ElizabethFeeling lost can come in waves. Some days you feel at peace knowing that eventually everything will come together. Other days, depression can set in making you feel that you will be wandering forever.
I know exactly how these waves feel. They hurt and they’re exhausting.
When I was still an undecided college student, the future seemed so bleak, like I would never discover who I am meant to be. Even now, while I have finally declared a major and have some sense of direction in my life, I am still at a loss for what I want to do for a future career. Situations like these just feel so hopeless.
However, this sense of hopelessness no longer depresses me like it used to, but instead it excites me. It excites me because I have found that when I am most hopeless is when God decides to speak the loudest.
I wanted to share one of my favorite God moments that happened to me during my fall semester at Liberty University that I personally I believe helped me out of my helplessness and allowed me to reach where I am now…
. . .
At my school, every Wednesday evening students have the opportunity to attend what is called Campus Community where they can listen to a guest speaker teach a lesson in the current study. The Fall 2022 study was called “Odd Faith” and it entails learning why we should celebrate that our faith in Christ is odd and how we can use that to gain souls for the Kingdom.
On one particular evening, the speaker was talking about how Christians are expected to be disciples of Christ by being obedient to His word. As I sat listening, I started thinking: “God, I’m doing everything I’m supposed to do. I’m praying, I’m seeking, I’m using my time wisely. I’m being super obedient! Why won’t you tell me what I’m supposed to do with my life? Why are you making me wander??”
Before long, Campus Community was over and the audience was dismissed. Instead of being invigorated by the message, I was feeling completely overwhelmed as those questions were still swimming around in my mind.
As I tried to distract myself from my stress and talk with some of the girls in my dorm, one of my good friends turned to me out of the blue and said some magical words to me: “Elizabeth, I feel like I need to pray for you. Is there anything you need prayer for?”
Never in my life had someone said this to me and I was caught completely off guard. After I gained my composure, I smiled and told her how overwhelmed I was feeling about trying to discover my passion and purpose. Without question, right then and there, she put her hand on my shoulder and prayed for me. Prayed that God would not only guide and direct me but that He would also see how hard I am working to please Him and that He would honor my obedience. After she said “amen” the tears could not be stopped from flowing. God’s love and provision was shown to me in such a beautiful way that day and it felt like the biggest, warmest hug a person could possibly recieve.
She had no idea how overwhelmed I was feeling. She had no idea how hard I had been trying with no payoff. And yet, she prayed for me as if she had been alongside my journey the whole time. I wholeheartedly believe that her prayer was instrumental in helping me find some direction in life and I am so thankful that she followed the prompting of the Holy Spirit.
This experience told me three things:
- God hears our pleas and He always provides the help that we need. He sent me the encouragement He knew I needed in the exact moment that I needed it most. He has not turned a blind eye to my situation and He most certainly has not to yours.
- It is super important to obey the Holy Spirits promptings. When you feel a tug on your heart to talk to someone, to pray for someone, or to go somewhere, obey that prompting! God moves mountains through the workings of the Holy Spirit.
- God places you where you are meant to be, when you are meant to be. I was supposed to be at Liberty University, listening to Campus Community, sitting next to my friend on that exact day in order to hear the exact word that I needed. Rest in the fact that God has you where He needs you.
I wanted to tell this story because I know there are a lot of people out there that need affirmation. They need that word from the Lord that tells them, “Hey, you’re where I want you. Don’t stress. It’s all coming in due time.” I want to encourage you to keep praying, to be patient, and to keep your eyes on the Lord. If you need signals from Him then pray for them! If you are having a hard time keeping your faith, then pray for God to help your unbelief!
He WILL give you all you need to live a life of godliness. That much He promises.
His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.
2 Peter 1:3
