Faith in Change: Navigating Unexpected Paths
Jan 04, 2023Dear Sister in Christ,
I hope this letter finds you well and filled with the light of God's love. Today, I want to share a story of a recent experience that has profoundly impacted my life and my faith journey.
Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you fervently prayed for guidance and received an answer that left you utterly shocked? A few months ago, I found myself in precisely such a predicament. I was knee-deep in the process of editing my podcast, "Stories of Hope in Hard Times," when I suddenly hit a massive creative wall. It wasn't just writer's block or a creative rut; it felt like an insurmountable boulder blocking my path.
The physical and emotional toll this situation took on me was overwhelming. I felt as though I was pushing against an immovable force, and the more I struggled, the worse it became. I couldn't understand why I was facing such a seemingly insurmountable obstacle in my creative work. The frustration and disappointment were almost unbearable.
But it took me a few months of soul-searching, prayer, and seeking guidance to ask God the right question: "What is stopping my progress?" It was in that moment of clarity that everything changed. The answer I received, however, was not what I had expected or hoped for. God revealed to me that it was time to bring my beloved podcast to a close.
Excuse me, God—what? I was stunned, and I couldn't hold back the tears that flowed. After over four years of heartfelt interviews, countless hours of editing, and the joy of sharing these inspirational stories, I couldn't fathom that it might be time to step away.
Have you ever been faced with a significant change that you weren't prepared for, one that left you reeling and uncertain about the future? Change, especially when it's unexpected, can be a difficult path to navigate. I want to share with you some insights and resources that have helped me, and I hope they will provide you with solace and guidance if you ever find yourself in a similar situation.
Resources for Change
- First and foremost, I'd like to invite you to listen to the full story of my conversation with God when my creative process hit a roadblock. In this episode, I share the guidance I received and how it reshaped my perspective and direction. It's titled What to Do When God Stops Your Progress. You can watch it on YouTube here.
- During times of change and uncertainty, I've also found it beneficial to slow down, take a step back, and reflect on the journey. Sometimes, we are so focused on the destination that we forget to appreciate the path we've traveled. A few years ago, my family and I had an incredible experience hiking a mountain together. In the face of adversity, I learned three valuable lessons about growth and resilience. I share these insights in an episode titled, 3 Tips for Strong Growth in Adversity from Bristlecone Pines. You can watch it on YouTube here.
- And just yesterday, as I grappled with the fear and uncertainty of these monumental changes in my life, something extraordinary happened. I was reminded of the power of God's presence when I came across a Bible verse that seemed to speak directly to my heart. I shared this beautiful moment in a live video on Facebook, where I recounted how God's word can touch us in the most unexpected ways. Watch this short LIVE video on Facebook to hear me share that story.
So, whether you are facing a sudden change, struggling with fear, or simply unsure about how to navigate life's challenges, I want you to remember this: God loves you, and He is fully aware of your unique circumstances. He will guide you to the right solution, even if it leads you down a path you didn't anticipate. Faith is a journey—one step at a time, often into the unknown. But here's the good news: God knows the way, and He knows where you're headed.
I'm committed to continuing my journey, even though I don't have all the answers. I'm taking one step at a time, often stepping into the darkness because that's how faith works. But through it all, I carry with me the assurance that God sees the end of the path, even when I can't. He hasn't let me down yet, and I know He won't let you down either.
May the peace and grace of God accompany you on your journey. You are not alone, my dear friend. God is with you, guiding you through both the sunny days and the rocky, uncertain terrain of life. He is the Prince of Peace, and He lives.
Wishing you a beautiful and faith-filled journey, my dear friend. Happy New Year, and as always, hope on!
With love and blessings,
Tamara