Life Lessons Learned
Have you ever felt like you were just walking in circles with your faith? Like no matter how much you pray, plan, or prepare, you seem to end up back where you started? I know that feeling well. I’ve often asked God to make things more obvious—to open the heavens and send crystal-clear directions so there would be no mistake about the next step. I thought that was maturity in faith, but over time, I realized it was something else entirely.
It wasn’t confusion that kept me circling. It was hesitation. It was fear. Deep down, maybe it wasn’t that I didn’t know what God wanted; maybe it was that I didn’t want to know—because knowing would mean changing.
We’re not the first to struggle with this. In Joshua 18, the Israelites had already conquered much of the Promised Land, but several tribes still hadn’t taken possession of their inheritance. Joshua stands before them and asks the piercing question:
“How long will you be slack about going to take possession of the land that Yahweh, the God of your ancestors, has given you?” (Joshua 18:3).
It’s a haunting question because it reveals a spiritual truth: delayed obedience is disobedience. God had already given them the land; their hesitation wasn’t because the mission was unclear. It was because the mission was uncomfortable.
In western Christianity, we can fall into the same pattern. We claim we’re waiting on clarity from God when, in reality, we’re often waiting for a command that’s easier, more comfortable, more in line with our desires. We say, “God, show me Your will!” but secretly hope He says something less costly.
The real issue isn’t ignorance—it’s reluctance.
Fear of Our Own Weakness
Another reason we walk in circles is that we are deeply aware of our weaknesses. We feel ill-equipped, inadequate, and too broken to carry out God’s call.
The Apostle Paul knew this feeling well. In 2 Corinthians 12, he speaks about a persistent weakness—what he calls his “thorn in the flesh.” Paul pleaded with God to remove it, but the Lord answered with a promise instead:
“My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)
Paul’s response is powerful:
“Therefore rather I will boast most gladly in my weaknesses, in order that the power of Christ may reside in me.”
In other words, weakness is not an obstacle to serving God—it is the opportunity for God’s power to shine through us.
Pastor and author Charles Spurgeon once said, “Our infirmities become the platforms for the display of His grace.” When we stop trying to hide our weakness and instead offer it to Christ, He turns our stumbling into strength.
John Stott also wrote, “The Christian’s chief boast is not in his own strength but in the power of Christ which rests upon him.” (The Cross of Christ).
Rather than seeing our inadequacies as disqualifications, we should see them as invitations for Christ to work in and through us. He is the source of strength, not us. And He delights in using the weak things of this world to display His glory (1 Corinthians 1:27-29).
Coming Home to Christ
At the heart of all this is one simple but revolutionary truth: our home is not in knowing the future—it’s in knowing Christ.
We keep walking in circles because we think we’re lost. But in Christ, we are never lost.
Psalm 56 reminds us of this intimate truth. David cries out in fear and uncertainty, yet he declares:
“This I know, that God is for me.” (Psalm 56:9)
You see, home isn’t a destination we find after perfect discernment or flawless decisions. Home is a Person—Jesus Christ.
When we realize that, our endless wandering can cease. We can stop striving for perfect clarity and start resting in perfect trust.
So let me ask you today:
- In what ways are you walking in circles right now?
- What step of obedience are you putting off because it feels uncomfortable?
- What weakness are you hiding instead of handing over to Jesus?
God isn’t calling you to have all the answers.
He’s calling you to trust Him enough to take the next step.
Related Article
For further reflection on trusting God’s timing and surrendering our weakness to His strength, I recommend this article:
“Trusting God When the Way Is Unclear” – Crosswalk
A Word from Pastor Hogg
Thank you for taking the time to apply the Word of God to your life and spiritual growth. Each step you take in faith—whether confident or trembling—is a step closer to Christ. Keep walking. Keep trusting. He will never leave you wandering aimlessly.
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