Gosh, I find myself confused what seems like more often than not. I think I’m moving in one direction and God (so kindly) closes that door right before my eyes. I pray for God to guide me and then find myself surprised when He kindly does just that. Or when He leaves multiple doors open, asking me to seek Him and decide which one to walk through, knowing He will go with me.
God is not confusing. That is not a character of His. Confusion comes from our tendency to overthink and fear making the wrong choices. When we feel confusion arising, that should indicate an opportunity to sit with the Lord. A God who is clear, kind, and present.
In 2024, I REALLY wanted to host a women’s retreat in September. We had a lot of interest, giving me confidence that launching a September weekend was a good idea. Despite all the interest, we only had about 10 women sign up, which was just not enough to make the numbers work. I called in my prayer warriors and interceded myself for the women who had expressed so much interest. Asking God to guide me in how to be obedient in hosting this particular weekend in the way He would have me. It actually makes me giggle now looking back, despite it actually being quite stressful at the time (ask my husband). I knew God opened the door and I felt an urgency to pray for the women who inquired by name. It was consuming but I felt called. So I prayed and so did a few trusted women around me and this ministry. I ultimately canceled the September retreat with an option to transfer to our November weekend.
That weekend in September ended up being a massive hurricane weekend for the Seaside, Florida, area. A weekend none of us would have been able to travel into town, let alone have a good time together exploring the area. Woah. The funny thing is, a friend had to point that out to me. When the weekend came, I got a text from a friend who had been praying saying, “Wasn’t this weekend the weekend we prayed for?” YEP. It sure was. God’s protection.
I share this story as an example here today because I was so confused. I knew God had asked me to launch this weekend but it just didn’t work. Well, I didn’t think so. Weather does not surprise God. If I would not have said “yes” to launch this September weekend, a few women that signed up and transferred to our November weekend would not have joined us last year. Their stories of personal encounter and encouragement with God are not mine to tell, but let me tell you…God had big plans for these women to be there. Not only did these women end up joining our November weekend because of the September opening/closing, but I was also open-minded to adding new experiences to our retreat weekend to accommodate more women. Something, as another friend lovingly pointed out to me, I would not have been open to if it were not for this whole “ordeal” with the September retreat. That’s a strong word but it suits this story, lol. We added the Chapel at Seaside. A beautiful time of worship and devotional together that was deeply meaningful, along with a few other new things around town.
In short, God knew. He had to take me out and around the bend to get me to a place that was straight ahead. I could not see the three steps straight so God lovingly took me 64 steps (HA - that was fun) out and back to arrive at the same destination. Isn’t it moving when we can trace our steps back and see just how much God loves us? He loves me and our retreat guests too much to let my limited sight withhold what is good. He always makes a way. He always has a plan. He is always eager to use us for our good and His glory.
Because of prayer, willingness to pivot, trust, and godly community, this story that started with a lot of confusion resulted in so much clarity.
God asks us to trust in God’s understanding rather than our own. Proverbs 3:5–6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding." God has a greater perspective than we will ever be able to see this side of heaven. His ways are GOOD and He wastes nothing. In confusion, He invites us to trust Him all the more and believe that He has a pathway forward that will lead to a humbling realization of just how much He loves us.
God, thank you for your goodness. Thank you for the reminder that confusion does not come from you, but it can be a prompt to trust you. I pray this community would actively trust you today in the unknown. Believing that you guide our steps, clear our path, and have what is BEST. Not just what is good but what is best. To God be the glory. We love you. Amen.
- Britt Goff #wheatfulwednesday