Lately my life has been filled with some very challenging seasons. There are times when I plead with God and cry out, “Lord, show me your will!” and hear nothing. In those quiet moments, I long for clarity the way a weary traveler longs for light at the end of a dark road. Then the more I honestly seek to know God’s will, I often feel confused, anxious, and uncertain because the way I go about it at times is selfish and prideful. I have come to realize that my striving often drowns out the still, gentle voice that has been guiding me all along. In a sincere desire to please Him, I sometimes walk in fear that I will make the wrong choice about what direction to go and what to do or not do on a daily basis and end up becoming stagnant and doing nothing at all. It is in that paralysis that I forget God is not only sovereign over outcomes, but also patient with my process. Oftentimes I spin in circles, wondering who He wants me to talk to, how am I going to do this or that, how He wants me to spend the time and money that He entrusted to me as a good steward. Every choice becomes challenging to make because I want to be pleasing to Him and yet I make so many decisions in unbiblical ways – making my choices on signs and wonders or impulse, instead of the word of God or the prompting of the Holy Spirit. Most days, I must remind myself that obedience is often simpler than my fears make it seem. Even then, His grace meets me in my missteps and gently redirects my heart back to truth. I often pray over what is written in *Isaiah 46:9 “Remember [carefully] the former things [which I did] from ages past; For I am God, and there is no one else; I am God, and there is no one like Me, 10 Declaring the end and the result from the beginning, And from ancient times the things which have not [yet] been done, Saying, ‘My purpose will be established, And I will do all that pleases Me and fulfills My purpose,’* In reflecting on these verses, I am reminded that God’s faithfulness is not bound by my understanding or my timeline. There are times that I think that “if” God did that before then He “should” be able to do it now. The truth of God’s word is that “since” He did do it then, He “can” do it now, but whether He chooses to or not, is a totally different question. Trusting Him means surrendering not just the outcome, but also my expectations of how and when He should act. There is a quote by Charles Spurgeon that touches my life deeply, “Thou hast put me in this world for something, Lord; show me what that is, and help me to work out my life-purpose: I cannot do much, but as the widow put in her two mites, which were all her living, so, Lord, I cast my time and eternity too into thy treasury; I am all thine; take me, and enable me to glorify thee now, in all that I say, in all that I do, and with all that I have.” His words echo a surrender I deeply desire to live out daily, not just in thought but in action. My final encouragement, don’t ask God to guide your steps if you are not willing to move your feet. And when you do move, trust that even small steps of faith are seen and bring honor to Him. You may not always feel confident, but obedience is not rooted in feelings—it is rooted in trust and action. There is a quiet strength that grows when you choose to act despite uncertainty, believing that He orders your steps. Even when the path feels unclear, God is not absent; He is present in every moment, shaping and refining you. So take the step, however small it may seem, and trust that He will meet you there. And as you move forward, let your faith be louder than your fear, knowing that every step taken in trust is never wasted. He is already ahead of you, preparing the way and working all things together for your good.

My BeLoved, may the grace and peace of the Lord Jesus, the love of God the Father, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, be with you all. Amen. In Christ Love, douglas. HE>i. pastord.blog

Special Note: I want to thank those who read what I write and are encouraged to support the ministry God has entrusted to me either one time or have decided to give on a monthly basis. I am encouraged to see certain verses playing out before my eyes like what is written in *Philippians 4:16 For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account.*

To any who are interested, please feel free to reach out to me with prayer requests, questions, encouragement, or for information on how to come alongside me with financial support at pastord.blog@gmail.com or I do have a Zelle account associated with my phone number, 5202720387 last name Blaser. Thank you my Beloved for your ongoing prayers and support.