In the early 90’s there was a movie called L.A. Story. Steve Martin played this man who was trying to find love and somehow had a “talking billboard” that helped guide him along the way.
I haven’t ever forgotten that movie, not because it was filled with amazing acting or special effects….no I can relate to wanting to have a message spelled out to me, in BIG letters, an unmistakable message from God.
Really how easy would that make life?!
Driving down the road in prayer time and asking God for direction….then you pass one of those large electronic billboards and your answer appears.
Talk about a burning bush kind of moment! How could I argue God’s direction if it were plastered on a billboard just for me?!
As I thought about that again tonight I realized that while that scenario might seem like it would be perfect….where does that put me in my relationship with God?
What happens to faith and trust when we are just looking for answers and being unwilling to move forward until we find them?
I am realizing that those times when I have faced the unknown, the times that I have to trust God’s love and provision for me and my family even when I can’t see or feel it right at that moment, are the times that I am closest to God.
It is those desperate moments, those intimate moments, those on my knees grateful and shaking my head in unbelief moments, that bring me to the feet of my Savior.
I can look back at all the times I cried out to God and said “Why won’t you just tell me already what Your plan is God?”….and while I didn’t get my answer plastered across a billboard, I found myself clinging to a glimmer of hope. Hope that He would make sense of it for me some day.
Time and time again God has taken the darkest most unredeemable moments of my life and transformed them. (<==== Click to Tweet)
If He had just flashed an answer that “it will be ok, don’t worry”….would I have missed the beauty that resulted?
I miss it all the time….His grace. I forget how much we have been through, how much we have changed and all the things we have to be grateful for.
There are still times of doubt. I am human and I have a huge problem with trust and fear. I have spent years waiting for the “other shoe to drop”.
Do you live in that place as well friend?
Just waiting for the next bad thing to happen, another disappointment or let down. Maybe it is a rejection letter, or another missed promotion. A job opportunity you were certain would be yours only to find that it was given to someone less qualified. You question the dreams you thought you would be chasing by now and wonder if maybe you are too old to dream big.
While an electronic billboard sign might be the easy way out…..I think that ultimately the journey to the discovery of all that God has planned for you would be so much less sweet.
When I start looking for who God is in His Word I start to find all the answers that I need. I start to see how parts of Naomi’s story, or Ruth’s are much like my own. I am encouraged by John and find myself relating to Thomas.
God used people, broken just like I am, to be an example for me today.
What if part of His plan for me is that someday, in the future, my words might be used to do the same for someone else?
Talk about God-sized dreaming!
So I carry on….we are called to be a light here, to share His good news with the world. I don’t do it perfectly and time and time again I find myself in doubt over His plan. But we must keep walking forward in faith.
The route may change, but it doesn’t mean that it is wrong. So today I am enjoying the journey and wow is it amazing!
I have the joy of linking up with my God-sized Dream sisters today…will you join us here?!
Photo Credit: jbcurio
Kristin,
Once again your words are so powerful! Encouraging and thoughtful. Love this: “When I start looking for who God is in His Word I start to find all the answers that I need.” You get right to the heart of what I’m feeling. Love your posts as always!
Oh thank you friend…so blessed by your words!
I feel as thought I’ve been filled with doubts and questions lately. I believe, but help me with my unbelief. And yes, I believe God uses that to draw us closer to Him. You have really spoken to my weary heart here with your message today. THANK YOU.
Beth I am so sorry that you have been struggling! I am praying for you – just know that you are not alone in any of this!! {{HUGS}}
Oh yes, how many times have I cried for a sign..something..to show me I was on the right path. And you’re so right, in those moments of uncertainty and despair are the very moments I felt closer to God than ever. While I don’t want to live in despair, I do want to be aware of my need for God every day. We live in such a privileged country and it’s easy to become self reliant and think we don’t need God for anything. But, oh how much we do!! (can you tell I’ve been reading Kisses from Katie?).
Beautiful post, Kristin!! Love your heart!
Kisses from Katie wrecked me…ugh. So good but so challenging and something that I struggle with a little…the giving up of control and trusting God in everything!
I so agree…we can really miss out on God’s grace as we look for answers and miss the blessings along the way. Thanks for joining in the LinkUp today!
Thank you Elise!! 🙂
How true! We must walk in faith no matter how scary or imperfect it may seem to us at the time. I am learning that the more I lean on Him, the more He holds me up and guides me. It is such an awesome and freeing feeling! Thank you for your beautiful reminder♡
Thank you fellow Kristin with an (in) 🙂 I write for myself and these reminders that I need as much as anyone who stops here! Yes we need to lean into Him all the time!
Beautifully said. My daughter Elliana’s middle name is Grace as she is such a reminder of His grace in our lives. So undeserved, and such a blessing.
Thank you Vanessa – and I LOVE your daughter’s name!! Beautiful!
Oh Kristin how true this is!! How many times have I said I just wish God would put the answer on a billboard (although I add ‘in neon lights’ because I REALLY want to see it LOL). But this is the line that pulled me up short because I’m not sure I ever thought about things this way – “What happens to faith and trust when we are just looking for answers and being unwilling to move forward until we find them?” In a year when my word is ‘trust’ and in a season where I’m clinging to glimmers of hope, these words spoke such truth. I agree with you in this as well – “I am realizing that those times when I have faced the unknown, the times that I have to trust God’s love and provision for me and my family even when I can see or feel it right at that moment, are the times that I am closest to God.” Really needed to read this today as a reminder!!
Oh Toni – I hear you on the neon lights!! So glad that you stopped and left me such an encouragement through your words as well!! Blessings!