Sometimes we find ourselves staring at the winding road before us, incredibly weary and so greatly in need of rest or rescue. Aware that we must push forward and persevere, all we really want is to curl up in bed and pull the sheets over our heads until everything just magically… disappears.
We focus on the obstacles that are keeping us from our plans, but then—by His amazing grace—realize that those obstacles ARE the plan. His plan.
The past year has been so incredibly difficult. The storms of life have taken a toll on our family as we’ve faced one trial after another: illness, death, separation. I soon found myself physically and emotionally drained, pleading with God to calm the seas that tossed me from side to side like a rag doll.
I was so afraid of taking another step because I knew it could lead to yet another devastating blow. Have you been there?
It was during this season that a friend gently spoke a word of truth that rocked me to the core: the only thing I am to fear is the Lord. And as we headed to the Living Proof Live event in Providence, she asked me what it would take to trust God and to walk by faith.
So, I channeled my inner Gideon and threw out the fleece.
I told her that I needed God to speak directly to me about fear and nothing else, feeling pretty confident in the impossibility of that occurrence.
I should’ve known better than to try and paint God into a corner.
Toward the end of the conference, Beth Moore asked the worship team to share what God had put on their hearts. As one of the praise team members approached the microphone, struggling to speak, I was instantly consumed with dread. As he fought back tears and even screamed in frustration, I began to feel nauseous. And then he read:
For this is what the Lord said to me with great power, to keep me from going the way of this people: Do not call everything an alliance these people say is an alliance. Do not fear what they fear; do not be terrified. You are to regard only the Lord of Hosts as holy. Only He should be feared; only He should be held in awe. —Isaiah 8:11-13
When he walked away from the microphone, I just wept. I needed God to speak and now I needed to obey.
I wish I could sit here and tell you that my obedience has led to that allusive season of peace I so desperately desire. The road has been hard and there are nights when I still cry myself to sleep. But, in this walk of faith, I have been reminded of His goodness and of His mission.
He continues to bless me by providing opportunities to share my faith in Jesus with women whose stories are remarkably similar to mine. These aren’t coincidences. They’re glimpses of His sovereignty and reminders that He is in control—that where He places us is intentional, purposeful.
So, for now, when I’m overwhelmed by my circumstances, I remind myself of His truth: When I commit myself to Him and trust Him, He most certainly will act (Psalm 37:5).
Sometimes the obstacles aren’t removed, but, instead, are overcome—whether in this life or in eternity.
Pressing in to Him, I constantly remind myself that in our weakness, He is our strength. And for that, I am so incredibly thankful.
Deirdre Guerrette and her husband, Jamie, are the parents of four children. They live in Biddeford, Maine and are members of Eastpoint Christian Church.
Want to see Beth Moore LIVE? Click here to see if she’ll be coming to a city near you in 2014!