It often takes lots of experimentation to get something right; and often it is a result of taking initiative and being brave enough to learn through ‘trial and error.’ But most of us worry about the “what if’s” in life. “What if I miss it? What if I miss what God is saying, or His leading?” What if I fail” and mess it all up?”
Some of the best advice I have ever been given is to try lots of different things, especially when you are young. You won’t know if you are good at something, have a natural ability or even are interested or like something, if you never step out, and go on lots of “adventures” so to speak.
As we grow in our relationship with God we discover that is exactly what He wants and even allows us to do. He is often the one giving us a good shove out of our “safe little nest.” He is there with a guiding hand, to redirect or pick us up if necessary. But He wants us to be brave enough to use our faith to go out into the world and live. He wants us to explore, and discover and learn.
When we fail to step out it is often because we are afraid. We fear we will make a wrong move, so sadly we far too often do nothing; constantly waiting for a “sign” from God, or for all the conditions to be perfect. But God has given us a brain, He promises He will teach us and guide us, that He is the one who puts the desires and dreams in our hearts. Then He expects that we will do something with them, that we will use what we have in our hand already. To take a step, and then another, trusting that if we are going the wrong way He will “close” that door and open the right one.
When children are very young, they must be taught, and have help to do most things. But if they are going to be raised as capable adults, they have to at some stage be allowed to put what they know into practice. Only through first-hand experience and lots of practice do people learn what works and what doesn’t.
If children are taught that they need their parents to do everything for them it undermines the relationship with the parent because, whether intentional or not, the child feels like their own parents believe they cannot perform. They never take the initiative to try, and fail to really ever venture out on their own.
We have a loving heavenly Father who promises to teach us all we need to know for life and godliness. He equips us through His Word, through time spent with Him, through relationship with those who are more mature in their relationship with Him, and by the indwelling presence of Holy Spirit. He sends help when we need it, and guides us if we will listen. Then He says, “go and put your faith to work, go and believe for wonderful things to come to pass; put my word to work and see what happens”. “Go on, get out there and live the dreams I have placed in your heart, you can do it!” God wants us to keep stepping out, and trying new things, to learn from our mistakes; to decipher when we are hearing from Him, and when we aren’t. To trust Him to direct our steps and perfect the story He has written for us, that is enmeshed with His grand story and plan.
“Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass” (Psalm 37:4)
It takes time, and there is a process to grow into everything that God has planned us to be. He is the master weaver, and every thread of our lives has a part to play in the overall picture; even the threads where we may feel we have messed up.
Today trust Him to guide you, knowing that He will close and open the right doors. Be bold enough to take the steps to discover those doors and pathways in the first place. God has already gone before you, and promises to be with you every step of the way.
“The LORD directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.” (Psalm 37:23)
“I am the Lord your God, who teaches you to profit, who leads you by the way you should go.” (Isaiah 48:17)
“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye.” (Psalm 32:8)
Prayer: Lord thank you that you guide my steps and promise to redirect me if I go the wrong way. Help me to trust you more, so that I can go out and experience life to the fullest. In Jesus Name Amen.
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