Pause Before You Pivot: How Prayer Brought Peace and Clarity

There was a moment when I almost walked away from school. I was stressed, fed up, and tired of feeling like I was pouring myself into a vision that was leading me down a path of chaos and confusion. During the second term of classes I was told I would have to pay out of pocket for my books unexpectedly. And if that wasn't enough two- weeks in, I found out I'd also be financially responsible for tuition after being told I would receive aid. Financial burdens. Unanswered questions. Questionable institutional practices. I thought "Surely this is a sign for me to pivot and focus on other things."

In the midst of the sudden chaos that had shaken the foundation of my faith I prayed. It wasn't a long prayer with many words either, just a sincere plea for God to intervene and help me.

Proverbs 24:10 NKJV says : If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small.

What I thought was a breaking point, a sign for me to move on from a God inspired vision, was

A secret place to pray (e.g. Closet, office, car,)

actually a checkpoint to pause and pray. A moment to confirm God's will.

When you're used to surviving, your mind is trained to believe that making fast, drastic decisions is what keeps you safe. But can I encourage you with a different perspective? In those unexpected obstacles rise up I believe God is saying "Be still. I want you to know that I am with you always, you do not have to figure this out on your own." In that stillness, I found peace and clarity. I got a breakthrough email about my finances. A door opened in ministry. And I realized, pivoting wasn't the answer, praying was.

Proverbs 3:5-6 NKJV Trust in the Lord with all your heart, in all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.

That's exactly what God. He didn't direct me to quit. He led me to keep going with peace, with clarity and with strategy.

So before you pivot, pause and pray. Your answer may not be escape. It might just be endurance.

VERSE OF THE DAY

PROVERBS 3:5--6 AMP:

Trust in and rely confidently on the LORD with all your heart And do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways know and acknowledge and recognize Him, And He will make your paths straight and smooth [removing obstacles that block your way].