I was reminded twice this week not to give up too soon.
If you’ve been here for a while, I’ve often talked about lacking patience. Patience, I would say, was one of the weakest areas of my life.
We know what happens when we ask God to lead, right?
He somehow determines how to strengthen us in the areas that we are weakest. The road has not been easy, but now I can confidently say ‘it’s been worth it’.
I went to the salon that I typically get my hair and eyebrows done. The hair person was due to arrive, so I started my eyebrows. I was excited. I hadn’t made an appointment and made sure to get there right before open time. I got started with my eyebrows and while someone else was getting her hair washed, the person doing my eyebrows assured me I could get my hair cut when the lady arrived.
The hair stylist arrived, my eye brows done, I moved over to her chair. Until the lady whose hair was being washed piped up and said she was first and she had an appointment. Ugh!!!!!
I looked at the time, looked at her fully wet hair and was about to leave as I had another appointment I needed to get to. Both the stylist and client said her hair wouldn’t take long. I didn’t fully trust that as I’d been there before and it can take a long time. I decided to wait, and happened to notice the time 10:07. I started scrolling through my emails and responding to those who needed a response. I’d barely gotten through a few items, before I was called at 10:21.
I thought if I’d left, how I would have missed that opportunity for my hair cut. As I have very short hair, my haircut took 15 minutes and had time to spare before my appointment.
Don’t give up too soon was the reminder.
But honestly, that story was just the confirming reason I’m sharing this topic. The bigger breakthrough came earlier this week where after 6 plus years of asking God why I was in a particular situation that God answered. The answer was equally surprising as it was the direction it went in. All along I thought my purpose had been one thing, and God highlighted that there was a work that He had been doing in me – one that is even greater than my lessons of patience.
I think of all the times that I had asked if it was ok to give up, only to be directed that I couldn’t.
And now, I can say with joy and laughter, ‘I’m glad I didn’t give up too soon’.
Friends, there are times when God is taking you on a journey, and sometimes it will not make sense to anyone around you, that’s ok. If you are sure of what God is directing, keep going. Speak with your wise councilors if you need to, but don’t give up until you get the lesson or blessing that God has in store for you!
Dear Heavenly Father, I am so incredibly grateful for the ways you love us and show us. Help us to be true to ourselves, even as we are being true to others. Thank you for the lessons of patience and endurance and we continue to trust you in the work that you are doing in our lives.