What Now?

Have you ever taken a few moments to look back over your life? Recalling circumstances you've gone through. Hardships you've encountered. Times when you couldn't contain your happiness? Dark days you never thought you'd pull through?

When I look back over all God has brought me through I often find it bittersweet. Moments that I cherish the memories, while others pull up deep wounds of hurt and pain. Even through the bittersweet memories of my past, I can find joy in knowing God was working through it all. Trials that left me with endless questions, I can now look back and see how God was working. As I find my way back to my current circumstances I sometimes grow weary as I look towards the future. I question whether God will continue to direct and provide for my needs. I question what He desires me to do now.

Recently I have found myself in a season of "what now?" Looking at my life I sometimes find myself wondering what my purpose is right now. I want to live for more than the daily mundane routine of working, eating and sleeping. I want more to my life than the earthly satisfactions that I try to fill the void of emptiness within me. I want a long-lasting purpose that will far exceed this life here. I want to do what God has called me to do, even if it is the hard thing and it requires me to step out of my comfort zone.

Sometimes I get anxious when I'm in a stage of waiting. I want to see God working. I want to have certainty regarding what my purpose is. I want to feel used by God. I want to know what I should be doing now. I want to make sure that I'm doing everything that God has called me to do. I get worried that I'm not fulfilling God's purpose for my life. I get discouraged when I feel like I go through a day and I didn't accomplish or fulfill something for my eternal home.

Maybe you are in a current stage of your life and wondering "what now?" Maybe you've just ended a season of your life and you're wondering God's reasoning for ending it and what He is desiring you to do with the next season of your life. It's easy to grow anxious in God's will for our lives, but I believe that as long as we are seeking and praying for God to direct us, we are well on our way to fulfill God's purpose for us. Sometimes when we feel like our life is stagnant and we don't hear or see God working it feels like we aren't fulfilling His will. I believe when we are humbly asking and praying for God's direction we are fulfilling God's will for our life.

Sometimes I begin to doubt that I'm fulfilling God's will for my life when it seems like my life has no impact. I feel like I go through each day trying my best to live for God and show His love to others but I never seem to see Him working and doing amazing things like I do with other's lives. I grow weary and question whether I truly am in God's will if I don't see Him working or using me.

I have to continually remind myself that even though it may seem like this life God has given me often seems invisible and incapable, He is using me in ways I don't often see. If you are willing and seeking to be used by God, He too is using you in amazing ways that you may not even realize. People will see a difference in you even though they may not admit or mention it. We only can see one side of our circumstances, when God is orchestrating every event in our life for something amazing. One day we'll see that there was an intricate and detailed plan all being woven together to create a beautiful creation that God used through our lives. We may not see it yet, but our current circumstances have a deeper value than we often anticipate.

If you're questioning your purpose in your current circumstance and whether or not you are fulfilling God's will, just ask Him to guide you. Seek after Him and pray that He will lead you where He wants you. Pray that He will use you and provide opportunities for you to be a light for Him. God doesn't expect us to lead a world-changing life that impacts millions. That would be amazing, but we all have a unique purpose God has entrusted us with. God created us specifically to touch the people only we could influence. God doesn't expect perfection or a massive revival, He just wants your willingness and a humble heart willing to be used by Him. Give Him your daily circumstances and He will work in the most mundane tasks to strengthen your character and acquire eternal treasure.