I was sharing some of my story the other day at lunch. I was trying to encourage this person who is starting a coaching/consulting business.
I basically said that if it is God’s plan it will unfold. At least that is how it was for me. I am going on an on about how God just laid out the red carpet for me to quit the business world, go back to school to become a Christian counselor, and then to open doors all the way to today’s coaching and counseling practice.
“It was easy,” I said.
Then I proceeded to describe all the problems I had, stupid things I did, and several stories that I can now re-tell with humor. As I was laying out this “perfectly straight path” that God had provided, it didn’t sound all that straight.
As a matter of fact, if his expression was an indication, it seemed that some of the stories may have seemed a bit harrowing.
But the truth is, to me, the journey I began ten years ago has seemed like a complete God thing. Like it has just worked.
Even when I did something stupid, God showed me a way out or a solution.
Even when I was disappointed in myself or others, when I leaned back into God the season changed.
Even when I was challenged with stuff I didn’t know how to do, and that wasn’t in my personality, He sent His Holy Spirit to lead the way and help me navigate whatever I was going through.
Even when my business was slow, He somehow gave me the impression that it was on purpose, so I would have time to develop this program or volunteer at church.
Many people may feel that starting your own business is the same as birthing a child. They say moms forget the pain after a few months. (I had twins so it took a few years!) Maybe I am just forgetting the pain.
Or maybe what the bible says is true.
Jesus gives us a peace that only comes through HIm. It doesn’t make sense in this world. But if we trust in Him, even our struggles can be filled with joy and purpose.
And ultimately, if we are on His path for our life, He is there to walk through it with us right by our side. Or better yet, His Spirit is leading the way.
It is in this peace, that you know it must be a God thing!
If God ordained it He will provide however, it isn’t easy for all of us we may have long seasons of perseverance or persecution and we have to have a backbone to not give up. Abraham didn’t give up for two decades will we hang in there like him and n0t let go of our God vision? I hope so.
Sue, I have lived the same experience (including the twins!) and I agree with you. While I am not quite sure I would describe the actual process as “easy” for me, the decisions themselves were easy to make. To continue to follow God, despite the disappointments, challenges, and failures, was easy because I just could not see any other way that made sense.
I guess I saw my choice to be between following the God that knew it all or trying to figure out each part of it on my own. I knew each time that He was right there, though sometimes silent, and that He would see me through. I also knew that His way makes much more sense in the very long term…even when it seems illogical.
Thanks for sharing an overview of that experience. Do you have a series of posts describing that journey? If so, I need to find it and do some reading! If not, I would encourage you to do so. I did it on my blog and it has several benefits.
First, the writing of each post brought back memories of God’s faithfulness and gave me strength. Second, it gives people some context through which to view your blog. Finally, others on the same journey right now may find encouragement from it.