I can’t count how many times I have found myself holding my head in my hands and crying, “I just don’t know what to do!” And when I try to pray about it, I can’t seem to think of what to say. So many times I have opened my Bible to read and walk away scratching my head because I can’t understand what the passages mean or how they relate to my current situation. Sometimes I feel like I am wandering around in a fog, groping for some tangible truth to cling to, a sign so to speak, that will help me find my way. Can you relate? You are not alone. Many people struggle with the same feelings. Even Job cried out,
“Look, I go forward, but He is not there, and backward, but I cannot perceive Him; When He works on the left hand, I cannot behold Him; When He turns to the right hand, I cannot see Him. But He knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold.” (Job 23:8-10)
So many times I feel like God is allowing me to figure things out on my own, but I know this is not true. I know He hasn’t left me, that He is very close, but I can’t see Him or feel Him moving, and I can’t seem to hear what He is speaking to me. I don’t know what decisions I should make or how the events of my day (or life) correlate to what the Lord is trying to accomplish in my heart and faith walk. At these times I pray, “Lord, I’m trusting You in the best way I know how.” And I understand, many times in hindsight, that He knows the path that I take and He is indeed at work in me to refine me and strengthen me and form me into a vessel of honor that He can use. The Lord loves to use our daily struggles and unclear times of our life to teach us more about Himself and His goodness. He sees trials as productive ways to filter out the dross of our life and polish us up for His glory to be revealed in us.
Be encouraged! God knows exactly where you are! He knows what you are going through at this very moment. And He is working to bring out the best in you even when you can’t perceive Him. Just keep praying and trusting and do as Job continued in 23:11-12,
“My foot has held fast to His steps; I have kept His way and not turned aside. I have not departed from the commandment of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my necessary food.”
If you will hold fast to Him, He will be your guide to lead you safely through the foggy moments of your life. If you will obey His commandments and treasure His Word, even fasting and praying during the most difficult times, He will bring you forth from these trials stronger and more beautiful than polished gold. You might not be able to see what He is doing to form you into His image while you are in the fire, but when He is finished you will eventually be the perfect vessel of honor that He designed. Even you will be amazed at the wonder of His creative works that He does in your heart.
Begin to thank the Lord in advance for the good things that He is doing for you behind the scenes. And no matter what you face, know that He is with you and that you do not need to fear the trials that may come. “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for You are with me.” (Psalm 23:4)