1 Chronicles 16:29 – Give to the Lord the glory due His name; bring an offering, and come before Him. Oh, worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness! (NKJV)

This morning, I stood in front of my patio windows witnessing the sunrise. I was overcome with the sense of God's power, and I felt profoundly privileged as the colours changed and the sun glistened on the snow. For the past three weeks, I have been battling influenza. I would be struck down for a couple of days and then push to get back to normal activities. Last week, I felt my energy levels returning. Then, boom — I was struck by another cycle of symptoms. I asked my doctor, "I am a healthy woman; I eat right; I exercise; I am careful about germs. How can this continue happening?" The doctor replied, "Well, we certainly can't leave you like this." But I thought that I heard a whisper say, "Because you're not listening."

For the past few months, I have been asking earnestly for God's direction in my life. It might help you to know that I have a triple-A personality. I go and go. Attributes like patience, waiting, and being quiet do not come easily to me. Indeed, I was recently surprised when I read that we can hear God speak to us only when we are listening!

So back to my story. After leaving the doctor's office, I stopped for pet food, which was out of stock. I said to the ladies in the office, "Seriously, I am far too sick to go back to get cat food." I asked them to order the food, got into my truck, put the truck in gear, and started to cry. With tears streaming down my face, I said, "Really, God, I'm only one woman. I can't handle all of this."

Through my tears, clear as a bell, I heard Him say, "Lean not on your own understanding."

"What?" Can you believe that I asked God, "What?"

And again, He replied, "Lean not on your own understanding. Trust me."

Proverbs 3:5-6 – Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. (NKJV)

When I read the whole verse, I realized that while I've been asking God for direction, I've been managing my way forward. To do His will, I need to trust Him, let go of any illusions of my own power, and acknowledge Him. (He told me to write this!) Then, He will direct my path.

Are you in a similar situation, asking for God's guidance but really moving in your own direction and leaning on your own understanding?

Prayer: Father, we are sometimes so preoccupied with the routine of life that we lean on our own understanding. Help us to recognize that we are powerless without You. Help us to truly acknowledge Your majesty and power and to trust You with the direction of our lives — whatever that may be. We know, dear Lord, that You are always with us. Amen.

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About the author:

Orlanda Drebit <orlandadrebit@hotmail.com>
Manitou Beach, Saskatchewan, Canada
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