#purposeask

[touplift]

Hi! I was wondering if you all could keep me in your prayers, there are a lot of opportunities for big change in my life. While I want some of these things to happen I want to know what god's plan is. Do you have any advice or scriptures about focusing and listening for what God has to say? Thank you so much for all you do, you make me feel not so alone on this amazing walk with god. Lots of love -Victoria

Hi Victoria!

That is so exciting to hear about the opportunities that are being presented to you. Direction is one thing that is really hard for us to grasp. When we’re seeking direction from the Lord on what path to take or what choice to make, it’s hard. It’s hard because it requires full surrendering trust and faith in the Lord - and sometimes it could mean we have to step out of our comfort zones. 

I know this is so cliche- but "Oceans," by Hillsong is the perfect example of a worship song describing direction, trust, and faith. It’s a challenging song to make your prayer.

Let’s take a look at these verses:

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” -Proverbs 3:5-6

The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.” -Proverbs 16:9

"Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known." -Jeremiah 33:3

Meditate on these scripture verses and apply them to your life and the choices you're having to make. Be trusting in the Lord and be completely open with Him. Since we are human and are flawed, we might not always choose the best choice, but if you're acknowledging the Lord and trying to honor Him in the choices you make, He will make everything the way it should be. God has already established your steps! Isn't that crazy to think about? He already knows your whole life story, so if you ever get discouraged or down-hearted, think on that. God has already established your steps. God wants us to look to Him and call upon His name for leading. Seek Him and you will find.

The whole process of direction can be frustrating, but just rest in knowing that He truly does have a wonderful path planned out for you. And don't forget about God's humor. Many times I have personally experienced little "coincidences" here and there when it's around a time I need to make a decision and I know it's God being funny. God can lead us in laughter. :)

Be blessed! I am praying God will give your clarity and peace in the way you should go.

-Summer

[touplift]

I don't know what to do. Everyday I go to school then go back to sleep right after I get home, wake up late at night and just scroll through tumblr. It's an endless cycle broken by Fridays and Sundays that I attend church. I guess I'm just bored and exhausted from this routine! I want to quit school and travel. I'm only fifteen, mind you. I'm not allowed to go out with friends or by myself (which I prefer). There's no excitement, even my relationship God is not where I want it to be. I dont know

Hey! :)

I have gone through that endless cycle my senior year of high school and it was so miserable and discouraging. The rut you get stuck in is persistent and it can seem like you’re never going to get out of it. But let me encourage you today!

We go through dry, stagnant seasons and they seem like they’re never going to end, but we must go through those seasons because God is molding us in ways we can’t see during those times. Molding and shaping us into strong characters with fierce hearts, because He is going to use us mightily for His name in the future. That’s what He’s doing with you now. Ask God to reveal a piece of what He’s doing in your life to encourage you.

You’re so young and you have such a bright horizon ahead of you. Staying in high school is crucial- and I don’t want to stress that to you too much because I know you know that and are encouraged that already. I understand the want to travel, to explore, and to learn by experience, but school has its place of importance. When I was fifteen I wasn’t able to go out with my friends (other than their houses) either. It stinks! Invite your friends over- have a movie night, girl’s night, etc. The summertime is coming up and that opens up for more activities; be creative. :)

"Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.” -James 4:8 

Dry seasons can be discouraging, but God tells us to gaze upon Him; to draw near to Him, and He will draw near to us. Ask God to show you what He is doing in you and make effort to grow deeper in relationship with Him. I know it’s hard, especially when you feel like nothing’s happening- but there is. He is constantly molding you for your future purpose. One of my favorite verses is Isaiah 43:13: 

"Behold, I am doing a new thing;    now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?I will make a way in the wilderness    and rivers in the desert.”

He is doing a new thing in you- forget your past and look ahead to what He has planned. Get excited that He is constantly forming you to become more Christlike. He will make a way in this dry season. He will give you a new breath of life. Reach out to Him. 

I'm praying for you. Lift your eyes to Him, for he is your help. 

-Summer

[touplift]

For the past 4 years I've suffered a deep depression. It's been in varying degrees, which I'm sure you can understand. But the thing that never leaves is that nothing feels real. & I don't know if I'm alone in this & I don't know how to explain it. I also struggle with seeing a point in anything. I'm constantly hearing things from christians and non-christians a like that "we are in the end times." which Is obvious. So what's the point in trying? It's hard to have a hope for a future on earth.

Hey there, friend. :)

I have been where you are, so take heart because you're not alone. Depression is one of the toughest things a human being could ever have to go through- it suck the life out of you and leaves you with nothingness. So I understand what you mean when you say that nothing feels real; it's like you're in a funk that you can't shake. I have been there so I know the numbness you are dealing with. I understand the attitude of not seeing a point or meaning in anything...I get it.

But, you have to keep on trying. You need to keep battling each day. It may seem we're in the "end times" but no one truly knows that; people have thought that for centuries upon centuries, so put that aside. If anything when thinking about the end times you should feel a motivation to live with all you've got and to continue to spread the Gospel.

I understand how depression can be crippling, but you will never get through it if you don't try to fight it. I know that's harsh to say, but it's true. Dealing with your stubborn flesh is a constant battle, but praise be to God that He gives us the strength to fight. Amen? You must rejoice in hope...and by rejoice I don't mean you have to be happy and all cheerful. Sometimes the most genuine form of true joy isn't what people think joy to be at all- it's crying out in pain, and screaming to God in hope because you just want the suffering to end. Joy isn't always happy.

"Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer." - Romans 12:12

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope." -Romans 15:13

Prayer plays such a huge role in having a real vision of hope in front of you. The Lord of all wants to talk with you, to hear your heart, and to share His with you. If you believe that God will fill you with joy, peace, and hope- then He will fill you up!

The point of trying is to give you a powerful testimony on the Lord's goodness and faithfulness to tell the world! Isn't that a good enough reason to try? Hang on; He will deliver you. You have to want it though and you have to try. Seek Him. Hold fast & take heart, friend! I'm praying for you & am here for you.

-Summer