Have you ever felt stuck?
Stuck in a job, stuck in living space, stuck in relationship, stuck in a cycle, stuck in a health challenge?
Maybe you’ve been praying for something and you’re wondering, “when am I going to see it”? I’ve been there. More recently than I would like to admit. However, the temptation to be discontent in the “right now” has presented itself a few times over the last month. I feel like I am getting close to what God said, but then circumstances happen and here comes the discouragement.
Today I want to talk to you about how I handle those situations, and what you can do to remain encouraged while you wait. Ps… I want to also help you identify if there are other reasons that are increasing your wait time so you can get to the next place of elevation on time (no delay).
In my recent situation, I was seeking a certain opportunity, and I believe God released me to apply. However, I received multiple rejection letters. I felt stuck; trapped in my current season. The enemy was quick to pounce with, “nobody wants you”.
What did I do? I began to thank God because I always pray that He would close EVERY door that He does not want me to walk through. I praised God through the sadness and discouragement, and before you know it my perspective was back aligned to God’s will.
I am where He wants me to be. I am protected in His will. He is ordering my steps. He has a good plan for me. Not to harm me, but to prosper me. I can trust Him. Those who trust in the Lord will not be ashamed.
What the enemy loves to do is influence your thoughts so he can influence your behavior. In the moment that I felt stuck I wanted to start seeking opportunities that God did not tell me to seek (yikes). That is a one-way ticket out of the will of God which is NEVER good.
I encourage you to ask yourself today, what is driving your decisions and desires? Why do you want what you want? Is it God’s word? Is it Instagram? Is it a friend or family member?
(Ps…. If it’s not God’s word/His will… probably not a good idea…)
Here are a few more questions to help you determine the source of your waiting and what to do about it:
1) Are you living in habitual sin? (this could include sins we don’t think about like bitterness, laziness, gluttony, unforgiveness) If yes, repent and run to the Lord. Ask Him to help you get on the right track. Immerse yourself in the word of God and you won’t believe how fast you see things changes.
2) Do you see patterns of the challenge you are facing in your family? Example, there are multiple people in your family struggling the same way you’re struggling (anxiety attacks, depression, suicidal thoughts, poverty, gluttony, sickness, no marriage, divorce, etc.) If so, ask the Lord what’s the root cause of this cycle. I would also recommend a time of fasting and consecration to help you hear from the Lord. If you want a strategy to break this type of cycle, get my mini e-book today here.
3) Last, but not least… when it’s not time yet. You have a promise from God, but it’s not the season. If this is you, spend more time in prayer and worship. The enemy wants you to get out of position, so you don’t see what God has promised. However, being in the secret place with Jesus helps to keep our hearts in the right place. I would also recommend the following while you wait:
a. Guard your gates (be careful what you watch and listen to. What we see and hear shapes our desires)
b. Guard your heart (be careful what you share and who it’s with; deep discouragement often comes from those close to us. Ask the Lord who you can share with. Someone who will stand with you in prayer.)
c. Guard your mouth (What we say has power. Don’t cancel your prayer time by speaking the opposite in conversation the remainder of the day)
Be encouraged!
#Jesus is the Answer
~Grace
