I think it is safe to say that from time to time, we all run into perplexing situations in which we feel betrayed, confused, perplexed or abandoned.  At such times, we cry out to God (or whoever else might be listening), "What am I to do?"  "Where am I to go?"  "Show me the way."  "Lead me in the right path."

Then we go our way and promptly forget that we prayed for a solution or asked for guidance.  Or maybe we don't forget.  Maybe we just never really believed that we would receive an answer.  So we continue to plow our way through our predicament resenting those who don't help, cursing those that try, but fall short, and cry with our head in our hands, mumbling, "What to do?  What to do?"

This is where I remind you to stop.  Slow down and breathe deeply.  Did you ask for help?  Then expect help.  Begin to look for signs of help.  Begin to be still enough and stop crashing through your life like a bull in a china shop looking for some trinket that may not be there!  Listen for that still small voice whispering in your ear, "This is the way over here; over there;  take this step; move around this obstacle; go past this person, they are not the one to help you;  take another step;  keep moving forward;  keep looking for the lighted pathway."  It may only be lit up for one step at a time.  But, it IS lit up.

If you don't think that God hears or answers prayer, why waste your breath?  If you pray, expect him to show up.  There is no need to get angry at someone who turns you away.  It just becomes clear that that person is not the one you need; move on.  Try something else.  Maybe they don't give you the answer you want or expect;  listen anyway.  Is there something in their comment that can help you?  You asked for leading, let yourself be led.  As you pursue the answers that you seek, expect that they are revealing themselves.  Do not allow yourself to be offended or hurt or frightened.  Expect that somehow, someway, the events of the day are part of the answer.  Can it be that you are being steered clear of someone who may not be the best help or influence?  Could it be that one door is closed in order to reveal another further on down the hallway that wasn't so obvious, but may be much better?  Don't be angry at the one who slams the door;  he could be doing you a favor.  Follow the path that is being lit for you, with a grateful heart, full of expectation that a better way is just down the road.  Don't waste a second complaining or whining or worrying.  Things change everyday.  That is just a part of life; because that is the nature of things.  This confusing time is only a change waiting to make itself clear.

Breathe.  Wait.  Listen.  Go.

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