These days, I’ve been faced with the pressure of making extremely important personal decisions. I have been at crossroads where I would debate within myself, Temi what do you do? I have been wondering: should I proceed or should I stay put? Should I surrender or should I keep fighting? Everyone faces these type of decision-making phase where you realise that you are no longer a child and it is now time to make potentially life-altering choices. It could be deciding whether to take that job or leave it and travel abroad for your MSc. It could be saying ‘yes’ to the available guy or chilling, hoping a better one would turn up. It could even be seemingly simple ones like ‘should I travel by road or by air?’, ‘should I drive or should I take the bus?’ Making a wrong turn could be very detrimental, hence, the importance of getting it right.
Knowing where you should be and what you should be doing helps avert delay and errors in life. Fine, after much arodan and wandering about in an Israelite journey, you might eventually reach your destination. But would it not have been better to have gotten it right the first time? There are some heart-aching experiences that can easily be averted because they are simply not worth going through. We cannot afford to gamble with our destinies. Hence, the importance of seeking God’s face concerning most every decision before us.
Life is way too complex to pass through without God’s guidance. Asking for divine guidance shortens our years of running around in circles. For instance, imagine Ladi, a 26 year old who has been looking for jobs to no avail. He has made 35 job applications and not one has been successful. They have been either out right rejections at the application stage or he had been knocked off at the interview stage. He is frustrated, understandably and has decided to travel abroad (South Africa) in search of greener pastures.
But because Ladi never ascertained the wisdom in this from God, he will always live an ‘unsure’ life, doubting his every move. If on getting to South Africa, no jobs are available, he might wonder,’maybe God never approved of my coming here and this is a sign from Him’. Also, if he had persevered in Nigeria without praying, he would forever wonder, ‘maybe I should have grabbed the opportunity to travel when it arose’. This is not an enviable position to be in.
Being certain of God’s will means you know to trust and obey where He has placed you. You stay or go where He has asked you to and even if things are not going rosy, you never second-guess your decision. You weather the storm knowing full well that you are where you should be and that ‘this too shall pass’.
Likewise, if you entered into a relationship with that girl or guy with the full assurance of God’s backing, even if things are going rough, you can be sure that there is no need to break up. But when you never got a ‘go ahead’, you begin to contemplate all sorts whenever anything goes wrong. Everything becomes a potential ‘sign from God’. Even when you are bold enough to get married to that person, you never stop questioning yourself if something is not quite right. You think, ‘abi I was never supposed to marry this guy, Is this proof that I made the wrong choice?’
However, when you are sure of whose instruction you are following, you can forge ahead boldly knowing that ‘faithful is He who has promised (Hebrews 10: 23). If He sent you there, His grace will cover you, no matter what. It is not about living a problem-free life, it is about leading a purpose-driven life such that every step you take is sure. You are not easily swayed by ‘what is in vogue’. You won’t go applying to study Petroleum Management because ‘that is what people say employers now want’ neither would you be in a hurry to do something because ‘all my friends are doing it’. You would be secure. You would be confident knowing everything is working together for your good.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
Order my steps in Your Word
I need to read this post again as I contemplate the choices before me…
***
My friend shared something with me today and I thought to share it with you guys too. This beautiful young woman, Camille Allen, 30, resides in Powell River, in British Columbia, Canada.
She is married with no children yet but she makes babies. No, she’s isn’t a surrogate mum. She is a skilful artist who sculpts babies!!!
Are they not breath-takingly beautiful?
That’s all folks (for now)
Temiville.xoxo
Photo: Social Media Sisters, Family Webshots, CamilleAllen.com
Video: MelloperoudChannel on YouTube
Musings of a Caramel Latte Addict 
Dec 16, 2010 @ 04:44:33
Proverbs 3:5-6 has always been my fav bible passage.
