“Father, what do you want me to do?”
He answers.
“But I don’t know how to do that.”
“You trust me; that’s how.”
Then He begins to lay a path by placing only the first stone. “Will you take the first step?”
“Yes, Father.”
“When? Today? …….Tomorrow?………..When?”
Silence
“Okay. I will wait for you.”
“But where will the path lead to?”
“I will not reveal the next stone until you make the first step.”
“But why won’t you just tell me where it ends?”
“If you were to look that far, you could not see. How far you cold see, you would not go. You only need to trust me, take the first step, and follow. If you have faith, it is easier to take one step, than it is to plan for the miles ahead. I am waiting.”
I wrote the above conversation as a description of what happened after I retired from the military. Not knowing what to do next, one day while spending time in prayer, I asked The Lord, “What is it that you would have me to do?” I was learning to surrender to His will (I’m still learning). At the same time, I was learning how to also surrender control of many aspects of life including my marriage. This also fosters unity. Once I decided to let God lead me, what happened next is described above. I realized that God waits for us to move before He moves on our behalf. Many think it’s the other way around, waiting around for him to do something for us before we show Him we’re ready. He revealed my calling, and once I had faith in his leading, I began to follow.
Work is one item to be considered in developing a balanced life. Whether that is a full-time wife/mother, a work from home job, a full-time outside career, or volunteering, work is intrinsically good. God, himself, created work before the fall. He worked at creation, continues to work, and created man to work. Therefore, we should serve God in our work. Many people are dissatisfied with their jobs/careers because of an unhealthy perspective of work, or because it may not be in line with a given purpose. One who is unhappy with a career may unknowingly put pressures on his/her spouse as well. It is not only healthy to work; we also all have a unique assignment in how we are to fulfill our purpose. Therefore, we’re more fulfilled internally when we are doing what God has called us to do. Work should not take over one’s life or allow it to cause problems at home, and spouses should always be consulted to make decisions together and support one another.
What is your attitude towards the work you’re doing? Are you serving God in your daily work? Read all about a Proverbs 31 woman and how diligently she worked. It’s maintaining a balance that is important. What work should you be doing? Is it time for a change? Seek The Lord, be united with your spouse, and remember being ONE does not mean you do not have a purpose of your own. A balanced life will increase fulfillment and possibly relieve some pressure off of the relationship.
It’s been quite intriguing to live this way just taking steps as the next one is revealed. Not knowing what is next, yet knowing I’m being led is somewhat scary, but faith allows me to remain steady. Doing things I never planned, or even wanted, to do but not having a desire to resist, tells me it was meant to be. The assignments are motivating and no matter how hard or long I work, I do not get tired. Your calling isn’t something you ever want to quit. You would do it for free but don’t have to.
What is your calling?
Ask, have faith and follow.
Leslie Cristea
