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I’ve faced a lot of directionless seasons in my life. You know, those “What on earth am I going to do now?” moments. Pretty much every time I’ve finished school, left a job, or moved, I’ve had no idea what I’m supposed to do next. Or I’ve had some idea, but there haven’t been any visible open doors yet to the things I’ve felt drawn to.
Right now is really no different. I’m almost done with my first year of ministry school, and I’m trying to decide if I should do a second. (Pray for me!) I don’t feel strongly that I should, but I also don’t feel strongly that I shouldn’t. If I don’t continue on, I have no idea what else I will do. I don’t see any other opportunities at the moment that excite me, but I also want to be sure I’m making the right decision no matter what that decision turns out to be. I’m trying not to rush anything, but I feel the pressure of the ticking clock and the tension of the transition.
I’m feeling restless. Ready for something new, but not 100% certain what that something is. Maybe you can relate.
The first time I felt this restless feeling as an adult, I didn’t realize what it was telling me. I didn’t realize what an important indicator it was for my life.
I think it was the book Restless: Because You Were Made for More by Jennie Allen that first clued me into this truth: When you feel restless, it means God is getting you ready for something new.
Maybe you’re bored in a job you’ve held for many years. Maybe you’re a senior who’s ready to graduate. Maybe you’ve lived the same place your whole life but you feel called to go somewhere new. Maybe you’re just tired of the world being on lockdown.
You’re feeling restless because God has something more for you.
This knowledge changed everything for me! I realized any discontentment I’m feeling is just a temporary birth pang; it’s merely indicating my readiness for a new challenge. I don’t have to feel afraid of the future or trapped in my current circumstances; I can be expectant about what’s to come, because restlessness is a sure sign it’s coming. Restlessness is a sign of readiness. And if you’re like me, sometimes you need that restlessness to irritate you enough into making the right decision when it finally stands before you. As Henry Cloud so aptly puts it, “We change our behavior when the pain of staying the same becomes greater than the pain of changing.” If you’re stubborn like I am, you might have to get to that point of pain first, and I’ve found that God’s usually more than willing to push me to that point when necessary. 😉 Let him do what he needs to do and open the right doors. He is always faithful to do so.
So, are you feeling restless? God’s birthing something in your life. You’re probably on edge because you’re on the edge of something new. May it come swiftly and in God’s perfect timing. 🙏🏼❤️