Very good post and I can really relate coz I’ve been in such a situation where I needed to write a poem for an occasion and be paid #350,000 naira but the person was a renowned cultist and an enemy of my God-dad,I was so confused that I cried,I needed to do that poem but that would be a great betrayal to my God-dad,well God stepped in,serzly he did else it would have been scandalous,I did the poem and got no money:),whatttt?but I knew I heard God,not only was the man ashamed of himself but he gave his life to christ,resolved issues with my God-dad who became so proud of me and the best of all,that poem got me a chance to do another poem in 2 days that brought even more than the money.
The solution:-turn to God,there’s no confusion in him.
Dec 16, 2010 @ 05:05:08
Wow!!! That is amazing!!! Our God is an awesome God. He knows how to work things out for our good, if only we can trust in him. Thanks for sharing Gretel!
Dec 16, 2010 @ 09:23:37
wow! that’s great.. thank God.. he will not leave you confused.. that is for sure! Thank God for God and may he continue to show himself strong in our lives!
Dec 21, 2010 @ 03:14:45
Amin o!!!
Dec 16, 2010 @ 13:31:41
Gretel, your testimony is so inspiring in itself…Thank God for you
Dec 16, 2010 @ 06:38:33
Hey Temi
Nice post as usual.
In life, there comes a point whereby you need to make very important decisionz that will ultimately affect ur future. It could be choosing the right partner or choosing the right career paths. These decisions to mention a few can seem daunting at first but when you seek God in prayer and allow Him to have His way, you will definitely make the right choice. The problem we make is that people tend to put God last or in the middle when making decisions instead of putting Him first. God is concerned bout us, He even cares about the seemingly mundane decisions we are faced with.
We should cultivate a habit of hearing from God before we act.
I absolutely love Camille’s sculptures. They are so beautiful and live like. I’m finding it hard to pick a favourite. Love dem all.
She has a gift and my prayer is that God will bless her soon with her own babies.
Dec 21, 2010 @ 02:00:42
Hey Shanday! Thanks for this. I totally agree with you on putting God first. It is soo tempting to act first then pray but may God give us the grace to pray first, wait for His leading and then act on it. Thanks hun and amen to your prayers for Camille.xoxo
Dec 16, 2010 @ 07:25:09
GOD NEVER SLEEPS NOR SLUMBERS..
Dec 16, 2010 @ 07:31:38
timely…inspiring..i like
Dec 21, 2010 @ 02:02:42
God bless you…
Dec 16, 2010 @ 09:28:30
Thanks for inspiring me again.
For me, its usually the boldness to take the step when I know He approves…But He’s been helping me!
Regds.
Dec 16, 2010 @ 09:46:49
I always regret whenever I do things without seeking God in the first place…He is a faithful God and never fails me whenever I turn to him.
Dec 16, 2010 @ 10:33:58
This is so true! Why take 40years to get to where you are going when you can actually take 40 days?
God should be first in our every decision. That way you are bold to hold on when things are rough.
The babies are adorable i think i see faith working there. May God bless her with her own as soon as he wills.
Dec 17, 2010 @ 01:41:56
I know! God bless her with the fruit of the womb. Amen
Dec 16, 2010 @ 13:32:43
Not being sure where to turn can be the worst thing in anyone’s life. It is so frustrating. Thanks for this post
Dec 16, 2010 @ 13:45:08
Hi, I found your blog so interesting. You are truly a gift. I agree with you. When the Holy Spirit is leading a person, you have inner peace. It is when a person lacks this inner peace that he begins to wonder whether he is taking the right turn everytime. This is also known as fear. Fear as we know, is of the devil because there is not fear in love and God is love. So I think when we walk by faith, we would be sure. But how do we gain faith that what we are doing is right?
I am a man in my early 30s. I met a lady about 18 months ago. I wouldnt say I ‘fell in love’ with her but she seemed to be all I needed in a woman. She was God fearing, respectful, hardworking etc. I asked her out without praying. She said yes without praying too. And that was how we started our relationship. Temiville, what you descvribed is exactly what happened in my relationship. I lived in constant fear. Fear that she might have a sordid past she wasnt telling me, fear that maybe she was just pretending to be good because she was already pushing her late 20s and all her friends were either married or setting their weddding dates. Fear that after saying I do, Id realise I dont want t be with her anymore.
