steve and bron - things we've learnt along the way

In all honesty there have been many times in my life, when I have simply felt like I was up the creek without a paddle. The end of a journey was around the corner, or staring blankly at a dead end, with this gnawing question .....what next? I have always had a deep sense of God's call on my life, and I believe with all my heart that I am no exception to the rule. God has called us all to be reunited with Him through Jesus and to live this life in His purpose, His plan, His Kingdom. Does that mean that I always know what His purpose is, or His plan.....unfortunately not. I'm not that clever. What makes it worse is that often when we are at the precipice of stepping out in faith, in those moments we can feel the loneliest. Crazy, I know! Gloriously though, like a truly great dad, God, in those moments is calling us to have reckless faith, reckless trust in Him. But man it's flippin' hard.

Now ironically, when I look back, without a shadow of a doubt, those have been some of the best moments in my walk with God, and I have grown closer to Him. Even when I've made  rubbish decisions, graciously God has caught me, comforted me and given me the strength to get back up.

As ever with the spirit of God alive in us, His word is the ultimate compass. When I find myself on the edge, asking that question, where to next, this scripture is a great comfort to me:

James 1:5-8
5 if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

Three things stand out to me:
1. Humbly admitting that you lack the wisdom needed to make the decision. That's a tough one, I know. God has the long view and is outside time. The sooner you realise that you don't know everything, the better. Additionally, remember that God gives generously, His heart is for you.
2. Extend your faith. I may not have a clue what step to take next, left or right, back or forwards. The unknowns may be too many to mention. But I do know this, that God knew me before I was formed in my mothers womb, that I am fearfully and wonderfully made, He has given me a hope for a future. Forget what you don't know, put your faith and trust in the one who knows you.
3. Lastly, expect! God is true to His promises, when you humbly ask in faith He will answer.

Hey, I know it can be easier said, or in this case written than done. Nevertheless I have seen countless times how God has come through and filled my heart with His desires and dreams, and has made a way, trust in Him, I know you can:-)

God bless
Steve and Bron