As I looked back on my 5-year story of trusting God to guide my steps, I came across this post I had written a few years ago. And I saw that it is STILL relevant – so I wanted to share it with you 🙂

It is with GREAT JOY that I inform you of a delightful, delicious secret that I discovered a few years ago!

I was looking for fulfillment in my life – working harder, spending more time with my family, pursuing quality time with my friends, expanding my hobbies – you know what I mean.  And I discovered that all of those things only served to make me exhausted.  Instead of connecting in more meaningful ways, I found that I was dreading meeting with others as it was simply ONE MORE THING I HAD TO DO!!!

So, I began to pray about this dilemma that I had.  I wanted more fulfillment in my life, more connection, more love, more peace, and definitely more joy.  But all the ways that I thought would work, did not provide any lasting change.  I knew that the God of the universe would have the answer so I turned to prayer.

And I discovered this amazing thing!

Would you like to know what it was?

GOD WANTS TO BE THE CENTER OF MY UNIVERSE!!!  (And yours, if we let Him 😊)

And when I give Him that place of honour, my life feels more fulfilled and more doable, and more peaceful. 

How did I decide that this was going to be my new plan?

Well, God orchestrated that also. 

God has our paths laid out – if we want to follow them…

I was merrily going along doing what I thought God had planned for me.  I was working full-time as a manager in a female residential center for women struggling with addiction.  It was a demanding job with little support, but I loved working with the staff and the clients and I felt called to do this work.  So although it was challenging, I thoroughly believed that I was doing the work God had called me to.

And I think I was right about that – for a time.  And then I got sick and needed surgery.  And God used that time to inform me that He missed me, that He wanted to spend more time with me, and that He had created a space for me to do that.

While I waited for a surgery date, I began to walk.  I walked for an hour each day.  And the beauty of my surroundings prompted me to speak with the LORD (God of the universe) about my day, my struggles, the struggles of my loved ones, the state of the world, and anything else I could think of. 

Prayer changes things

Initially, I engaged in a monologue.  I told God everything.  But I did not really give Him the time or space to respond.

And then one day, I did!  I felt a prompting to be silent and hear what God had to say.  And my devotional time changed.  It became richer and more fulfilling.  I heard what He had to say – through His Word, through supportive friends, and through the beautiful nature He had so lovingly provided for my pleasure.

And I learned that He wants to be the center of my life.  That He has a purpose, a plan, a journey in mind for me.  That He made that plan before He created the world and He had been waiting for me to stop being so busy so the plan could be implemented. 

Courage brings growth

This amazing plan takes courage because it required me to change the way I was living my life. It took me deep into a faith-filled walk with Jesus.  It has changed my world.

Would you like a changed world? 

If so, let’s set up a time to chat. You can contact me at hello@freedomwithflorence and I will help you discover ways to make lasting, transformational changes that will put God at the center of your life.  You will not regret it 😊

In peace and joy,