Unknown to me, she was harbouring the exact same fears. So we were basically wary of eachother and watched carefully for mistakes or ‘signs’ as yo put it. Like you can predict, it did not work. We split up 3 months ago. It was then I retraced my steps and went to God. I prayed and fasted and sought counsel and yet, everything was still pointing as this lady as my wife. So I asked the Holy Spirit for wisdom. Luckily for me, because the spirit of God dwells in her too, she experienced something similar. So we took time to pray (separately) and now we are just friends and loving it. I intend to ask her out again soon but this time, I am sure of God’s will. Now, it will be for her to marry me not just go out with me.
This experience has shown me that you cant afforrd to mess up your life. Thank God for his second chance. Sometimes you might even be with the right person but because of this fear, you mess it all up.
I hope some learns something from my experience. Never forget to seek God’s face cos if you do, you will end up going back to seek his face.
God bless,
Oto oro.
Dec 17, 2010 @ 01:39:20
Wow, your story is encouraging TrueSay… All the best!
Dec 21, 2010 @ 03:14:26
Wow!!! Thank you… I hope she says yes *wink*
Dec 16, 2010 @ 15:06:23
I have that verse from proverbs written on a paper and taped to the wall beside my bed. This way it is the first thing I see when I wake up. I can reassure myself that with God, I’ll be aiight. Like you said, it is very dangerous to go through life alone o.
http://lookingglassofanimmigrant.blogspot.com/
Dec 21, 2010 @ 03:14:04
What you’ve done reminds me of Hab 2:2 where it says Write the vision, and make it plain on tables, that he may run that reads it…
xoxo
Dec 16, 2010 @ 16:08:14
Truly God-Inspired!
Honestly, I have really learnt the hard way of waiting for the “go-ahead” from God before making any decision. The consequences of trusting in ones self aren’t worth it.
That proverb, proverbs 3:5-6 has actually become one of my favourites, one I recite over and over and over again.
Camile Allen truly has a gift.
Dec 16, 2010 @ 16:17:12
@ True Say,
Wow! Thank you for sharing your testimony, reading it I thought of the stry of Jonah in the Bible. God does give second chances, He is merciful, however its always better to do things His way, living on total dependence on Him the first time round but through our mistakes we get to see/know more of Him.
I like the steps both you and the young lady have taken to work at your relationship. All the best.
Dec 16, 2010 @ 18:40:59
“Where do I turn?” – To God!
It is not disputable that God has the final say and His Wisdom is beyond compare…
[I am slipping into some quiet place, (far) away from home, familiar elements, and other (human) distractions in a matter of days to reflect on many things and get directions (from God) for the coming months and years. I think that sort of Action helps at times likes this…]
By the way, Order My Step is one of my favourite songs. The intro is classic and I remember the staccato too well! Have you heard the Donnie McClurkin version? I heard that long before I discovered this version (BTC) which is quite older…
My prayer for you is that, indeed, God will Order Your Steps and that You Will Follow God’s Steps too. You will not become deaf to His voice and Instructions!
Enjoy the rest of the week. Cheers!
http://gbengaawomodu.wordpress.com
Dec 21, 2010 @ 03:12:42
AMEN Gbenga! Thank you so much…
Dec 16, 2010 @ 21:48:22
Temi , I can only sigh as I read this post , because it so much talks about me, as a strong opinionated lady , I find it so hard to surrender my will to God’s will and always my will are always causing trouble for me . I loved , maybe not love , infatuated will be better with a young man , and I didn’t even bother to ask God’s view about it , I just went ahead to confirm all my feelings to the guy and I met a brick wall, I had to go back to God , firstly confessing my sins and telling Him to take away all the obsessive feelings I have , and God in His infinite mercy took me back and told me to stop looking around for human love becauseit will never satisfy me.
