Upheaval

The news was unexpected and hard. If my husband was to keep his job, we had to move. The move would take us not only to another city, but a different state. We had our network of friends and our church family well established. Moving meant starting over.

Our children were both under five at the time, so a school transition was not part of the decision-making. I struggled. The options were staying with the security of what we knew, but without a job or to move to a new place where we knew no one. As we prayed through the decision, we felt God give us the verses from Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”

We are often thrown into situations where we do not understand what is happening. It can create fear, confusion, anger, depression or outright rebellion. Sometimes we are unsure of what God wants us to do. However, God promises us He will show us the way if we lean into Him for wisdom and direction. The verses above promise us that He will. We may disagree with that promise, especially when God is speaking to us to do something we don’t want to do. We can fight God or choose to obey. Either way, God is always right. It is our response to Him that demonstrates our willingness to walk His way or elevate our ways above His.

Isaiah 55:8-9 is a great reminder during times of struggle. “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways” says the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.” God sees what we cannot. Do we choose to trust Him, or do we go our own way thinking we have to take care of ourselves? In every situation where I chose my way over God’s, I deeply regretted the choice. My experiences have validated this scripture many times over. How about you? When you chose your way over God’s, did it go as planned?

Our move was hard and there were many adjustments; however, so many good things resulted from it. My husband’s career path was greatly enhanced through it. It was rocky, but the Lord took him places he had only dreamed of achieving. My faith walk grew exponentially during that season and continues to do so. I had been complacent and leaning on others in my spiritual growth and had to own my spiritual walk in a whole new way through that transition. My children made some incredible friendships and gained a multitude of experiences that never would have transpired had we stayed in the other city. God knew what He was doing, even when we didn’t. I am so thankful we chose to trust Him in that decision instead of leaning on our own understanding.

What is God asking you to change today? Is it hard? If you are dreading a change, facing fear or uncertainty or walking in rebellion to His commands, I would encourage you to spend time in prayer and in the study of the Word. Be honest in your response to Him and then choose obedience. The results will be so much better than walking your own path. “Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6)