Something that I have realized is that life feels like hiking. There are many paths to take and it can get a little confusing trying to find the right way on your own. That’s why we’ve invented the compass. A compass will help you know what direction you should go so that you don’t get lost.

Well, God is our life compass. We tend to forget that. A lot of times we try to figure things out on our own. By using past experiences and logic, we hope to come up with the best plan for our lives. However, without God guiding us, we will get lost.

I, myself, have taken many roads to get to where I am now. There were many wrong turns, detours, and many U-turns along the way. I can only imagine how much easier things would have been if I had just trusted God the first time. But just like most of us, I thought I was right. Now, I can give you examples of my lost travels, but instead, I want to share with you what happens when you trust God and let Him lead you.

“Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance,” – Proverbs 1:5

In one of my previous blogs, I told you guys the journey I went through to become confident. It all started when I was hired at a life insurance company. The process of becoming a licensed insurance agent was hard for me. I went to in-class training and did an online course to become licensed in my state.

The final task needed to be licensed is to take the state license exam. Where I live, the closest test sites are always booked weeks in advance. In my case, I had to wait two weeks before I could take the exam. When I finally did, I failed it by two points. As you can imagine I was both mortified and defeated.

I went home ready to quit. However, when I mentioned this idea to Chad (my husband) he encouraged me to take the test one more time before I gave up altogether. The idea of having to wait another two weeks to take my test made me feel impatient. So, I decided to pray.  

Dear Lord, I don’t want to wait another two weeks for this test. I don’t even know if this is where I am meant to go. If it is your will that I be here, I want to find a test slot for tomorrow. Then I will know that this is where you are leading me.

I then went online to check what availability there was. Loe and behold, all other days were filled except for the day I wanted. I even had the privilege of picking anytime I wanted to take my test. I remember looking up and feeling reassured that God knew what He was doing.

The next day, as I drove to my test, I felt fear and doubt creeping into my mind. I am not the best at taking tests. I can study and prepare all I want, but once the test is in front of me, my mind goes blank. Again, I prayed.

Dear Lord, I am afraid. I don’t know if I read your sign right. Maybe it was what I wanted to hear. I ask that if this is your will, that I pass the test this time. I ask that you help me remember enough to pass.

I can honestly tell you that the test was a blur. As the lady handed me my test results (they give you the test results as soon as you finish), I almost began to cry. I passed…by two points. It wasn’t just that I had passed, but that I was reassured that God was leading me down this path. It was at that moment that I knew there was no denying God’s guidance. If you read my past blogs, you know that it was at this job where not only did I gain confidence in myself, but I learned how to have faith in God.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11

God knows what He’s doing. At times we may not know what He’s doing, but He does. Trust me, I know how hard it is to let go of control. That feeling of not exactly knowing what is going to happen is scary. However, at the same time, when you learn how to have faith in God…it is freeing.

The way I see it is that we will always mess up. When we go at things alone, we always seem to mess things up. On the contrary, God never messes up. His plan and timing are perfect. His knowledge and wisdom are beyond ours.

“All this comes from the Lord Almighty, whose plan is wonderful, whose wisdom is magnificent.” – Isaiah 28:29

In order to get to that point, you must first give your life to Him wholeheartedly and sincerely. Once you do that, God will guide you where you need to go. If you are ever confused and are not sure where to go, pray and be still. A lot of times we miss His plans for us because we become impatient and do things our way. Learn to wait on Him and He will show you the way.

“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me.” –Psalm 28:7