What to Do When You Don’t Know What to Do
We’ve all been there. Standing at a crossroads, wondering which way to go. Discerning decisions before us. Navigating uncharted waters, feeling more overwhelmed than you’d like to admit. If we are honest, we’ve probably all found ourselves at one point or another wondering what to do.
As a nurse, I often meet folks at some of their worst moments. In our department, many are facing a diagnosis of cancer. Entering a whole new world of concern, medications, treatments, surgery, and more. A life-altering diagnosis that often leaves one wondering what to do when they don’t know what to do.
Over the years, I’ve had many meaningful conversations with my patients. Some who have taught me so much about life and joy. Some who have cared deeply about me. Some have encouraged me to take my job seriously, but to always treat my patients as if they were my own family. And then some who have not been so nice in telling me a thing or two. Some have been too special to forget, so I’ve made notes about them, hoping not to forget the meaning of our conversations and time together. There have been many I have mourned.
On one particular day, she sat in a gown after finishing radiation therapy. I remember the chair she was sitting in and the smile on her face. While in the middle of often taxing treatments, she spoke the truth. Fully aware that cancer had altered her outward appearance, she was determined it wasn’t going to change her soul. For deep inside, she carried a faith that would not waver like sinking sand.
In vulnerability, she began preaching during her follow-up. Not because she had to, but because joy radiated from her soul. It was not determined by her circumstances. Without asking, she said, “Prayer changes things.” She’s been dealt a hard hand, but she expressed a faith in God that’s carried her through.
I’ve been thinking about the conversation every day since then. Prayer changes things. I’m convinced we serve a good and faithful Father. He hears our prayers and knows our hearts. While our circumstances may not change, God can and will change us as we walk in faith with Him. Even in the most difficult of times.
Do you believe prayer changes things? I hope today that you can rest in knowing that God is working behind the scenes for you. John Piper said this: “God is always doing 10,000 things in your life, and you may be aware of three of them.” Even if you can’t see right now what is coming, I pray your faith will grow. There’s a world out there waiting and yearning for hope. This is a time for no wimpy prayers.
James 1:5-8
If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do.
