Originally published Wednesday, 07 April 2021.
The lie from the enemy of your soul is that you cannot go on. Maybe he’s telling you that no one really cares about you or your pain. Maybe he’s telling you that no one wants you around. As you battle the challenges we can often face in life, confusion can rise up. The lies become believable. The sense of wondering if you can go on or how to make the right decisions sometimes seems just a little too hard. That is why we want to offer you some help if you are currently struggling to find clarity in your life. If you are currently wondering if there is more to life or struggling to find fulfillment in the day-to-day, then read on. God is not the author of confusion, and we stand with you to find clarity in your life as you seek Him. Here are a few things we want you to remember:
1. God Does Not Change His Mind
Romans 11:29 “For God’s gifts and His call can never be withdrawn.”
If God called you, He certainly did not change His mind. Whatever He told you to do before (as a young child, as a younger adult, or maybe a few years ago) is still the assignment until you get a new assignment. You have not strayed too far from God’s love or His call. He has NOT forgotten about you. He can still use you, despite your past or even current circumstances, so cling to the knowledge of what He has already told you to do. Remember the gifts you used in the past, do those things again. Those are the things He has created for you to do. Maybe you are a fantastic artist, cook, singer or storyteller….use those things! They are still a part of your calling, even if you are facing many difficult challenges right now.
So, what happens if you have never heard God’s instruction, or maybe you are just not sure if you ever truly heard from God?
2. Do Not Copy the World
This is where the confusion comes in. We sometimes struggle to know God’s will or to be certain if He is truly the one that told us to do this or that, so listen to what Romans 12:2 says:
“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of the world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then, you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good, pleasing, and perfect.”
In order to know God’s will, we must not copy the behaviors of this world. What are you doing that looks like everyone around you, but does not look like God? What are you doing to live a life that is set apart from the world? You must learn to let God transform you into a new person. God begins to speak to those who are willing to listen. He whispers a thought, a direction, into your spirit, and it moves you to action. We can begin to hear when we get quiet, shut out the noise of our world, and truly seek Him. What is God doing to transform you right now?
3. Walk in Your Gifting
Clarity comes when we do what we are created to do. Peace comes. The reason we struggle to feel truly fulfilled is because we are not walking in our gifting. Check this out:
“In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So, if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness, do it gladly”. Romans 12: 6-8
What has God gifted you to do? How can you change the world around you using those gifts? A sense of purpose, clarity, and fulfillment comes when we walk out our gifts.
4. Keep Praying and Be Patient
Romans 12:12 says, “Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying.”
When hardships come, and they will, we are to remain patient and assured that God is in control. We do not have to question if He is working on our behalf or whether He has forgotten about us. He is faithful.
5. Look Around to See Who You Can Help
Romans 12:13 says, “When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.”
My aunt is in her 80s and is losing her mind. She is one of the dearest Christian women I have ever known. She is one of my best friends and has been my mother. She has been diagnosed with cancer twice and felt her life was over. he was always baking cakes for Sunday school class members, teaching Sunday school, knitting a blanket, but now she has gotten too frail. But then….someone called with her internet service about something, and she prayed for them. She helped someone. She can pray. She can talk and encourage. Can God find you helping another even when you are struggling?
Photo Credit: ©Unsplash/Tiago Bandeira
Jennifer Maggio is a national voice for single mothers and hurting women. Her personal story has been featured in hundreds of media venues including The New York Times, Daystar Television, The 700 Club, and many others. She is CEO/Founder of The Life of a Single Mom Ministries, a national nonprofit that works with churches to develop single mom’s programs and currently serves more than 1,500 churches.
The Life of a Single Mom has served 406,000 single mothers over the last decade and counting. Maggio is an author of several books, including The Church and the Single Mom. For more information, visit www.jennifermaggio.com.
Jennifer Maggio is a mom to three, wife to Jeff, and founder of the national nonprofit, The Life of a Single Mom Ministries. She is author to four books, including The Church and the Single Mom. She was named one of the Top 10 Most Influential People in America by Dr. John Maxwell in 2017 and 2015 and has appeared in hundreds of media venues, including The New York Times, Family Talk Radio with Dr. James Dobson, Joni and Friends, and many others.
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