Part of the path forward was becoming clearer. It came from a mix of sources. I find that God often does that—He speaks from multiple places, layering what I need to hear from different angles but concerning one theme so I notice it. He’s so good to know I need to be poked often, or I’ll miss Him or forget what He’s showing me.
I think it was in my Bible study, looking up ways evil works—with deceit, fear, worry, hatred, selfishness, oppression, greed. Later, I read a post from an author I deeply appreciate who urged readers who were feeling overwhelmed by all that is wrong to do one thing—at LEAST one thing—we could do that was good. Reach out to someone who needs it, check in on someone who is struggling. Donate to a local cause that is fighting the good fight. Still yesterday, I heard from a lecture one way we can recognize God at work is through noticing where we see His fruit of the Spirit. Do we witness love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control at work? Join Him there.
I had been feeling mired down by the overwhelming tasks that needs to be done for what is right. I was feeling immobilized by the concern over what might be. There in my stuck-ness, God shone His light to show me a step. Do the next right thing. One step at a time, lift up your foot and put it down again in the direction I show you, and never take your eyes off Me. I’m leading you.
I used to walk alongside a mother and a son who came here from a war-torn country and have since become citizens. The dad and other three brothers? Still stuck there despite years (literally, they haven’t seen their family in over 9 years) of forms, appeals, and pleas. I let the busyness of life and other commitments crowd out my time with them. Yesterday, these two came to mind during my mulling. I picked up the phone and texted them. This morning? There is a reply. Their willingness to respond is an act of goodness and grace.
As time, events, and evil happen, may I remember to heed this gentle, necessary, beautiful, often difficult and practical reminder from God. One step at a time, empowered by His Spirit, reflecting His characteristics no matter what happens, move forward with the verses I confessed when I professed my faith before my church at the time when I was 16 years old, Proverbs 3:5-6 (with 7 here too). Here is the Message version, which helps me sometimes when the way I memorized it feels so familiar I forget to see the details of what I know. Maybe it will help you go forward in His path too.
“Trust God from the bottom of your heart;
don’t try to figure out everything on your own.
Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go;
he’s the one who will keep you on track.
Don’t assume that you know it all.
Run to God! Run from evil!”
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