When You’re Stuck

Guest post by Jill Hart from Christian Work at Home Ministries

Do you ever have times where you feel like you just CAN’T move forward?

I’m in one of those spots.

I *think* I know what the next move is, but it just isn’t right yet.  I have this niggling thought in the back of my mind that I’m doing things just because they make ME look good, rather than truly bring glory to God.

And honestly… I DON’T want that.

So, I’m trying to determine if it’s ME that’s in the way… or if it is God telling me to wait.

Are you tracking with me?

Ever been there?

Naturally, the next question we ask when we’re stuck in a spot like this is, “How in the world do we figure out if it’s God … or me … holding up the “not quite yet” sign?”

Well, here are the steps I’m learning to take to discern God’s will:

1. ASK – Because we know Christ, we have a direct line to God through prayer. What a privilege that we can go straight to Him with our requests! And don’t be afraid to be specific when you pray.

So often we pray boring, general prayers out of fear that God won’t answer or somehow can’t handle our requests.

Sisters.. pray BIG! Ask God to show you specifically what He has for you.  Now, He may not answer immediately (but watch out … He might!)… however He WILL answer.

“If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him” (James 1:5).

2. SEEK – God’s primary way of directing us is through His Word. So, in order to know Him… we must read the Bible regularly.

We can then filter our questions, desires and decisions through the filter of His Word.

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16)

3. USE A LIFELINE – Remember the television show Who Wants To Be a Millionaire? When they got stuck on a question and couldn’t figure out the answer on their own, one of the lifelines that contestants could choose was phone a friend.

“Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.” (Proverbs 27:6)

The same is true for us. Ask one or two trusted friends for wisdom in whatever area you’re feeling stuck. However, be careful to choose friends that you know will tell you the truth – even if it hurts.  A friend who tells you what they think you want to hear … isn’t much of a friend.

4. CHECK YOUR SPIRIT – When we come to faith in Christ, we receive the Holy Spirit – the Spirit of God who lives within us.

“The Spirit of truth . . . will guide you into all truth” (John 16:13).

It takes practice to learn to listen to the nudges of the Spirit, but as we mature in our faith we can often discern God’s will through the Spirit’s promptings. And if it’s sin that has us stuck in the muck, the Holy Spirit is faithful to reveal that to us… but we must have a teachable, repentant heart.

Above all, we are to do all things for His glory. Not our own.

“He must become greater; I must become less.” (John 3:30)

So friends… while we’re stuck, waiting and working to discern His will, we can still be serving Him faithfully.

In the words of Christian artist John Waller:

I’m waiting

I’m waiting on You, Lord

And I am peaceful

I’m waiting on You, Lord

Though it’s not easy

But faithfully, I will wait

Yes, I will wait

I will serve You while I’m waiting

I will worship while I’m waiting

I will serve You while I’m waiting

I will worship while I’m waiting

I will serve you while I’m waiting

I will worship while I’m waiting on You, Lord

†††

Author Bio:  Jill Hart is the founder of Christian Work at Home Ministries, CWAHM.com. Jill has worked from home since 2000 when she started her own home-based business to assist other Christians who desire to work from home. Jill is co-host of the live internet radio show, The CWAHM Network, as well as the publisher of RadiantLit.com.

She is the co-author of So You Want To Be a Work at Home Mom and a contributing author to 8 other titles.  Jill resides in Nebraska with her husband and their two children.

© 2012 careyscotttalks.com, Jill Hart, and video credit “John Waller – While I’m Waiting”

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