Pivot or Persevere?

A Faith-Based Framework for Your Next Big Decision

When I was processing through what I wanted to write, I was coming from a place of: “what would someone WANT to read?” Then and there and I paused, and asked God what He wants me to say, to help myself process through this, and that whomever this reaches, may it be fruitful to them. 

So here we are. And really I think reflecting on this moment is the very essence of my season right now and there’s more to that coming in a future post. But today,  I want to process another part of this that I have personally found myself actively working through. 

We live in a time where everyone is making haste of every moment, and therefore clouding their judgment, or worse, constantly feeling “left behind.” Constantly feeling like you have to seek or chase “the next big thing”  rather than remaining faithful or patient with where you are(calling myself out here). 

Now don’t get me wrong… there is something beautiful about being excited about what’s to come. I think there is beauty and purpose within it. When you’re looking forward to something , you’re inspired. Something is motivating you and well, you’re looking forward to something…but the problem lies where you start to desire the next step so badly, that you fail to learn the lesson in the place that you’re currently navigating. You fail to learn what the lesson is in the moment that you’re currently in. 

Our life is derived from several moments, several moments that become memories, or in this case, they become stepping stones that will mold you and ultimately, the goal would be to become what it is or who it is you were created to be. Now, a caveat to that would be to remember that you are meant to be here no matter what season.The journey of ‘purpose’ is not a destination, but rather a constant act of becoming — a continual walk and journey that you are on. That being said, it's easy to overlook the current place that you’re in. It’s easy to want to look ahead and get discouraged.

A few months ago, I was processing these very thoughts, the thoughts of me yearning for the what’s to come, beyond just wondering. I was starting to just become annoyed with where I was. This was a moment I was journaling (this is how the Lord speaks to me)…in this moment I became immediately convicted and the Holy Spirit pressed a message on my heart:

Where am I being disobedient in THIS season, because I’m waiting on the next? 

This was a pivotal moment for me. This was the moment where I finally realized that my aspirations, and desires weren’t always the best thing for me. So I had to zoom out and take a look at where I was and what it was that God was calling me to be diligent about. What I had to take a look at and think differently about. 

Along with this, I also want to share that I don’t always know. I don’t always know when it’s time to move, or when it’s time to stay put. As a matter of fact this is one of my biggest frustrations as a girl that loves the Lord and is just trying to do her best. I sometimes THINK God is telling me one thing and He in fact didn’t say anything of the sort. So if you’re someone who is wondering how you’re supposed to know, I hear you. 

As I write this I have the song “Slower I Go” by SEU worship playing in my headphones, and a particular line in the song always hits me. Where she sings “it seems as though the slower I go, the faster I arrive.”  — I make this connection because I think that this right here is the way to navigate the indecision. Move slowly, remove the haste, sit quietly and ask Him to speak to you. The Lord is not loud or boisterous. He comes as a still, small voice (1 Kings 19:11-13). And on the flip side, if we are moving in haste and constantly drowning in the noise of life we won’t hear Him. To that I add that seeking His presence and spending time in His word, therefore getting to know the heart of the Father, is how we will begin to recognize the call from the Shepard (John 10:27).

I don’t want to harbor too much on that because that’s not what we’re processing here, but it does in fact, coincide. Why? I had to realize that until I learned to hear His voice, I was going to continue living a life where I was prolonging His plan for me, and I was going to continue to be frustrated because I was constantly overwhelmed. 

It’s somewhat trending to hear “God is a girl dad” and that’s cute but there was one particular video I saw of a girl breaking down the way God is with His daughters. Whenever God approaches one of His daughters, he does just that…he approaches them. He comes to them. This touched me. I needed to get serious about seeking my Father’s presence, and getting to know His voice. 

I promise I will land this plane…stay with me. 

To bring this together, we must first learn how to discern the voice of God. We must slow down. Learn to take everything in for where we are. We may have an itch to get in the driver’s seat and floor the gas pedal, but remember that God isn’t in a hurry…you are. 

Sometimes the idea of up and going isn’t the best choice…when it is what God is calling you to do, you will feel the peace that surpasses understanding and you can rest assured. But if you are simply uncertain??? Perhaps this is a nudge to slow your role, and see where God has already been nudging you — chances are He’s already given you your answer but you’ve been moving too fast to realize. 

Don’t confuse the need to slow down, with down right seeking familiarity and a comfort zone. Remember that if and when you are called, not walking in that is now operating in disobedience. 

But also know that God is not a God of chaos. He is a God of order, and of peace. The peace you receive or the lack thereof will be telling to the direction that you’re supposed to take. 

I am in a place where I am navigating so much change that it sometimes feel like I’m going a little stir crazy. This is why I chose to share my thoughts.  As I mentioned, I am processing these feelings in real time and I can only hope and pray this finds who needs to. 

I will leave you with a thought that I had to really get honest about, and that allowed me to shift my direction… you don’t always have to choose “hard.”

You don’t get an extra gold star in life because you choose to take the road less traveled. It’s okay to take the “calm” route, but never neglect the calling He has placed on your heart.