What to do when you don't know what to do

by Crystal Paine

Jesse and I have been going through a mini "quarter-life crisis" the past few months. You see, for the last five years, things have been quite clear for us: Jesse would finish his undergrad, we would get married, we would move, Jesse would go to law school, Jesse would take the bar. No, we didn't know the specifics of how it would all work out financially and so forth, but we knew this is what we were supposed to do. Well, that's what we did and God has been so faithful.

However, we are at the end of this phase in our lives and we are lacking clear direction. Jesse sits for the bar in less than six weeks and we honestly have no idea what the future holds after that. Jesse has a standing job offer with his current employer, but neither of us have complete peace with this.

We've prayed a lot, talked a lot, and sent out a lot of resumes. Still no clarity.

I'm an impatient, gung-ho, get-things-done type of person. This waiting business is really hard for me. I've been tempted more times than I can count to just take a stab in the dark, pick a direction to go, and drag my husband along with me. Yes, maybe we'd have some direction, but it certainly wouldn't be God's direction.

And so, instead, I'm left at the foot of the Cross, clinging to the promises of God, trusting in the Lord who led the thousands of Israelites by a Pillar of Fire to the land of Canaan, that He can surely lead our little family to where He would have us to be -- in His time. It's good for me to not know where we're headed in the future because it forces me to rely upon He Who holds the future in His hand. After all, what else is there to do when you don't know what to do?

Crystal Paine is a 24-year-old homeschool graduate from Topeka, Kansas. She is the blessed wife of Jesse and joyful mother of Kathrynne. Visit her site, Biblical Womanhood, for books, articles, encouragement, and inspiration!

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