Anticipating and Trusting

Note from Poppy: This is a guest post from Beth Farley, who wanted to share her thoughts on our Dare to DREAM series.

After reading Poppy’s blog the other day, I just had to jot down my thoughts. She was once again preaching to me. This is what I call my Wishing-and-Wanting-More phase of life. I wish I could make more money and I want to pay all of my bills. Not unrealistic, right? Hummm.I want to write; well, actually I was called to write. I didn’t chose it, but now that I’ve been chosen and have gotten over the fear of rejections, I’m very comfortable with the task of spreading God's words through my hands.

Following His Leading

It was February of 2014 when I took some steps that were NOT in alignment with God’s plan though. I chose to leave a part time job (which allowed me to still write) for a full time position with another company because it promised me a lot of money and better future.Two years ago I was a very sick woman. Within a six month span, I was shuffled from doctor to doctor finally reaching the correct doctor, a kidney specialist. After a biopsy, I was diagnosed with a kidney disease. This drawn out illness/disability drove me to quit my full time job and work part time. Once I was gaining strength and feeling like I could go back into work full time I realized it was my wallet that was dictating to me, not God guiding me. Guess what? I left the part time job and took a very awful full-time job without praying about it. Yes, the money was great but the cussing in the office, the behavior of the staff and the very long hours, caused me fatigue and leg swelling again and it slid me right into being FIRED!! Yes, I stood up to my boss at the time on a Friday and got fired on the returning Monday! Fired! I’m 51 and have never been fired! I’ve never had such an upheaval of emotions. Well, I probably have but not in at least a few months. Isn’t that how it goes with us gals?This was a blessing. I was not in the right place. I was asked to do all sorts of things that were against my principles. I also believe going back to the reason why God allowed this kidney disease with me was to bring me home to write for Him. I just didn’t trust Him enough to fill the financial void and still pray for that fill. But, I am at peace knowing I’m doing His job, not the job that promised me lots of money.I did NOT ask for wisdom as Poppy mentioned.I did NOT anticipate obstacles…as Poppy mentioned.BUTI did learn! My desire is to do what God wants me to do and leave the details to Him. Why can’t I get that straight? I can think it, but applying it is very hard. Been there? He has given me the heart and ability to write. I just have to take the trust to an all-time-new-level.

Focus and Trust

May I add to Poppy’s very God-inspired words that there is nothing in your life more essential than knowing what the Bible says because it’s the revelation of God to you. God reveals His master plan many ways and many doors open and shut along our paths but there is nothing like knowing and applying God’s word. His word doesn’t spell out what vocation you should choose. It doesn’t tell you whom you should marry and how many children you should have. But, even so, if you do what it says, step by step, the plan that God has for your life will begin to unfold in your heart and before your very eyes. I just wrote a blog post about FOCUS.

F=Faith

O=On

C=Christ

U=Under

S=Stress

After all, isn’t it stressful figuring it all out? Well, my friend, we don’t have to. That’s why Jesus went to the cross, took on our sins and our transgressions and gave us His Holy Spirit to guide us.

Proverbs 4:20-23 - My son, give attention to my words; incline your ear to my sayings. Do not letthem depart from your eyes; keep them in the midst of your heart; for they are life to those who find them, and health to all their flesh. Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.

Let's Talk: How do you remind yourself to trust rather than forge forward without asking God first? (If you are an email subscriber and want to comment on the actual post, click here to visit the blog and leave a comment.)

This is a guest post from Beth Farley.

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Poppy Smith

International speaker, multi-published author, Bible teacher, and spiritual coach

Inspiring Women to Thrive! 

Permission to use this article is granted provided the following credit is fully included.

Poppy Smith is funny, warm, and passionate about helping women grow spiritually and personally so they experience the love and power of Christ in life’s ups and downs. A former teaching leader with Bible Study Fellowship, Poppy has a Masters in Spiritual Formation and ministers extensively as a retreat and conference speaker both in the US and around the world. For more information about Poppy’s heart, her books and ministry, please visit her website at www.poppysmith.com.