Have you ever been so close to something you could see it, but you still couldn’t reach it?
The Hotel I Could See but Couldn’t Reach
Years ago, on a trip to Denver, I went shopping at an outlet mall and lost track of time. By the time I climbed back into my rental car, the sun was setting. I could see my hotel in the distance, so I assumed I would be back in my room in no time. The more I drove, though, the more I realized I was going in circles. The hotel stayed in view, yet the off-ramp kept slipping past me. After about 30 minutes of frustration, I finally pulled off at the next exit, walked into a convenience store, and asked for directions. Ten minutes later, I parked my car. The directions had been available the whole time. I just needed to stop circling long enough to ask.
The Circles We Drive Around Our Calling
So many faithful women are driving those same circles today, except they are circling something far more important than a hotel. They are circling their God-given calling. They can sense it. They can almost see it. And the temptation is to keep driving, keep researching, keep striving, trying to map out the whole route to their purpose all on their own.
Your Own Understanding Was Never Built for This
Here is the gentle truth I want to offer you. Trying to discover God’s plan on your own will not give you the clarity you are searching for. Our own understanding was never built to chart the full course of God’s plan. Proverbs 16:9 (NIV) says, “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” We can plan all day long, but the Lord is the one who establishes the steps that actually move us forward. Our part is to hold our plans loosely and let Him direct each one.
When we insist on figuring it all out ourselves, we end up working with a very small map. Romans 11:33 (NIV) reminds us how deep God’s wisdom really runs. “Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!” We are trying to trace out a path Scripture says we cannot fully trace, reading a map that shows the next block while God holds the satellite view of the entire journey.
Real Clarity Comes from God Himself
So how does real clarity come? It comes from the God who designed your calling in the first place, and He loves to be asked. James 1:5 (NIV) tells us, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” He gives generously, and He never makes you feel foolish for needing direction.
Clarity Is Found in His Presence
Here is something else worth knowing about how God gives clarity. He shares it with everyone who draws near to Him rather than with those who try to crack it from a distance. Psalm 25:14 (NIV) puts it beautifully. “The Lord confides in those who fear him; he makes his covenant known to them.” The Lord confides, and He makes His ways known to those who stay close to Him. So much of the clarity we chase was never meant to be figured out from arm’s length. It is meant to be received through nearness, in His presence, in His Word, in honest and unhurried prayer. Psalm 32:8 (NIV) carries the same heart. “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.” The closer you walk with Him, the clearer the way becomes.
Take the Next Exit
So, stop circling, friend. Take the next exit, walk into His presence, and ask Him for direction, then stay close enough to hear Him share the way. Driving harder on your own was never going to produce the clarity you want. It comes instead from the God who already knows the way and delights to lead you there.
