Watch for the new thing I am going to do. It is happening already – you can see it now! I will make a road through the wilderness and give you streams of water there.

Isaiah 43:19

I think it’s pretty safe to say that we are on a road that has not been traveled by many. It has been a long couple of years dealing with the global pandemic and we have to wonder about how long it will last. Many people are tired, unemployed, mentally exhausted, angry, and bitter. Everyone has been affected in some way. The spirit of division makes me shiver at times. Divorce rates are skyrocketing and suicide has increased also.

That all being said, God is not surprised by what is happening in our world today. We were told we would have trials. Well, this certainly is one.

“Sometimes being on the road less traveled is an opportunity for you to embrace a divine assignment.” – Andrea Hardy

We have all been given a purpose in life and free will to choose if we will embrace this. The definition of purpose is the reason for which something is done. Purpose requires action. In these days of fatigue and anger, we need to be reaching out to those that need our compassion and mercy. When we look at the characteristics of God we see that God is compassionate, merciful, slow to anger, filled and unfailing love and faithfulness.

My question is this, what are we doing with the extra time that we have been given? Have we been seeking what God is wanting from us? We certainly cannot participate in as much as we used to but the time is there to learn and grow.

Has there been an opportunity for us to grow and learn more? Have there been opportunities to be still and dig deeper into the word and character of God?

I truly wonder what God might be thinking when it comes to the moment of open times and how we are filling these precious moments. If I may, I will insert my journey to where I, now, want to help others. A couple of years ago I was asked to write a bible study and teach over the course of that winter. I was so honored, excited, and humbled to be asked to teach, yet overwhelmed with the task before me. I used a whole summer at our seasonal campsite to be quiet, study, and write on the Proverbs 31 woman. This woman has intrigued me for so many years and it was time to put my thoughts and prayers on paper.

Out came the bible and opened up the chapter titled The Capable Wife….

I can honestly say that alone was intimidating! How and what makes us capable to be the best wife? I began at the 10 virtues of the Proverbs 31 woman. These were faith, marriage, mothering, health, service, finances, industry, homemaking, time, and beauty. When you read through this chapter it seems to be a “how-to” list but I believe it is inspiring to know that God has given us the qualities listed here and gives us the grace to become this woman.

She was a character of boldness and yet, quiet strength. She was a model of serving. Jesus was the perfect servant and models to us how to look to the needs of others. I don’t think that Proverbs 31 was written to place a demand on us but more of a story of wisdom. It can give us the determination and inspiration to battle through with courage and boldness while serving those who are close to us. We can take this a step further to also help those who are in need.

When I decided to explore health and life coaching I didn’t quite know how it would stretch me and grow in my own places of weakness. The opportunity to coach women and now couples has given me great joy and challenges of becoming a better wife, mother, grandmother, etc. These client sessions are also showing that people all want purpose in their lives and marriage. God has placed this desire within us and cheering us on to walking side by side with those around us. This past week I was honored to teach a woman how to read through a devotional and the word. These are small things that will take people further in their own walk. We need to be available.

And look out for one another’s interests, not just your own. – Philippians 2:4

The detour we are on is an opportunity for a new assignment. We can take this new time for good or we can waste it through grumbling, bickering, and division. We have been given talents and passions to share with other people. We all have a story that needs to be shared so that we can help others through their own hurts. Hope is something we all need right now and our God gives exactly that. Our hurts, our stories will lead others to the goodness of God and create a space of connection. Connection is something we are missing in these days of social media. Yes, we are connected to so many people but I am talking about

a face-to-face conversation that can lead to a beautiful connection. Oh, we so need more of this.

Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. – Ephesians 5:16

You can watch or read the news and see that there is so much hate in this world. People are suffering and hurting more than ever. As Christians, now more than ever, we need to be a light for so many people. There will be people that you may meet that are silently suffering and need the love of Jesus. You may be the only Jesus they meet! That is a very sobering thought!

My prayer is that we all take the extra time and ask God what the assignment is on this road not traveled. May we listen and know what our next steps are to do His will here on earth as it is in heaven.

Peace BE,

Anita