What do you do when you feel like giving up?
When you’ve been chasing so many things and still end up feeling empty?
When you’re tired doing the best that you can only to end up with nothing?
When you think you’re about to reach the peak then it nosedives hard?
What do you do when you feel it while you try your very best to be closer to Jesus? Will you be upset to him or continue clinging on to Him?
Today, I woke up feeling extremely lethargic and downcast. What is supposed to be a productive day that I have planned the night before turned into a day that I force myself to get up.
It dawned on me that it’s about to be six years when I left the life I’m used to in order to move to a different country and embrace the unknown. The unknown that I willingly embraced and anticipated for a while. The unknown that I have prayed for a long time.
But little did I know that the prayers that have been answered are also equipped with a challenge that I still bear up to now.
WAITING.
God gave me so many blessings for the past years but why does this particular prayer still go unanswered?
Sign #1: God Impressed A Task Through Prayers or Devotion
“I heard this most gentle whisper from One I never guessed would speak to me.” – Psalm 81:5
Few years back when I stepped on the unknown, God whispered something in my heart. I heard it. I felt it. But I brushed it away because I felt unworthy to do it.
And so I plug along and set it aside while working my way through something I am confident I can do.
“Don’t worry God! I will get to do that someday! Please let me do my way first and when it’s convenient to me, I’ll get to that!”
God allowed me to go my own way.
You see, for the past years, I’ve tried my very best to chase my dreams. I’ve been so focused on it that I was willing to try everything I could and learn all things I can.
I experienced both high and lows but nothing matters as long as I have full control.
Sign #2: God Confirms His Message Through His Word
“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” – John 10:27
I became so confident in my own abilities. Yes, I pray about it and I feel God is always helping me. But there is that still small voice that keeps haunting me that God has a different task assigned for me.
For the past few years I was drawn into something that I took care of like my own baby. I gave all my energy and resources.
I am very close to reaping the fruits of my labor.
Sign #3: God Disrupts Our Plans
“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” – Proverbs 16:9
Then the ball dropped. It all got shattered in a snap. All the hard work I put into the past several years disappeared like a mist in the air.
Why did God allow it to happen? I’ve appealed several times but prayers still go unanswered.
I was hurt. I saw the previous years I have toiled disappeared in front of me. I shed some tears as if I am mourning for something.
Sign # 4: Sense of Peace Despite the Chaos
“For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.” – 1 Corinthians 4:33
But then, there’s a sense of peace.
There’s a clarity.
There’s a lucidness.
God no need to tell me once more. I heard the message this time. I felt it. LOUD and CLEAR. I know it’s time to surrender.
It’s time to allow Him to use me in ways He wants.
It’s frightening but He knows something I do not. I’m fully trusting Him and will always have faith that he knows what’s best for me.
After all, He is my Creator. Let Him lead me to the ways He wants me to go.
Sign # 5: Decision to Act on the Task Ahead
“And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here am I! Send me!”
So God, Here I am! Send me!
Now I understand what Paul meant when he said,
“Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” – 2 Corinthians 12:8
Sign # 6: Recognizing God’s Power and Your Weakness
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” – John 15:5
Truly, it was in my weakest moment that I felt God’s presence stronger than ever. It was in my lowest moments that I have heard His voice loud and clear. It was in my desperate moments that I realized His Power and Sovereignty.
I don’t know what it is that God has called you to do.
Maybe you think it’s ridiculous.
Maybe you think you’re not worthy to do it.
And maybe you pleaded with God to commission someone else.
Sign # 7: Willingness to Do the Task Ahead
“Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.” – 1 Peter 4:10
But what I do know is that He wants you to step out in faith. He wants you to move. He wants you to act on it.
Yes, it can be really scary. Remember that He will never ask you to go alone. He will always be with you.
Listen to that still small voice again and ask yourself:
Where is God telling you to go or maybe stay right now?
What is He telling you to do?
Where is he commissioning you?
What are the talents and gifts He gave you that He wants you to use?
What message does He repeatedly tell you to spread?
Who are the people He wants you to reach out to?
Who are those He would like you to forgive?
In what aspect of your life can you honor Him more?
What is it that you are willing to do, even persecuted for doing it, because of His name?
What is it that you will be proud to do if money is not an issue?
Maybe like me, you’ve heard it a long time but you chose to ignore it.
You don’t have to figure it all out. You don’t have to see the entire picture. You don’t have to know the entire plan.
God will use all our past experiences and failures for the tasks He has for us.
Sign # 8: Submission to God’s Will In Your Life
Remember what He said?
“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” – Isaiah 41:10
But as for me, let His will be done in my life.
“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.”
Thank you for reading. My name is Kaye, and this is my Personal Testimony.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Hi! I’m Kaye, a journal enthusiast. My blog is dedicated to sharing practical tips to help you gain clarity and purpose as you get closer to Jesus. Read along!
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