I recently traveled to another state for some training and commuted about an hour every morning and evening. It had been quite some time since I’d had much of a commute. I live in a suburb and when I worked in the city I had a commute every day. While I grew to really dislike the traffic, I did appreciate my quiet time in my car with God every day.
One particular day as I drove to my training site, I particularly enjoyed the quietness of the pre-dawn drive to talk to the Lord. As I drove that morning, I asked the Lord to give me one word for the day, just one word to meditate on and ponder. Immediately I sensed the word “impromptu.” This is not the type of word I would normally think of. I tend to be fairly organized, routine, and structured. That doesn’t tend to lend itself to much spontaneity. As a result of my personality, I wasn’t sure what to make of that word. So I continued to pray. “Lord, what do you want me to know about that word? What do I need to learn?”
In my inner being, it came to me. “Your favorite verse is Jeremiah 29:11, ‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord. ‘Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans for a future and a hope.” Yes, that’s true. That has been what I would consider my life verse for the past twenty years. “And?” I wondered, still not getting in. What I sensed was, “That is your favorite verse, and you really do believe I have a plan for you, which I do. You don’t need to know all the details and steps… Your job now is to trust me. Take it as it comes. Be willing to be led by me without knowing everything in advance.”
Surprisingly, I was comfortable with that. To be honest, it was freeing. I felt free not having to plan every step or for every contingency. For me on that particular day, “impromptu” represented my willingness to finally move without hesitation to, a realization that I could trust God to take the lead. What a beautiful experience that was.
What do you need to trust God about?
Great post! I continually remember that I need to trust God with EVERYTHING. He has, is and always will lead me in the right direction.
Thanks Tandy! What you’ve come to know is KEY. He will never fail us! Trust Him in all things! Trust on!
Interesting word. I find my whole life is like that and I would like more routine. Living with a husband with semi-managed ADHD is exhausting. We have been married 36 years and none of it has been easy, financially or emotionally. At least with his diagnosis almost 12 years ago we had a name for it and a plan of action. It’s been hard work but our faith has kept us together. But for me every day is filled with “What next?”
Sue,
Actually, I think for all of us, the word could be “What next?” But for me, I try to ask “What next, Lord?…What would you have me do next.” Living with a loved one who has any kind of mental or emotional struggle is difficult and if you have never struggled with that issue yourself, it can make it very hard to understand why they do (or don’t do) what they do. For me, I find that if I try to keep my focus on God and not on my circumstances, the days go a little smoother.
I’ll be addressing issues such as ADHD in future blog posts. I hope you’ll find some help there.
I applaud you for doing the “hard work” to keep your relationship together. Continue to hold on to your faith!
Michelle