There are times in life when the path before us is clear.
The trail is well marked and the destination is in view. With a map in our pocket, we feel sure of the next step. Security blossoms and the world feels right as our insides relax.
Confidence comes easier when we know the next step.
Life in the military is set by orders. Jobs and locations are set by the command, and our job is to show up and give our best. You don’t choose your job, and rarely do you get to choose a location.
A year ago my husband retired from twenty-four years of service in the Marine Corps. I am one proud wife!
We are in a season of transition, seeking God’s place for us in this life outside the reach of military orders. It hasn’t been an easy jump. There have been many days where it feels more like a free fall, not knowing where we will land.
This in-between space often shimmers with possibility. But it is also filled with detours and dead-end trails that can be part of the process of waiting on God.
The road marked In-Between.
For reasons that God understands, He allows time to experience transition with all its questions and possibilities. God allows transitions to test our faith and expand our vision. God never tests our faith on a pass/fail basis, as if we must prove to Him the strength of our belief. Times of testing are for our benefit.
Oh yes, there are many lessons that are best revealed in transition, in times of uncertainty that require faith to keep walking.
Walking paths of uncertainty, we have real opportunity to rest in the faithfulness of God. We can trust that He will give us enough for now, or we can struggle and resist the confines of uncertainty.
Too often, I choose the struggle, giving into anxious worry about what’s next.
A year of transitions.
This year, my husband has pressed through a job that was a not a great fit, knowing the uneasy pressure of feeling a square peg in a round hole. Sometimes we have to uncover what we don’t want in order to discover what we truly desire. We’ve experienced the emotional roller coaster of landing that post-retirement job, then realizing the company is downsizing. It’s only a matter of time until they knock on your door.
That knock came recently.
My husband has researched and explored different types of work and ministries, seeking to find that post-retirement sweet spot.
All the while, I have found myself caught in the fallout of 24 years of military moves. It is hard to work up the energy and faith for yet another move or transition.
Oswald Chambers writes about Hebrews 11:8, “Living a life of faith means never knowing where you are being led. But it does mean loving and knowing the One who is leading. It is literally a life of faith, not of understanding and reason—a life of knowing Him who calls us to go.”
Enough for now–verses to remember in times of uncertainty:
“Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us…” Ephesians 3:20
“The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives” Psalm 37:23 NLT.
“The mind of man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps” Proverbs 16:9 NASB.
This is our time to take the next step and let obedience and faith take us all the way.
And that’s enough for now.
What’s your Enough for today?
So glad you're here. I help busy women—gals like you— build healthy habits for living well with biblical wisdom and practical steps to deepen your faith, increase your hope, and thrive in your purpose.
Ginger- I’m always blessed, inspired, and encouraged when I stop by your place. And this. Such truth! “…there are many lessons that are best revealed in transition, in times of uncertainty that require faith to keep walking.” When I look back, I realize that God revealed so much to me in the transition times. Praise God for His work. And btw…I love the pics. Thanks for sharing your heart and your words here.
Thanks so much for stopping by. Hindsight is golden, isn’t it? I am blessed by your encouraging words today.
Hi Ginger,
Oh, how difficult are the times of uncertainty and in-between! And yet, there is so much room for growth – learning to trust God when we can’t see where we’re going and growing closer to Him. “Just do the next thing” has kept me going at times. It reminds me that I don’t have to know what the next 3 things are…I just have to do the one next thing…and then the next thing.
Great post!
Blessings,
Laura
This last year, I think I’ve emptied out an entire room in my house with this “room for growth.” Heehee. You are so right. Thanks so much for your insights. We all face times when we simply need to do the next thing.
I’m glad you stopped by HopeHeartHome this morning and thus, I came by here! “Doing the next thing” most times, is the best thing for any of us to do in any circumstance – you have so much ahead of you that if you didn’t adhere to the next thing, you would easily become overwhelmed and anxious. Rest in Him, He really does have a plan!!!
Yes He does–I’ll amen on that! Thanks for stopping by, and I love the way you point out that trying to know the whole plan would be overwhelming. Blessings.
I love this Ginger… and I am praying for you and your husband! We are in a different kind of transition but it can feel a bit like ‘retirement’ as well – our Only recently moved out and we are empty nesters. We are waiting on God for what is next… this in between is not always a fun place to be, but it is most often where we draw the closest to Him!
I hear ya! Our empty nest days are coming quickly! I appreciate your prayers. It is an adventure to discover what God has in store. Thanks for stopping by today. LOVED your post today!
Ginger,
God gives us all we need to know now — I am living this too! You are a brave woman to withstand all your military moves! (Stopping by from Holley’s link-up today.)
Thanks for stopping by! Blessings to you in all the ways that God is giving you enough for now. Walking by faith will always take us where God is going.
Living a life of faith means so many things, many of them difficult, but, as Chambers tells us, they pave the way to knowing God. Some of my favorite Chambers words are also about Hebrews 11:8. “Have you been asking God what He is going to do? He will never tell you. God does not tell you what He is going to do–He reveals to you who He is.” Knowing him is definitely enough. Thanks for sharing part of your journey and these encouraging words today.
I love the way you shared that God reveals who He is in the midst of all our meanderings. Thanks for stopping by today and have a great weekend!
God uses times of transition to grow us and move us closer to Him. I will be praying for you and your husband during your transition.
Thank you so much,Barbie. Transitions are places of deep growth. Friends like you bring lots of joy on the journey.
Ginger,
I can’t wait to see what God has for the next steps in the adventure and hear what He is doing in the in between times. I know it is going to be exciting and good!
Psalm 37:23-24New Living Translation (NLT)
23 The Lord directs the steps of the godly.
He delights in every detail of their lives.
24 Though they stumble, they will never fall,
for the Lord holds them by the hand.
It is wonderful to know that He is directing your steps, delighting in the details of your life and He has you by the hand…over the rocks, through the creek, up the hill and down the other side…He knows where the path goes, enjoy the journey, look around you, look up at Him, because He has you tightly by that hand and He will not let you stumble as He leads you. Blessings to you and your family!
At the end of the journey, I think we will realize that the most important parts were in the between times. Days of trussing God in the day to day. Thank you for your encouraging words and I am so glad that our paths have crossed. We are so excited to see how God will use your family on your journey!
Blessings to you & thank you.
God has that job waiting for you.
He will lead you as you follow Him.
The times of waiting and uncertainty are so hard. I just want to know what is going to happen!
I can’t wait to hear what God has in store for you 🙂
Can’t tell you how it warms my heart that God raises up cheerleaders on the journey. Thanks so much for cheering me on in such a special way today!
Great words, Ginger. So timely for us.
So glad! Thanks for stopping by today. Be blessed!
Ginger, I really appreciate this post. As I search and ponder which direction to head toward, your words provide a helpful perspective. Thank you for the perfect timing.
I’m glad that when God speaks to one of us, they are often words for many. Yes, this is the precious privilege and the power of sharing the words God speaks into our lives. Praying for God’s direction and encouragement for you!
Praying for you and your family, Ginger. I loved the quote by Oswald Chambers. Have you read Jeff Goins book? Your words made me think of it. Good book. Thanks for sharing with Three Word Wednesday. Blessings. xoxo