A Fresh Start for a New Year

Just Enough Light
[A Pass It On devotion]

     Do you ever feel you are in the dark when making an important decision or trying to understand your purpose in life?  As we all know, walking in darkness can sometimes be scary and dangerous.  In the dark, our imagination can go wild as we continue to dwell on the situation.  We can begin to stumble and make bad decisions.  Decisions and steps which could be harmful.   As followers of Christ, we often turn to God, asking for guidance and clarity in a decision.  Many times, we are looking for God to give us a direct and definitive answer.  One with a guarantee of an easy path and happiness at the end.  Though there will be happiness at the end, getting there is not guaranteed to be an easy path.  We are also not guaranteed success as the rest of the world measures success.  While waiting for a “direct and definitive” answer from God that will fall into OUR plans, we forget we should instead be looking for His plan.  How do we look for His plan?  First, we need to ask Him for the wisdom to help us discern His will in the choices we make.  God wants us to be excellent choice makers.  Next, we should ask God for the tools and resources to choose wisely.  Maybe that will be a wise person who will speak honestly with you, accurate data, or a connection that can open a locked door.   God’s plan is not so much about you finding the one and only perfect solution to your decision.  Instead, His primary will is for you to be the person you are.  The person you have become.  Think about your passions and skills.  Think about what breaks your heart.  This is who you are.  Your purpose is to be who you are!  Your purpose is to use 

your passions and skills to honor God by using the tools He gave you to solve a God-sized problem!  The only way someone can solve a God-sized problem is to turn to God for direction, guidance and the necessary tools.   He wants us to trust Him fully and to rely on His guidance. 
     God gives us just enough light in our darkness to reveal the path so we can take the next step.  I like to think the brightness of His light is protecting us from the self-doubt, nay-sayers and obstacles lurking in the darkness that surrounds us.  We don’t have to see the entire path, just the next step.  We only need enough light for clarity and then to get out of God’s way and let Him lead!  But remember, to make progress we must walk!  Maybe small steps at first.  As our trust in Him grows, our steps will become larger.  No, we won’t reach the goal overnight.  We may stumble or fall along the way.  Despite the challenges, keep walking in the light He provides.  God will use you as you are, and with what you already know and have.  When we follow God’s direction, He will bless us with more than we could have ever imagined.  ​