to change anything at all in my situation. Instead, however, He changed me. I discovered that retreat doesn't always mean surrender to failure. It can also mean that the road changes course. Mine has changed course.
I'm not usually one who likes a new course. I like to keep on the road I spent all that time mapping out. And I'm the girl who maps it ALL OUT.
Turn right. Go 3.2 miles.
Turn left and travel for another 1.6 miles.
But I broke away from the GPS I programmed, and yesterday I took a leap of faith. It was terrifying. But I woke up today a new person. I am lighthearted. I am convicted that God is in control of my new direction. I am stronger. I am changed because I jumped out of the airplane with nothing but a parachute packed with God's promise that He will honor my intentions to follow Him, and He will carry me through.
Thank You, Lord, for boldness injected into a not-so-bold, Type A planner-type writer with some very big dreams. And mostly...thank You for the unanswered prayers that would have kept me from waking up new this morning.
I faced a situation so similar I've had chills watching you walk this road for a while. I had a great job turn sour, but because my husband had taken an early retirement (job stress, et al) I felt the obligation of the family support. So I hung in. For 3 long years, my work life was miserable. THe hubs encouraged me to quit, but I kept holding out.
ReplyDeleteFinally, I had to. That proverbial straw broke this camel's will. But as soon as I did, I heard God's call to write. He'd been calling me for 3 years, but I was too stubborn, or scared, to listen.
We don't take Caribbean cruises, but we aren't hurting, either. The peace and joy I feel is worth more than money.
May our Father richly bless you, Sandie. Now write on!!
Been there, girl, so I am praising you and praying for you. This is NOT an easy choice, and I know exactly had bad - and how great - this can be. Yours is going to be great!
ReplyDeleteI am so proud of you! God will carry you through AND see you through! I know that he is!
ReplyDeleteSt.Croix
What a wonderful post. I'm wondering what you gave up but more than that, wondering what I'm supposed to walk away from. Way too stirred by this to think there's not something.
ReplyDeleteIn time, if not already, you probably will feel liberated even if you don't know from what. Whatever the situation, my grown son and almost-grown grandson say "It's all good." So look forward to all good things around each corner.
ReplyDeleteJo