Life Unscripted

Is it just me or does it feel like the room can go from Sahara Desert to Penguin Palace the moment you touch the AC?

It felt so stuffy when I was unpacking one of a million boxes so I simply shifted the temperature down from 74 to 73. One degree. One degree difference and I felt like I needed to run for the box labeled “jackets” and bundle up!

God speaks to us in the most daily and seemingly insignificant moments sometimes. Unpacking boxes from our big move and I change the temperature in the house. BOOM. Major life lesson.

It is so easy for our lives to veer off course. Even being off the slightest degree can throw us completely off from His plan for our lives.

There have been so many instances in our life where we had to step out and trust God, even when we couldn’t see the entire picture. Jobs that just “felt right,” conversations with particular individuals, and conferences to attend even when the Financial Giant laughed at us.

Sometimes you don’t know right away that it’s the will of God. Sometimes God is beckoning us to step out of the boat and meet Him in the deep waters. He has already planned the way for us, but He’s waiting on our faith to reach out and grab His hand, even though the waters are fiercely raging around us.

We have to be so careful though. If we are off a degree, we can totally miss the calling of God in our lives. If we had not been studying in the Word, covering this in prayer and seeking Godly counsel, we could have easily missed it. We were comfortable. Very comfortable. And God decided we needed to change direction.

You see, I made the mistake early on in our marriage thinking I should ask the opinion of others first. Big mistake. It landed me in a place of complete discouragement and confusion. As a couple, we felt led to do something and instead of praying about it, I asked people close to me first. Everyone has an opinion, but their opinion isn’t necessary the will of God for your life. There are times when selfish motives speak louder than God’s still small voice.

It honestly took me about 6 years to learn to seek God first. Please don’t be a stubborn, hard-headed first-born like me. It’s painful and complete with bittersweet tears and many frustrations.

Here are 4 tried and true tips to help you stay on course.

1.) Pray, pray, pray. Always keep the door open in communication with God. He knows your heart’s desire and wants the best for you.

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

“Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4

2.) Stay in the Word of God. It will convict us when we are wrong and will bring hope to our place of despair. It gives direction and brings life back to lifeless situations. Whether it’s a struggle you face, a decision that needs to be made or giant you’re up against, find someone in the bible who has a similar life story and dig your teeth into that passage of scripture. Ask God to help it jump off the pages and come alive for you!

“For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.” Hebrews 4:12

3.) Seek godly counsel. Don’t feel like you need to hear from e.v.e.r.y.o.n.e. around you. The bible says to seek wise counsel when making decisions. However, not everyone can offer wise, godly counsel. Use extreme caution who you allow to counsel you.

“Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” Proverbs 15:22

“The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man is he who listens to counsel.” Proverbs 12:15

4.) Walk by faith. Sometimes we may not be able to see the entire puzzle. Sometimes God simply shows us bits and pieces and leaves the rest up to us. We won’t find the answer to every question we have in the bible, but we will find guided direction for things in general. We must determine whether this particular thing will lead us closer to God or further away from Him.

“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” Hebrews 11:6

“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5:7

Last but not least, we need to ask ourselves – Are we trying to seek the approval of others or trying to please God with this decision?

Galatians 1:10 warns us, “For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.” We can only serve one wholeheartedly. Either God or man. And trust this confession of a lifelong people-pleaser – it’s much easier to walk by faith than it is trying to please people.

God will reward your faithfulness. He always takes care of His own, don’t you fret. Follow The Lord with all of your heart and I promise, He will direct your path and make His way known to you.

But in order to hear Him, we must remember to (1) stay in constant communication in prayer, (2) stay in the Word of God, (3) seek godly counsel and (4) walk by faith.

Be encouraged, my sweet friend! And be careful not to shift your focus. Even being off the slightest degree can throw us completely off from His plan for our lives.

Don’t miss a post! Sign up {free} to get blog posts straight to your email inbox! Please share with a friend if you’ve been encouraged and leave your thoughts below! Love you guys!

Live Life Unscripted,

❤ Brittany