Quit, Move on, or Stay!

When the bank pulled the floor plan from my husband’s business and the reality of our car dealership would come to a complete fold, I didn’t know what would happen to our family, but I trusted God so much I was completely confident He would deliver us and we would keep moving as if nothing happened. I was wrong. God had other plans and because of His plans, life became an adventure but a very rough ride.  Much preparation was needed for the next few years of the “ride of our lives.”

Both of our daughters were attending college in another state and tuition was due. They agreed to continue their jobs on campus and together as a unit, we would seek God’s face about the matter at hand:  Should they quit or stay in college?  This may not be YOUR question, but maybe you are at the crossroads, again, trying to decide what to do about a heart wrenching situation. May I give you some food for thought as you seek God’s face?

It’s funny but also sad at the same time, how people judge trials that others go through, wouldn’t you agree? For my girls to have left college to come home and help us would have been judged by many people. For the girls to stay was judged as well because people believed they shouldn’t have put so much pressure on themselves and us.  It is a family’s choice to do as the Lord leads not as others say.  It’s important to remember that when your family faces criticism from others.

Ps 73:28 But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all thy works.

Ps 118:8 It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.

Pr 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

This blog is written to encourage you to seek God’s face as a family unit.  Who says you have to finish school in four years, anyway?  Sometimes, God has other plans. The key to it all is to go to God in prayer and fasting, seeking His face in the decision.   We need to trust our friends as they face these trials pray for them and consider fasting as well as the Lord leads and keep our opinions to ourselves. Until we have walked in another person's shoes, we cannot know their true deep feelings and concerns.  Am I right? So what are some things to consider when trying to decide just what God desires from us.

1.      Meet together as a family. Discuss it together as much as you are able to discuss. In our own family, we were able to lay everything out on the table, nothing left uncovered. We had to be honest with the girls.

2.      Seek God by listening to what He needs to say about the matter.  After everyone has talked it over and considered the options, turn to His Word and together, discuss it making sure everyone understands. Then, write it down so that you will not forget!

3.      Don’t doubt what He says! Believing is the most important action word for the next few months or few years. You must believe by taking action on His Word. GOD NEVER GOES AGAINST HIS WORD! You will need it when doubt knocks at your door. When you are drained dry, hurting, hungry and heavy hearted, you have to go back to the initial prescription He has given. Trust me. I have walked this road and remember, I am not God and cannot give you the answer. I can, however, encourage you to obey what He says to do. It is crucial because one obedient act leads to another obedient act and then the blessings will begin to flow. Money falling from the sky? Not necessarily!  That would be so easy. No, my friend, God knows what we need. Be ready for the blessing.  The blessing might be another trial in the midst of the worst trial of your life! Trust Him and tell Him you trust Him.

4.      Don’t quit your ministry at church! Matter of fact, get busy doing more.  I’m not talking about being so busy you drift into a state of denial. NO! Just get busy about the Father’s business, and He will take care of your business.

5.      Brag on God! Give Him open praise and allow His name to be lifted up even when others look at you with distaste or with pity. Remember, they don’t know your inner gut like God does. Pray for those who talk about you or criticize the family, knowing that God is our judge and we must walk as Jesus walked.

6.      Look at your options for help and be prepared to move on them IF IT IS OF GOD!  Be careful, hesitant if you please, of creating more problems like borrowing money you cannot pay back. So do what He says! Believe in yourself, or your spouse, and your children. Remember, this is a family decision.

Families who are not in touch with God, daily, cannot expect an answer from God for the family unless a few decisions are made, first.  Maybe it is time for the family to regroup, admit to some blunders, confess faults one to another, then regroup with a clear vision of what God needs through your family.

Relax and know that HE IS GOD! He loves you and He WILL direct your path!

Until next time, Lord willing,

Sharon