When Your Back Is Against The Wall

When Your Back Is Against The Wall dan skognes motivation blogger speaker teacher trainer coachIf you live long enough, you will face a no win situation. This is where your options are few, and none of the outcomes are favorable. It is a tough situation because if you make the wrong decision it could end up costing you financially, relationally, or even cost you your life. Have I got your attention?  Good.

What do you do when your back is against the wall and you don’t know what to do? I will tell you what I have found that works. It may sound counter-intuitive, and it is.  It may go against how you feel, but I will explain why this makes perfect sense. Here is what I have learned:

  • When you don’t know what to do, hit your knees and pray. If it is a major decision it is a good idea to fast and pray. There is something about fasting that helps focus your thoughts and sharpen your senses.
  • Don’t trust your heart. I have made so many wrong decisions because I trusted my heart. The Bible says the heart is deceitfully wicked, who can know it? Yet…many people seem to make snap decisions with their hearts instead of really thinking through the consequences. Don’t trust your feelings.
  • Listen to that still small voice. You know what I am talking about. It is that voice inside that tells you, “You are making a big mistake. Stop!” Listen to that warning. If you are married, both of you need to be in agreement.  If one of you has a gut-check, don’t do it. You will save yourself a lot of grief if you will not move forward when you hear that voice.
  • Here is the hardest part: wait on God. This is counter-intuitive and goes against everything we see and feel.  But…here is the truth: God’s timing is perfect. He is always on time, but it is in His time. Do you trust Him? If you do, then wait.  If you don’t, then ask Him to give you the faith you need to sustain you through the trials you face. Waiting on God is not passive.  It does not mean you sit back and eat bonbons all day. You actively seek, knock, and then wait on God to open “the right door.”

Proverb 3:5-6 says: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Lean NOT on your own understanding (God’s ways are not our ways). In ALL your ways acknowledge Him, and he WILL direct your paths.” As the old hymn says, “Trust and obey, for there’s no other way…to be happy in Jesus…but to trust and obey.” Hebrews 11:6 says: “Without faith it is impossible to please Him.” Psalm 119:105 says: “Your word is a lamp to my feet, a light to my path.” Read God’s word, trust Him, put Him first in all you do…and He will direct you. Be willing to wait for what is best. The bottom line is, we HAVE to trust God. The good news is that He is trustworthy.

Shalom!

Dan Skognes

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