What do you do when nothing seems to be working in your favor? When God has given you a vision, but there are hinderances coming from this direction, push back coming from that direction.
Or maybe you just need to know what the next step is. You’ve done all you know to do, but you need more guidance, more help, and God appears to be silent, and inactive.
This would feel like a stopping point, wouldn’t it? A point where you could argue that you gave it your all, but the opposition was too great. A point where you could say, I thought I heard from God and He was with me on this, but I guess I was wrong.
But the question I have in response to that is, is giving up on your purpose, your God-given destiny, ever really an option?
I can tell you it isn’t. How do I know? Because I’ve been at this stopping point myself.
I’ve allowed opposition to cause me to stop and question God’s call on my life. Did He really call me? Has he changed His mind? Was I too messed up for Him to use me?
I just stopped. I stopped trying, I stopped seeking progress, I stopped believing my future included what I was working towards.
And the truth is, life went on for me; I simply convinced myself that the path I thought was for me, wasn’t.
But I was wrong.
Because that desire, that deep down belief of what I was supposed to do with my life, it just would not go away.
I had to learn what to do when you don’t know what to do. What the right response is when it feels like the plans, the dream, is not happening.
And after years of trying to stuff the dream down, what I learned is, you keep going anyway.
Keep Yourself Encouraged Through God’s Word
One of the first things you’re going to want to remind yourself of, is that even when God is silent, and you can’t see His movement in your life, that does not mean He is inactive, and that does not mean He isn’t still with you.
Towards the end of Deuteronomy, Moses was preparing to step down as the leader of the Israelites (he was actually getting ready to die), and Joshua was preparing to step up as the new leader.
Joshua was getting ready to step into his purpose; his God-given destiny, and the Lord wanted Him to know that He was with him, every step of the way.
In Deuteronomy 31:8 Moses tells Joshua, 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.
Just as the Lord was with Joshua, so He is with you.
This promise, and many others found in God’s Word, serves as anchors for us during the hard times. Especially in reminding us of God’s character, of His perfect love for us, and why we can be confident placing our trust and hope in Him.
It is His promise to never leave you, nor forsake you.
Reading these promises, meditating on them, and speaking them over your life and your specific circumstances and needs will give you the strength to keep going when you are tempted to quit.
Keep Praying, Believing that God Hears Your Prayers
Sometimes when things are bleak, and you’re feeling very low, confused, and unsure, you may lose heart in praying. You may find yourself questioning, “what’s the point, my prayers don’t seem to be getting answered anyway?”
But I want to challenge you to keep praying.
In the first chapter of first Samuel, we meet Hannah. Hannah was a married woman, who desperately wanted a child, but was unable to conceive. To make matters worse, her husband also had another wife, who did give him children, and she taunted Hannah about her inability to conceive.
Hannah had a desire and probably a strong conviction that she was supposed to be a mom.
But the bible tells us that this scenario of wanting, not receiving, and being taunted, went on year after year. At this point, Hannah could have chosen to stop. To stop asking, to stop believing, to stop hoping.
But 1 Samuel 1:10 tells us that in her deep anguish, Hannah prayed to the LORD, weeping bitterly.
When we find ourselves stuck, in need of guidance and help, sad, and frustrated, we need to keep praying. That is not the time to give up, it is the time to seek God fervently.
In case you aren’t familiar with this part of the Bible, God blessed Hannah with a son. Her prayers were not in vain. Her desire to become a mom was fulfilled.
Like Hannah, we must keep praying and keep going, believing we serve a good God who hears our prayers.
Keep Doing What You Do Know to Do
Even when we’ve hit the point where we feel like we’ve done everything we could possibly do, there’s usually another step we can take.
· Keep Learning. Is there an online course, an in-person course, or a book you can read to help you on your journey? If so, take advantage of these resources, and continue growing your knowledge.
· Keep Reaching Out. Other people’s experiences and knowledge are invaluable. Just by talking to others and being willing to share your hardships, sometimes you will find that they have been right where you are, or in a similar situation; and are able to offer you some of their learned wisdom.
· Keep Tuning In. Is it just me or does it seem like you can find out how to do just about anything, or learn about almost everything through a YouTube video or a Podcast? There is a plethora of information at our disposal every single day. Access it and use it to your benefit.
Joshua and Hannah would have never fulfilled their destiny’s if they had quit in the face of opposition. Instead, even through fear and pain, they leaned into God, through prayer and trust. In the end, they used their lives to do exactly what they were supposed to do.
Joshua led the Israelites into the promised land, and Hannah gave birth to a son who became a Prophet of the Lord.
Remember, your life has purpose, and your destiny matters too. When opposition arises, or you feel like God isn’t with you, resist the urge to quit. Instead, like Joshua and Hannah, lean into God
through prayer and trust. He is still with you. Keep going!
Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has he been like this?”
“From childhood,” he answered. “It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us, and help us.”
“If you can?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” (Mark 9:21 - 23).
Do you believe in Jesus? Do you believe that Jesus is the Son of God, was born into this world through a virgin birth, for the sole purpose of dying for your sins and saving your life for all eternity? Do you believe that Jesus Christ died on the cross, and arose on the third day, ascending to His rightful place in Heaven with The Father; thus, defeating both sin and death?
If you do, continue to trust, and believe Jesus in every area of your life. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8).
If you’re not sure that you do, now is a good time to get to know the One who sacrificed everything for you. The One who sees the beginning and the end and knew that He wanted a relationship with you. You may not be ready at this moment, but when you are, have a conversation with the God who loves you. Invite Him into your life; invite Him into your heart; ask Him to be your God and share with Him all that you believe about Him. He will not turn you away or reject you; He is waiting for you.
Peace be with you, today and always.
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