You are being prepared for your next season
I went back to the east coast for work and didn't have a car to get around. My dad told me I could use his huge truck and I was skeptical if I would be able to drive his car, safely. Would I even be able to reach the pedals, since I am short? Would I be able to see well the cars on the side of me?
I was so hungry and needed to get groceries for myself and he said it was ok for me to drive it. I was surprised he trusted me with it. I am not a bad driver but he can be very protective over his vehicle lol. He said I would be ok. The need trumped the fear I had driving that massive thing.
A few minutes into the drive it was smooth sailing. I was driving it like I was driving my own vehicle. Little did I know that the prep of driving my newer vehicle was preparing me for this. You may be thinking, Stephanie, what does this have to do with anything... ? Stay with me.
I missed out on getting stuff done earlier because of my fear, but my FATHER knew what I was capable of. He knew the preparations I had, including driving in LA, would be more than enough (since many people over there drive like they are in a Fast & Furious Movie. Little did I know this vehicle had alarm to tell you when you were not in your lane.
Just like my earthly father had trust in me, and knew my capabilities, our Heavenly FATHER does the same. He knows what we are capable of, he knows our limits or when we will act not very intelligently. He accounts for our mistakes, and there is insurance out there for us. god has us protected, he didn't put a plan in your mind without considering everything that was there. He also knows that where you LACK he will provide what you need. The strength, wisdom, and more.
There are situations that you are going through right now that are preparing you for your next stage. maybe you are doing intense studies to prepare to graduate and be in a field that requires a lot of research, or working with children when you were younger will be preparing you for the children's ministry you are called to, maybe you have encountered a lot of tough seasons like me and you are able to give others tools to overcome their struggles.
What are you going through that you can use as a transferable skill? Everything isn't always clear in the beginning. Some high stressful situations aren't to prepare you for the same kinds of trials later, but to show you how to act soundly under pressure. You have to learn to break that into pieces and use it in other areas of you life. If we let the struggles of life consume us, we will drown. We may not feel strong everyday, but that is why it is important to have that connection with God to help you along the way. Also having community that help uplift you is icing on the cake.
You need to remain focused and stay in your lane. Do not get so distracted what people are doing in other lanes. Notice when the alarm on the dashboard (or in your spirit) is going off that what you are doing is not right, make adjustments. See when your fuel is on the halfway tank. Just like a long journey you shouldn't wait to refuel when you are on a 1/4 tank or lower. You never know what lies ahead. You need to be prepared. Your fuel is time with God, reading the Bible, journaling, worship music. etc. I am not perfect at this, but I can tell you how it is when you don't do it. Your battles will knock you to the ground and it'll be so hard to get back up. Let's be better prepared.
Take your break, refuel and continue the journey, because a long one may lie ahead.
A little bit of Bible:
"3 Elijah was afraid[a] and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there, 4 while he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness. He came to a broom bush, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.” 5 Then he lay down under the bush and fell asleep.
All at once an angel touched him and said, “Get up and eat.” 6 He looked around, and there by his head was some bread baked over hot coals, and a jar of water. He ate and drank and then lay down again.
7 The angel of the Lord came back a second time and touched him and said, “Get up and eat, for the journey is too much for you.” 8 So he got up and ate and drank. Strengthened by that food, he traveled forty days and forty nights until he reached Horeb, the mountain of God. 9 There he went into a cave and spent the night."
God will send you people, situations, and wisdom your way. It is up to you to use it wisely.
God can and will use any situation for good. Allow him to work in your life. If you are already feeling stuck or in a tough place, give God the chance to show you how he can change things in your life. I pray that you take this time to make some changes. To not let the fear of a big task God is calling you to to hold you back. To not let the anxious thoughts of your insecurities scream louder than what God has told you.
He's got you.
-Stephanie
