Where are you headed today?
Are your steps hesitant or are they sure and strong?
Are you moving forward or do you feel stuck?
I see a path in sight – simple, straightforward, free from obstruction. Walking forward on this path will be uncomplicated. Go ahead-see where it will lead you!
But where is the path going and are you willing to follow it without an end in sight? As far as you can see there are no barriers and you can make your way easily. It’s a beautiful day and you could walk forever. But do you wonder what is around the bend? Do you have the courage to go forward when you do not know where the path will take you?
Sometimes the path is hard and you need help to take that next step. The trail that was clear, lit by sunlight and easy to traverse a minute ago now is shadowed by clouds, trees and requires a bridge to cross to the next point. God speaks to us through David in Psalm 25:4 – He will show us the way- we just need to ask for help!
Sometimes the passage that we travel requires more than we can manage. Sacrifice, surrender and submission are necessary to continue on our way. My story embraces each one of these and continues to wrap around these three “S’s” each day.
You see my story describes me as a divorced mother of two sons but it doesn’t stop there because two years after the divorce my sons lost their dad and now I became the mom and the dad for two sons who desperately needed their father to guide them during their pivotal high school and college years. Fast forward to a year ago when I lost my job and was led to believe that my value and worth was nonexistent in a job I performed for five years. This led to another job that I was told was my only choice and I could take it or leave!
I sacrificed my marriage, surrendered a job that wasn’t mine to hold onto and submitted to being placed in a new job that was dictated as my only choice. I didn’t understand my path and felt many days that curling up into a ball under the covers was the safe haven I needed. I soon learned that God had other plans for me and it did not involve extended time in bed. God pulled me up out of that bed and taught me that He was my safe haven and He was going to help me through the yuckiness that surrounded me. This is just a brief glimpse into my story, which isn’t by any means finished. The path that I have been on for the last eight years has been unsure, unsettled and only God’s willingness to work with me in my brokenness has shown me a straightforward path.
The three “S’s” are areas that I struggle with everyday. By sacrificing in my daily life, I strive to become closer to God, whose love and grace are my source of strength. By surrendering myself to honoring God in all I do, I yearn to move forward to all God has called me to be. Finally, submitting to God allows me to allow Him to lead me on the path that He laid out for me even before I was born.
As you move forward on your path be encouraged that many are traveling along side you – you are not alone. Hold these words from Psalm 143 close to support you as you stay the course:
“Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.” Psalm 143:10
Finally,
Trust God from the bottom of your heart;
don’t try to figure out everything on your own.
Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go;
he’s the one who will keep you on track.
Don’t assume that you know it all.
Run to God! Run from evil!
Your body will glow with health,
your very bones will vibrate with life!
Honor God with everything you own;
give him the first and the best. Proverbs 3:6 (MSG)
I will be praying for you as you move forward. May God guide us all each day and may our eyes be on Him, the Great Leader, who will show us the level ground we need to follow Him and ultimately find our path of life.
Blessed to be linking with these wonderful women today!
Thank you for sharing your story. I was really encouraged to see your writing and pictures that reflect your important message.
I loved how you said Sometimes the path is hard and you need help to take that next step. The trail that was clear, lit by sunlight and easy to traverse a minute ago now is shadowed by clouds, trees and requires a bridge to cross to the next point. God speaks to us through David in Psalm 25:4 – He will show us the way- we just need to ask for help!
I was in a place in my life were I was injured at work, had to give up my apartment do to income lowering on LNI. I though I have no wear to live. I’m thinking I’m going to be homeless. However God created a brig for me to cross. I can say in every storm in life God has provided a way. We just need to ask. God spoke to me and made a away for me. Thank you for the reminder of how God will always build a Bridge if we ask him, really on him, Waite for his timing and trust him.
I know I constantly need reminders that God is who He says He is and His promises are true. I let the world get in my way many times. Thank you for stopping by and I pray that we all feel the constancy of God’s love as we walk through each day.
I have been on this dark path for a long while and still only have glimpses of what it means to surrender myself to Him! Your story, your pain, your walk down this path is helping me to understand that I don’t walk alone, nor do I need to know “how” to do it. Thank you, Mary!
I know your pain and God knows too. All He asks is that we trust Him and turn to Him for all we need. It sounds easy but it is not! I pray for you everyday, my friend, and know that you are loved!
I love how you have embraced the three “S’s” to get through each day. A great reminder that by sacrificing, surrendering, and submitting to God, He will show us the way for us to keep #MovingForward. Powerful blog! Thank you!
Thank you for stopping by today and for your kind words. I love how God gives us just what we need, when we need it. Blessings!
We each have a story to tell and a path that God has for us to take. Your story is so encouraging! Sometimes we need to go through difficult and dark times, but He pulls us through, if we seek His path and Way!! Thanks for sharing.
Ann @ Christ in the Clouds
http://christintheclouds.blogspot.com/
Seeking God in all we do is the way but God never promised us that it would be easy. Thank you for stopping by. Blessings!
Thanks for sharing this very vulnerable story from your past that has made you into the beautiful, caring and wise woman that you are today, Mary. I’m walking that dark path and taking your suggestions here with commitment. I’m trying desperately to surrender each moment of my current journey to God and so far He’s been so good to me, so faithful. But I see that the worst part of my path is yet to come. So I’ll hold on tight to Him and thank you for your open heart toward us and full devotion to Him.
I’m praying for you friend as you begin a journey of so many unknowns. Hold on tight to Jesus and His truths. Blessings!