Temi , thanks for this post.
p.s: am launching my blog http://rahabmemoirs.wordpress.com , it will be appreciated if you can visit it.
Dec 21, 2010 @ 03:12:06
Thanks so much. I’m glad you enjoyed it. May God keep giving us the grace we need to run this race. Lovely blog you’ve got!!!
Dec 16, 2010 @ 23:12:57
Proverbs 3:5 is one of my fav bible verses!I still quoted on why twitter this week!Thank for this. I needed it
Dec 16, 2010 @ 23:13:47
Proverbs 3:5 is one of my fav bible verses!I still quoted it on twitter this week!Thanks for this, I needed it.
Dec 21, 2010 @ 03:10:35
what’s your twitter handle???
Dec 16, 2010 @ 23:25:19
I had to come back and read the article because it really was what i needed.
For the past couple months, things have not been too great for me and i had totally shut out praying, going to church and even reading my bible.I often wallowed in self pity and unhappiness. Somehow this week, i realized that i had to go back to the drawing board and entrust everything to God. Living without God truly is like an Israelite journey , it is a waste of time and it keeps you in constant fear. Even now, if things are not going as planned, i know that God is working his miracle somewhere.Knowing that i have that assurance in God, eliminates all fear.
Dec 21, 2010 @ 03:10:14
I pray that God will give us the grace to totally lean on Him…cos believe me hun, it takes God to trust in God…I’m happy youre doing well. May He uphold you to the very end…AMEN.xoxo
Dec 17, 2010 @ 21:18:13
A big, big thank you for this post dear!
Dec 21, 2010 @ 03:05:55
You are very welcome 🙂
Dec 17, 2010 @ 22:35:25
Very inspiring post! I commend you Temi.
It pays to have God lead you in any step you want to take. I had an experience when I joined the band wagon to do something, thinking it was the right thing to do, instead of inquiring from God if it was his will, and it ended up a flop.
I think the problem actually is knowing when God is speaking and how he speaks, are you sensitive enough to discern?
You may end up forming up voices from your inside or just allowing emotions lead. When you have built a relationship with God, you will know when he speaks and there would be no iota of doubt that its his voice. John 10:27.
He knows it all. He is the way, the truth and the life—John 14:6. You can never make a wrong turn if you are connected. Stay Connected!
Okeydoks!
Dec 21, 2010 @ 02:59:58
Thanks sir!
Dec 17, 2010 @ 23:20:15
Thank you for sharing
Dec 21, 2010 @ 02:57:42
You are welcome!
Dec 19, 2010 @ 02:33:52
Oh Temi
You really have a way of bringing up things that resonate with me. Let me share my experience, maybe it would help someone.
I met a guy in bible school who was seriously on my case. I was about 19 or 20. Fine boy, loved God, my dad liked him….you know the kind of guy you meet and you start checking out how your name sounds with his surname :oP…well he was a correct guy..in fact he was too good to be true!
Then I asked God about him. The scripture He gave me was Micah 2:10 “Arise ye, and depart; for this is not your rest: because it is defiled, it shall destroy you, even with a sore destruction” I was like What???!!!! If God is telling me this about this ‘pastor’, what is he telling others about me???? I was so shocked that I couldn’t even tell the guy what God told me…see me see wahala!!
The problem was that me I liked the guy. You see, I used to be afraid that I was going to end up with a boring, dry, ‘gbagauing’, not presentable, speeree guy just because I wanted the ‘will of God’. To now find this 10/10 guy (make that 9/10 since God didn’t approve) and then get this kind of word had me questioning my ‘God said’….I didn’t let the guy go oh!!
I tried to convince God to change His mind, but I lost my peace. I eventually made a deal with God. If He showed me why ‘pastor’ was bad, I would obey. He didn’t have to come down to my level like that, but you know God is a loving Father. He showed me and long story short, I ran for my dear life!!
