By Nancy Virden (c)2020

Self-doubt interrupts our ability to process, leaving us stranded in a place of pain, the valley of indecision. We want to know the best next step, yet our prayers are mixed with fear and negative what-ifs.

Step 2: Get wisdom by knowing God’s will.

Sam enjoys the pace of factory work. He is good with his hands and feels a sense of pride in a day’s accomplishments. He holds no student debt, can leave his job at the factory, and is fully present
for his family in the evenings. Sam would be miserable managing the factory. After dealing with contractors and payroll and customers all day, he would return home uptight, business school loans still due.

If Sam is offered the management position for more pay, what would you recommend? It depends on your priorities what you might advise; it is up to Sam’s priorities what he will choose. Knowing God’s will is not so difficult. God is not the author of confusion. Most of the time, he speaks through the obvious, and we can over-spiritualize things to the point they make no sense.

God made you and me with innate talents and gifts. He placed us in cultures among people who will help develop our likes and dislikes. Assuming we are not choosing to sin, we can make life choices
based on what suits our unique qualities best. Of course, God grows us within the challenging features of his calling. It is exciting to learn something new!

He has already revealed his will for us anyway. Comparing our options to his known will makes for simpler decision-making. If our choices and His known will do not match, we need to change.

Firstly, we must have faith in God and in His Son, Jesus. Without faith, it is impossible to please God because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him (Hebrews 11:6).

Secondly, with the help of the Holy Spirit whom God gives to us when we turn to Jesus, we are to work on transformation, becoming more loving, kind, joyful, peaceful, patient, good, self-controlled, faithful, and gentle as our years progress (Galatians 5:22). Transformation is a lifelong process. We become more obedient to the Father, and willing to suffer for the truth (2 Peter 1:5-9).

Thirdly, we are told to focus on the spiritual kingdom of Jesus (Matthew 6:28-34).

Sam can do all these things and remain a factory worker, while many who are distracted by earthly prizes may lose the entire race.
-COMMENTS WELCOME

Today’s Helpful Word

Prayer: Psalm 119:65-66

Do good to your servant according to your word, Lord. Teach me knowledge and good judgment, for I trust your commands. Before I was afflicted, I went astray, but now I obey your word.

If you are feeling suicidal, or concerned about someone who is, in the U.S. call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988, or for a list of international suicide hotlines, go here.

If you are suicidal with a plan, immediately call 911 in the U.S. or go to your nearest emergency room. In the EU call 112. (For other international emergency numbers, go here ). Hope and help are yours!

Always the Fight Ministries (ATFM) has been displaying compassion for those fighting mental illness, addiction, or abuse since 2012. Nancy is the founder and voice of ATFM and openly shares her emotional resurrection from despair. NOTE: Nancy is not a doctor or a mental health professional, and speaks only from personal experience and observations. In no way is this website intended to substitute for professional mental or behavioral health care.

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