Holding Pattern

The in-between moment can feel full of implausibility; an unlikelihood down a particular path. Yet I can remain calm while assuredly stepping forth, knowing that God’s direction is best – that the progression forward, onward, toward a challenge will stretch my faith, even as it requires complete reliance upon his strength and insight.

Many decisions and choices deliver me to that space of real certainty: to the reality of complete dependence upon God. Circumstance occupied with suffering and loss can thrust my soul toward him, and eventually, perhaps toward ministry, aiming at refurbishing my priorities.

Even providential gifts – such as a benevolent word spoken in a moment of grief, some unexpected financial support, or an extraordinary opportunity offered – all can direct and guide. I remain vigilant to investigate each condition, to view each situation in light of God’s promise to sustain and provide for each of my needs.

The advancement of maturity – experiential and age and emotions – grows and develops as my relationship with God flourishes and deepens, and I can view a new challenge with spiritual eyes as well; to realize the eternal impact and significance instead of the temporal or fleshly.

To offer myself “as a living sacrifice” and “be transformed by the renewing of my mind” (Romans 12) are life-long pursuits, which require enormous self-control, starting with a daily discipline of thoughts and actions and reach further into surrendering my ideas of particular paths for life, while submitting my well-being and will to the Lord.

Do I have an openness with which he can move and perform in my life?

“The Lord himself

goes before you

and will be with you;

he will never leave you

nor forsake you.

Do not be afraid;

do not be discouraged.”

{Deuteronomy 31:8}