God wants us to be happy. He benefits from our success because He gets the glory, so whatever He tells us to do is for our own good.
My walk with God changed when I changed my perception of God from ‘Strict guy with a long list of THOUGH-SHALL-NOTS’ to ‘Loving father who sets boundaries for me because He loves me and doesn’t want me to get hurt’
He promises never to leave us without direction if we ask Him. We can’t afford to learn the hard way. He would still make it work together for good, but we’ll have to live with the scars….
Dec 21, 2010 @ 02:49:01
LOLZZZZZ @ ‘I was going to end up with a boring, dry, ‘gbagauing’, not presentable, speeree guy just because I wanted the ‘will of God’’.!!!! My sister, that was my Number 1 fear. And please add ‘short’ to the list for me, lol. But tis so sweet to trust in Jesus just to take Him at His word just to rest upon His promise just to know ‘thus saith the Lord’.
God has taste! God knows wassup! What He gives us, trust me, we would LOVE! I remember when I was 16, I liked Pat Attah, now frankly, the guy does not do it for me any more, I think he dresses in a not-very- all – that manner but I used to LOVE LOVE LOVE him in Mega fortunes. God however knows you and I. He knows what we will like in 5 years’ time, 15 and even 50 years’ time. He will give us a lasting love so we just have to totally trust His judgment.
Thanks for sharing that girl, you totally had me laughing here and its 2:48 am!!!
Dec 19, 2010 @ 02:42:35
another long one….I hope you don’t mind
Dec 21, 2010 @ 02:43:43
Mind keh?!
Dec 21, 2010 @ 11:10:45
Selfishness is the one reason that makes one shy away from God’s kind of way. And the fear that one might not be able to get the opportunity one’s thinking offers if one decides not to act upon it is the beginning of that very SELFISHNESS.
I had an unusual experience two days ago. I was walking on the road kerb on my way home when I saw a cripple with multi deformities. Immediately I sighted this cripple, an unusual thought overwhelmed my soul and spirit, leaving too disturbed as I was about taking a cross over the road. The overwhelming thought was what I couldn’t surrender to easily. I heard a personal voice telling me to give to the begger the whole akara I had bought earlier on my way home. The akara I had thought would make a nice breakfast with some bread. Even though I dare the the plausibility of the action the inner thought was pushing me to take because that might be sacrificing my whole breakfast to the beggar, I was quick to remind myself that while it is very clear and possible that I could always have more certain breakfast any other mornings it is not so with the beggar whose meal would always be dictated by the drops that hit his pan. I later gave the akara to him plus some change to get some decent water with when eating the akara.
As funny as the above story reads, it was the exact experience that got me thinking on what decision to make and what thought to obey {between mine and what the inner one, which is God’s, was telling me}. God’s leading are most at times not what our plans are. It is indeed good to seek His face in all things
http://www.josephomotayo.blogspot.com
Dec 31, 2010 @ 15:07:56
“In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”
Oct 18, 2011 @ 16:37:50
I loved d babies 😀
Oct 19, 2011 @ 09:22:09
Crossroads.. we have all been there and would always be at one! I usually just get a word or promise from God to run with… God gave me a dream(literally a dream..lol) about my Msc… and the school name and exact course. The program costed 14k pounds then and i had practically zero savings at the time… To cut the long story short, I resigned from my job the day I applied for my visa and trusted Him all the way for the visa and funds and He sent divine helpers to me that brought me to tears.
I sought his face about my next move after the program and i’m back in Naij. Though I had a pretty rocky start as I was jobless for ageees, lines have fallen into pleasant places now and I can see the reasons for the lengthy wait. Moreover, i am humble enough to know that all I am is solely by grace…
At this point in my life, I just cannot make major decisions without getting a word for that situation. Because when push comes to shove, that’s the only certainty and assurance I have…. as long as I have His word….i can go to sleep 🙂