This saying tickles me. If you’re a 2×4 child of the Father like I am (i.e. you’re hard headed like I am), you want Him to take the fuel injection, carburetor, tires, spark plugs, alternator belt, and my Lord, the engine because that wheel just isn’t quite enough to set you on the straight and narrow.
Earlier this month, I traveled to West Virginia for a job interview. While driving, it was apparent to me why it’s affectionately known as “The Mountain State.” The drive was beautiful, scenic, and oh so mountainous. Now, it’s important to share with you that I don’t like driving long distances. Whenever we take family trips or vacations to the beach, a short 2-3 hours away, I am the shot gun girl you’d pay to have by your side. Trust me, my guys are impressed, but having a turn at the wheel? You can talk to the hand. I’ve digressed.
I was in deep thought during this drive and declined help during the planning stages to ensure I would stay focused on the main thing at hand. After some time on the road, the mountains appeared to become larger and closer. At one point, there was a mountain right in front of me – literally – it was humongous! I was staring up at it, not looking straight ahead, and thought to myself, “how in the world will I get around this”? As quickly as I had that thought, I looked straight ahead, and realized I was approaching a toll booth. The mountain wasn’t going to be moved, I was going through it!
What I’ve learned in life is while grace and mercy provide us a way through our mountain(s), we still have to go through our mess. And, if you are distracted by someone else’s mess; you don’t change your mind set about your own, or; you won’t let go of the control you’ve been exercising over what you think you want or need, you will find yourself back on your knees, in your prayer closet, or at the altar praying for that same exact mountain to be moved that He already provided you a way through years ago.
Take it from a self-professed “A” type who was insistent about doing things her way. While I have been blessed beyond measure, there were a few mountains of mine that I became intimately familiar with because I was going to prove a point. Lol. And, while I proved my point to others, I ended up taking a detour that delayed my way through to the other side.
It’s OK to: leave that job where you’re unappreciated, and is leading you nowhere; walk away from that painful marriage you know wasn’t ordained to begin with; stop pleading with the parent to love you who doesn’t have the tools to do so, and; let go of the relationship where you are experiencing mental, physical, and/or emotional abuse. Stop settling for good enough, when more than great is out there waiting for you.
Oh, He’ll take the wheel alright, but when that road is heading where you don’t want or think it should, you become the shot gun driver no driver likes – barking directions you think the driver doesn’t have, but you do. Next thing you know, you’ve grabbed the wheel, the car is now at a truck stop, and your driver is off taking someone else where they need to go, because clearly, you’ve got this.
Guess what, you probably don’t “got this.” And that’s OK. It’s important that you learn and understand where you’re headed to know what your purpose is in life. I can help you with that. Let’s get to work on living your life to its fullest potential. Visit the website at www.yourpointofpride.com.
Nicole, this is what I needed today! This gentle yet powerful nudge of encouragement 🙏🏽 Thank you!
You’re so welcome, Neco! I love how He uses us to encourage one another.
Beautiful words of encouragement and motivation Nicole. Gets me in the perfect frame of mind to start my day. Thank you!!
I’m so glad about it. Have a blessed day, Sis!
I am genuinely so excited for you to become a part of WVSU! I am a “non traditional” student, a 34 year old mom of two.
I started my journey at WVSU in 2005.
God began leading me through this proverbial mountain and I lost my way for quiet some time.
I am a Senior this year and I feel like things are finally falling into place for me. I really appreciated this message and I feel like you have the ability to give this university exactly what it needs!
Thank you for sharing, Jennifer. You are why this work we do is so important. I’m excited to know you’ve stayed the course and my message resonated with you. He’s got you!