A Compass for Change

New Directions

Several years ago I received a booklet entitled, How to Know The Will of God.

It was written by Adrian Rogers of Love Worth Finding Ministries.

I keep it in my desk and often bring it out to reread it when life becomes confusing. Many times during periods of loss, anxiousness or change it would capture my attention in some strange beckoning way.

God has used this little booklet more times than I can remember to bring me comfort.

One year ago, life was a whirlwind for my family. Our business was no more, my husband was traveling with his new job, a son was recovering from surgery, a brother-in-law in the ICU, and a for sale sign newly planted on our front lawn.

It seemed as though we had been dropped into the Bermuda Triangle and the compass of life was spinning wildly out of control.

We prayed, we wept, we planned and did the very best that we were capable of doing in hopes that all would turn out well.

A year later, I can actually say, “It did turn out well.” But at the moment, I was lost in a vast fog of confusion.

You may be at that very place in your life. What do you do? I can share the principals I have learned in my own trials and suggest you order the booklet mentioned above.

First of all, don’t feel guilty or unspiritual because you simply don’t know the answers.

There is only one who knows everything and that is God. You must submit to what you know is the right thing to do, (prayer, controlling your attitude, (mouth, actions, thoughts), and treating others as God would have you to).

Second, you must realize that focusing to much on what you think will solve your problem can become an idol. What you should be focusing on is God’s grace, mercy, provisions in the past and the promises in His word.

My husband trained for a 5K run. Had he not ran everyday to get in shape, he would have failed quickly. If his focus had been solely on just winning, he would have missed out on the journey to prepare. The journey gave him good habits which he still has. It gave him a routine, taught him commitment, determination, persistence. Had he done all of that just for one title, one race, what everlasting good would it have given him?

Enjoy the relationship you develop with God during times of trouble. The answer will come. But if you miss out on the journey, what true eternal gain did you receive?

Lastly, give yourself and those around you a break.

You don’t have all the answers and those around you don’t either. During times of upheaval, don’t expect unrealistic behaviors from anyone. How we behave is as important as getting answers during the critical times of change. Nerves are rattled. Whining, complaining or bickering will damage your relationships and make decision-making a nightmare. You need to be encouraging, willing to bend, a soul God can use.

God does have a plan for every single life. To find that plan we have to know him. He does love you and feels the pain you go through. Don’t be discouraged if your plans aren’t working out and you feel you’ve been dropped in the middle of the Bermuda Triangle.