Prayer in God’s direction in your life choices
Christine F. Perry
Bible Reading:
“The steps of a man belong to the Lord. So how can a man understand his own way?” Proverb 20:24 nkjv
Read or listen to the following:
I worked at a fast food restaurant and was studying for a manager test to prove me as a general manager. I grabbed a cup of coffee and opened the first page of my research guide, but I knew this wasn’t what I wanted to do. On the first page, we talked about how to wash our hands properly. I had an overwhelming sense that the Lord had more for me. Know that work is an honorable effort, so there is absolutely no problem with doing it. You should work sincerely for the Lord wherever you are. You can honor the Lord in any profession.
But I believed there was more to do. The problem was that I didn’t know what to do. I prayed and started thinking about what to do. About a week later I felt the Lord had told me, “I am not going to give you a second step until you take the first one.” I knew I had to tell my boss that I didn’t need to spend money to be certified because I was leaving.
It was nervous because there was no reason to leave except to believe that the Lord had something more. He didn’t understand because he wasn’t a follower. But he let me work until I got something. I began to plan to return to my hometown. I thought I would go to school and earn my bachelor’s degree. As I had planned, my pastor’s wife said, “Have you ever prayed for a stay?” I said, “No. If I stay, I’ll need a new job and a place to live.” She said, “Why don’t you pray about it?” I really didn’t want to stay. I was looking forward to going home again. But I prayed for my stay.
With limited breaks, I started packing things in anticipation of my movements. I should reach out to a friend who was in the area to let her know I was leaving. She replied, “Are you supposed to leave? Otherwise I would offer you a job.” After being with this friend, I was offered a place to stay and a job. My prayers were answered. I went home in the summer and returned in the fall. That job has become one of the hardest and best jobs I’ve had. He also provided the training needed to make his future efforts. God knew I needed it. My plan is over, but God did not. He can see the big picture, but we can only see what is right in front of us.
Let’s pray:
Lord, thank you for taking control of our lives. Lord, we make plans, but you decide our steps. Thank you for knowing what’s best for us, even if we don’t understand. Thank you for being patient when things aren’t going as planned and when we feel frustrated. Father, thank you for loving us enough to not only save us, but also to guide us. Thank you for taking care of us as the shepherd flocks him. Thank you for your protection, offering and perfect love. Please trust us. Thank you for being faithful, reliable and true. we love you. We need you. Always thank you for everything you need in every situation. Amen
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Bayram Gürzoğlu
Christine is just a woman who is given the gift of being raised in an incredible family. For reasons unknown to her, God blessed her with a surprising life filled with beautiful friendship, amazing experiences, and love from a totally underserved him. She wants to encourage others and share their hopes as we travel through the highs and lows of life. Christine is the author of How I Found Peace and The Weary Life Traveler, 31 Days of Prayer. For more information about Christine’s work, see her website: Learn to Be Fearless.
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