Friday, October 28, 2011

Reason #22 - He Directs My Steps

The Lord directs my steps, and how thankful I am for that! "The mind of a man plans his ways, but the Lord directs His steps." ~Proverbs 16:9~

So often, I don't understand why things happen the way they do. This past week, I was desperately trying to find a way to attend a photography workshop in San Antonio that I so wanted to be able to participate in. I'm a dreamer, and I never run out of new things to pursue, and new places to go, and new people to see! :) My poor sister and parents just roll their eyes at me.

But I was so hopeful that the answer would be yes and that I could go!



My dad gave me his final answer a couple days ago. It was "no."

He had good reasons. But of course I was disappointed. Of course I felt let down. And of course I let myself ask God the question we all ask Him way more often than we should.

Why?

I didn't understand then, but I knew that I had two choices. I could pout, or I could trust. I could become angry, or I could be grateful. I could focus on my disappointment, or I could give a sacrifice of praise.

Sitting here today in front of my computer, suddenly and without explanation, I understood. All last week, my mind was focused on the workshop, and the new possibilities that might open up from what I learned. I was totally wrapped up in a new pursuit.

I believe that at this point, God didn't want me to have a new pursuit, or a new dream, or a new passion. I believe He knew that if I followed through and went to San Antonio, perhaps my focus would have shifted to these new opportunities, and I would have become distracted. Is photography wrong? Not at all, and my dad thinks that it will definitely be a future pursuit for me. It simply wasn't the right timing. Photography - or music - or even ministry - can only be a good thing if it doesn't become the main thing.

This is so new for me - this desire to live my life wholly for Him. This desire to have a burning passion to know Him more. And I am realizing with a thrill that He wants me to love Him. He is jealous for my love. And He doesn't want to let anything stand in the way of that.

He is guiding me - gently but firmly - down the path of His best.



I love my Lord, because He directs my steps.