A man’s heart plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps. Proverbs 16:9 (NKJV)

By LaToya C. Dawson

I was on my way to living the dream! In 2011 I quit my full-time job to become an independent consultant for a nationally recognized skincare company. I believed this opportunity would lead me to my long-held ambition of National Sales Director. Several friends tried to talk me out of such a life-altering, hasty decision. But I was adamant. I was going to follow my dreams.

I prayed about it, but I went to God telling, not asking Him what I wanted to do.

When God took too long to answer, I made the decision myself. I was new in my faith, having only been saved for about a year. I had little godly wisdom in making decisions that would change my life.

The first few weeks, phone calls, appointments, and orders were coming in like crazy. I was booking an appointment every one to two weeks. Business was on fire!

It only took two months to hit the brick wall. The phone calls, appointments, and orders just stopped. I couldn’t admit I was wrong to God or others, especially those who tried to convince me not to make this mistake. Filled with stubborn pride, I stopped my skincare business. I even chose not to go back to work.

I simply did not want to look like a failure in front of my peers or hear the words “I told you so.”

Eventually my resources ran out. I lost my home to foreclosure and my truck was repossessed. For some reason my pride and lack of humility would not let me repent and ask God for help. I was stuck in the muck of things until I came to the end of myself.

I remember the day I gave it up to God. Standing alone in my kitchen, I cried out, “God, I don’t understand what is happening, but one thing I do know—what you have for me is bigger than what I can hold in my hand.” I swallowed my pride and repented, asking God to forgive me. It has been a long journey, but God continues to redeem that part of my life.

Now when I have a major decision to make, I go to God in prayer first. And I wait for His instructions or sense of peace. I seek confirmation through godly counsel before I move forward. If I still miss it, I go back and ask God to forgive me.

He is faithful to give me grace and clarity in times I take the wrong direction.

If you believe God has given you a dream, He will fulfill it. But wait on Him to direct your steps. Don’t be so quick to make things happen on your own. God just may have other plans. I recently read a quote from a pastor, “Waiting on God looks a whole lot better.” Learn to wait on the Lord. Stepping out in faith requires patience and obedience.

Have you ever had a dream you believed God would fulfill, but didn’t wait on God to guide your steps? Go to God in prayer, asking for clarity about His plans for you.

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