"Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed" (Pro. 15:22 NIV).
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight" (Pro. 3:5-6 NIV).
One thing I struggle with is asking for help. I always assume that it is a sign of weakness because I am at an age where I should have my stuff together. I’ve been working on this issue within myself for years. Proverbs 15:22 says, plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed. I know from experience that this is the case.
During college, I struggled with specific homework assignments because I thought I was supposed to do it all independently. It got to a point where any project that involved writing would cripple me with anxiety to the end of failing a couple of classes.
While teaching, I refused to reach out to the administration when I was struggling for fear of seeming incapable of doing my job. This brought about extreme anxiety that I was not a good and effective teacher.
Recently I had a conversation with my mother about a car I was interested in purchasing. She was surprised because I had never mentioned it before. The irony is I have wanted that particular vehicle for ten years. I realized that I was not seeing my dreams come to fruition by not speaking up about the simple things. It struck me that I'd repeated this same mistake with God.
I’ve shut people out of my life who genuinely love and support me—people who could've provided wise counsel when I needed it most. And if I’ve done that with friends and family, how much more do I falter when I do that with Him? How can I expect God to give me the—
The desires of my heart, if I shut Him out? So, I’m spending my time now learning to reach out to others when I am struggling and to pray and seek God as well. And to trust the process!
Father God, I come to you with so much thanksgiving in my heart for showing me that I don’t have to be perfect. I can lean on you, and you will direct me to whom I need to reach out to for your godly counsel. Bless all that needs to be on the right path to trust your process. In Jesus' name, Amen!
Your turn: Do struggle to trust people? Do you struggle to trust God? How are you working to overcome this to dream bold?