Place your trust in the Eternal; rely on Him completely; never depend upon your own ideas and inventions.

~Proverbs 3:5 The Voice

 

“No, I have no desire to move to Florida.”  

I had already planned when I would retire, when I would pay off my home, and what low-stress retirement job I intended to work. But God had other plans.

Six months after this conversation with my daughter, I sat with my coffee on a Saturday morning, overlooking the wooded area in my backyard through the wall windows–a place I went for quiet time and to commune with Jesus. In the serenity of the moment, He told me to move. Not only did He have a word, but He also filled me with excitement about this drastic change. The message was so clear, leaving no doubt.

Everything lined up perfectly for my move. What didn’t line up, at least in my eyes, was my inability to find a job. This didn’t fit with my financial planning and retirement. But once again, God had something else in mind.

During those years of waiting, God needed to build my faith and character. He had me move back to Michigan for two months and help a sick uncle. Shortly after that, he had me move to Ohio for a year, right before the COVID pandemic hit, to stay with my father after my mother passed away. I didn’t want to leave Florida, but the Holy Spirit removed my peace of staying put. Once again, His message was clear.

You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

~Jeremiah 29:13 NIV

Not knowing which direction my life compass pointed caused periodic bouts of anxiety, but instead of dwelling on the unknown, God told me to seek Him with all my heart. I stayed in His Word daily and claimed His promises over my life. And when the enemy attempted to bring me down, which was often, I reminded myself of the miracles God performed in my life. Amid trials, it was easy to forget all the wonders He had accomplished. But the truth is undeniable—there is nothing too great for the Creator of all things.

Is anything too hard for the Lord?

~Genesis 18:14 NKJV

The Israelites had difficulty with this same issue as they wandered in the wilderness. Instead of trusting the God who parted the Red Sea, who provided water from a rock, who fed them daily with manna and meat, and who never let their clothes or sandals wear out, they complained. Despite all the whining, God still provided. But that wasn’t enough. They wanted more. And when things did not go their way, the people were disobedient and turned to false gods. Because of their unfaithfulness, it took them forty years to enter the promised land.

I did not want to prolong God’s lessons like the Israelites with discontentment and complaining. Instead, I trusted His path and looked for divine appointments along the way. In all my struggles, I knew my Lord and Savior was right there beside me.

Would you rather take the direct path, or circle the mountain like the Israelites?

My Heavenly Father, I am thankful that Your ways are not my ways, and Your thoughts are not like my thoughts. You know my life from beginning to end. Help me not to deviate from the path You choose, so that I may reach the destination where blessing upon blessing awaits. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Genre: Non-fiction

Copyright 2022: Course Correction: Irene Wintermyer: All Rights Reserved