What Comes Next
Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him. ~ 1 Corinthians 2:9
Uncertainty is one of those things that we all grapple with. What will happen if I leave the comfort of family and friends and embark on a new life journey in another state or country? I did this very thing and lived to tell the tale. It hasn’t been easy, however, I’d never have known the possibilities had I not taken that ginormous leap three years ago. Selling my furniture was the hardest part I think. Yet, had I not listened to my spirit reminding me that where I was in life, then, was a valley of dry bones (Ezekiel 37:1-14), I would not have experienced life as a Texas Child Protection Conservatorship Caseworker or entered the classroom at His appointed time.
Other instances of misgivings comes from being comfortable in a career or situation that you may not be sold out for, however, it provides a sense of comfort because it is a predictable routine in which you know the outcome. I urge you to step outside of that circle and discover how rejuvenating it feels and the peace that rushes over you. When my youngest child was born, I went back and forth about whether to go back after my maternity leave or quit my job and stay home with my newborn and toddler sons. I left my well-paying corporate job to drive a school bus so I could be home with them. A lot was riding on that decision. It meant less income and cutting back on expenses. Choosing my children was the best decision and it not only allowed me to take a more active role in being a mom, but also provided the opportunity to take them to work with me and return to school for a much bigger and life altering payoff later on.
Yet another reservation I had was staying in a dead marriage for the sake of the kids and going through the motions because of thinking it is the right thing to do. Not knowing what would happen when the singles scene became a reality petrified me. Despite all of the questions I had about the unknown, I knew I had to begin living life more deliberately. Five years post-divorce and as a single, it hasn’t killed me yet; I’m all the wiser for it. No, the last five years have given me the opportunity to discover who I am as a woman, mother, writer, and person. Looking myself in the proverbial mirror and getting beyond real with the image reflecting back at me was a necessary part of my growth. Uncertainties helped grow me up all the way around.
God knows that giving us too much information all at once will alter the course He has for our life.
Instead, He gives us little glimpses of what the future holds because that’s all our finite, human minds can handle at any given time. 1 John 3:20 reminds us that, “In whatever our heart condemns us; for God is greater than our heart and knows all things.” He knows what blessings lurk around the corners of our lives as we contemplate the unknown. It’s almost like the Price Is Right game show host asking which door we want to open to receive the prizes behind it, or Who Wants To Be A Millionaire being tied up in what you think you know and giving your final answer (Deuteronomy 29:29).
Trust that the mysteries of life are pre-ordained by God.
He knows if you are going to choose door number one or two. He knows what will happen if you listen to your spirit and take that other job in a whole other field of experience. He will grant you favor because you trusted Him (Jeremiah 29:11) instead of operating from a fearful place of not knowing (2 Timothy 1:7). God knows how many hairs are on your head (Matthew 10:30; Luke 12:7), so why would He put you in a situation that will cause harm? Tell Him how you feel and ask for His peace and guidance through the quandary walks we are all bound to embark on at some point or other. You will never fully know how God wants to bless us through those times. What a shame it would be to one day discover all of the blessings and gifts He wanted to give us, that never happened because of the fear, anxiety, or pressure attached to the apprehensions that present themselves. Trust in the One who will credit your belief in righteousness (Galatians 3:6).
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I love the encouragement that you bring with this post, Denise! As I face yet another decision which has a degree of uncertainity, this statement gives me a bit of peace about it- “God knows that giving us too much information all at once will alter the course He has for our life.”
Thanks, Denise!
I agree with Rebecca. What an encouragement!
Thank you! 🙂
Thank you so much for this, Denise.
You’re welcome Sarah!
Beckie,
Trust that God has you and this decision all figured out. He presented it to you for a reason. Follow your spirit. 🙂
“God knows that giving us too much information all at once will alter the course He has for our life.” I love this quote and it’s something I should probably consider more when I get too “questiony”. 🙂
Wow. Very powerful. Yes, having too much information clouds the judgement at times. Also, it prevents us from trusting, rather than knowing for sure. I really appreciate your words and your sharing, Denise. I’m feeling encouraged to walk more by faith, less by sight, and to stay in the moment more (even as I tend to want to plan everything out). Thank you.
“Uncertainties helped grow me up all the way around.” Love that phrase. Uncertainty requires trust, and your life has certainly reflected that! Thanks so much for sharing this!