Before me was the path I was to take. God had called me to it, and confirmed it in my heart. But I didn’t understand. It didn’t make any logical sense.
“Leaving a full-time job and a full-time income to return home to serve my family? Really, Lord? That’s what I’m supposed to do?”
The answer was a resounding, “YES!”
So, not knowing where it would lead, I stepped onto that path. I’m still walking on it today.
It’s been as if I’ve been carrying a flashlight in the dark. When I take the step illuminated by the flashlight in front of me, I can then see a little farther, and with it, the next step.
If you’ve ever done it, you know it can be a little scary walking in the dark with just a flashlight. The sounds you hear–but can’t see–can make your imagination race.
“What was that? Something’s out there. What’s going to jump out at me? What’s lurking in the shadows?”
You begin to take your focus off the light and your next step, as you put it on the dark and what’s out there that’s going to get you.
I know this well. I’ve done it too often. I’ve taken my focus off The Light (Jesus) and where He’s leading me, and have put it on my fear and the unknown.
My imagination has raced as familiar and potential doors have shut, as things aren’t the way I think they should be, and as the “what if’s” are staring me straight in the face.
“What if we run out of money?” “What if our expenses become greater than our income?” “What if God doesn’t provide?”
But then, I’m jolted back into truth and God’s reality when I intentionally spend time with Jesus as I read God’s Word. I linger in God’s promises of how His ways aren’t logical, how He will not put to shame those who trust in Him, and how He provides for those who obey Him.
My focus becomes centered once again on The Light (Jesus), and on His next step for me on this path. Gone is the fear and the unsettling unknown.
I’m reminded… if I’m doing what God wants me to do, everything is going to be better than fine. So, I continue on this path. Trusting. Believing. Praying for God’s will and provision.
I see how God has already blessed me on this path. He has:
- more than provided for us.
- opened new doors as He has closed others.
- allowed me to be home to care for my teenage and grown children during a challenging spring.
- strengthened and blessed my marriage.
- grown my faith in ways I’ve never experienced.
Sometimes what God asks us to do doesn’t make logical sense. It doesn’t line up with how we think things should be. It looks impossible. When this happens, trust Him, my friend.
Jesus knows what we don’t know. He knows where He’s leading us, and it’s better than we can imagine.
So, even when it’s fearful, even when it’s dark and the sounds scare you, stay focused on Jesus, The Light. He will show you your next step on your path.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:5-6
God bless you on your journey today!
Julie
(Linking up with some incredible women: Suzanne Eller and Holly Barrett.)
Oh yes, I embarked on that journey nearly six years ago and there have been times when I wondered, “What did I do?” But God is so faithful. Thank you for this beautiful reminder that He will always direct me, even when I don’t see the way, if I turn to Him.
It’s nice to know I’m not the only one out there questioning! It blesses me to know other moms are working through the same things. I think that post was written more for me than anyone else to keep my focus where it needs to be…on Him. He is so faithful! Have a wonderful week, Abby! Thanks for stopping by today.
Such a beautiful and encouraging message, Julie. This really stood out for me ~> “if I’m doing what God wants me to do, everything is going to be better than fine.” I’ve held on to this truth throughout my husband’s deployment because I know God choose this military path for us. I know He will bless us for our yes. This brings me comfort. Thank you for stopping by my place today and leading me here. Blessings.
Beth, and I thank you for your comment, “I know He will bless us for our yes.” I needed that very sentence before calling it a night tonight. I can only imagine how you see God working while your husband is deployed. I stumbled upon your blog a couple weeks ago, and have been lifting you in prayer ever since. May He continue to bless you and provide in abundance for your every need. Thank you for stopping here today. You’ve blessed me!
I started that journey 17 years ago, and sometimes I still doubt, “Will we have enough for all we need?” Especially since teenagers get more expensive! 🙂
But you’re so right that spending time with God readjusts our focus to where it should be.
Wow, 17 years ago! That’s amazing. That encourages me so! Yes, teenagers do get more expensive! So glad God is leading each of us! Have a blessed start to your week, Betsy!
Trust. This is a big issue with me. I do trust the Lord, but my fears are always there, too. I am the queen of *what-if* – and I usually end up at the worst-case scenario. May the Lord strengthen me, and give me the courage to keep my eyes focused on the Light, and not on the darkness that surrounds me.
By the way, those are my life verses. I hold on to them like a life preserver.
GOD BLESS!
I agree with you, and your prayer, Sharon! Such great life verses! I’m clinging to them as well. Thank you for stopping by here yesterday, and for sharing your thoughts. Keep trusting in Him, and I’ll do the same! God bless you!
Oh how often have I taken my eyes off the light and started to focus on the darkness. Thank you, Julie, for reminding me of the times I’ve remained focused on the light and enjoyed the outcome of God’s leading. Appreciate your encouragement and your linking up with Testimony Tuesday!
Thank you for stopping by, Holly, and for hosting the Testimony Tuesday link. It’s a joy to share what God is teaching me and to learn from others as well. I’m thankful He doesn’t leave us where we are! May He bless you today as you continue to follow Him!
My homeschool journey has been the dimly light path I’ve been walking on this year. AMAZING how good God is and how when I’m linked into Him, the darkness isn’t so scary, and I can trust in His light no matter how little in front of me I can see. Thank You!
Jamie, I’m thrilled to read I’m not the only one on a dimly-lit path. God is certainly good! Yes, He is trustworthy too! Keep following His light. May He bless you as you journey with Him as you homeschool. What a blessing and gift to both you and your children! Great job! Thanks for swinging by today.
Your blog took me back to a few places I have been Julie. Just think….how much more hazardous and scary the unknown path would be without Jesus? Man…I can’t imagine it. Thank you for sharing! I love the thought about GOD knowing where he is leading us!
Hi Melanie! Funny you should write that about how scary the unknown path would be without Jesus. A friend and I were just talking about that this afternoon! It would be awful. I’m glad God knows all, and I don’t have to. I just need to follow Him. Thank you for stopping by today!
First, I love that jpg. And I also love this message. I left work 17 years ago to write full-time. It made no sense in the natural, and at first it seemed like it would never happen. Yet it was God’s leading for certain and trust was part of the journey. I love this post and the heart behind it!
Thank you, Suzie. Your story encourages me and gives me hope! You’re absolutely right…it makes no sense in the natural following what I believe is God’s leading and calling. But there’s a peace that surpasses all understanding. Thank you for sharing your words of hope and encouragement, and for hosting the link up. May God bless you richly with His presence today!