Isn’t it amazing how we take even the simplest things for granted? For example, when I press the lever in my car for the windshield wiper fluid to clean my windshield, I expect it to work. However, recently, it stopped.
Every push led to my wipers smearing the dirt on my windshield. I presumed that the liquid was frozen since we’ve had some pretty cold days. But even when the temps warmed up, it still didn’t work. I took the next logical step and filled the container. Nothing.
Since I didn’t want to strike out again, I called my mechanic. Not having a clear windshield was majorly impacting my ability to see, especially at night. Since this is already a challenge for my “young eyes,” I knew I had to get it fixed asap.
Turns out there was a leaky valve. So every time I hit the lever, it did squirt fluid, just not on my windshield. I suspect there’s likely a trail of blue puddles all over town!
This got me to thinking: What’s blurring or blocking our vision these days? What’s standing in the way of us fulfilling God’s purpose for our lives? Is it fear? Doubt? Or perhaps it’s because we’ve no clue what God’s purpose for us even is!
One or all of these can keep us stuck and frustrated, feeling as though our lives are without meaning. The Bible tells us that without vision, people perish (Proverbs 29:18). Now that doesn’t necessarily mean they keel over, but rather that they lose hope and become discouraged.
You see, unless and until we figure out and deal with what’s causing our vision problems, we are powerless to fix them. Despite my best efforts to fix the windshield wiper fluid squirter thingy, it was beyond my abilities. I needed help from an expert to identify the problem and fix it.
Many people I know are at a crossroads in their lives wondering what their next chapter is going to be. Whether it’s due to job loss, becoming an empty nester, or some other reason, each is seeking how they can make an impact in the years to come.
Over the past several months, I’ve been listening to a number of teachings on this very topic. I came across these two questions offered by Max Lucado that I thought were brilliant:
1. What do you love to do?
2. What do people love for you to do?
So simple, yet incredibly profound and yet our answers can provide a clue as to what’s next. When we face a major life change, it can challenge our identities.
If I’m not a (fill in the blank) anymore, what or who am I? The loss of titles can send us spinning into a pit of confusion. Yet, here’s what we must keep top of mind and what I know for sure:
1. God has a purpose and plan for your life. (Jeremiah 29:11)
2. Whatever God has started in your life, He will finish. (Philippians 1:6)
3. You were born for such a time as this to use the gifts and talents you have to serve others. (Esther 4:14)
4. Seek God first and all the answers will be provided. (Matthew 6:33)
You see, just as I had to seek the expert to fix my car, we must seek our Creator to find out His plan. He knows us inside and out. He knows what’s leaking and how to fix it. He knows the end from the beginning (Isaiah 46:10). When we lean on Him instead of ourselves to fix things (Proverbs 3:5-6), it always has a better outcome.
Spend time with God, listen for His direction, and take steps of faith. Then not only will our vision be clear but our impact on the world will be great.
P.S. Want to learn more about how to push through challenges? Click here to listen to the Elevate The Day podcast: “Your Breakthrough Is In Front of You”