Accepting Redirection

Accepting Redirection with openness and humility comes from a place of true and complete trust.

Have you ever tried to force open a securely closed door? The resistance alone will drain your energy. There are some doors, paths, opportunities, and even people that remain closed to protect you - universal redirection.

The challenge then becomes accepting the redirection instead of 'fighting the current'. The only way to do so without resentment is to do it from a place of divine trust.

(Unsplash Images - Roger Bradshaw)

There is no absolutist guide as to what each person is to pursue, a path that is ideal for one may be counterintuitive for another. It is a personal, innate call which will determine how you proceed.

Sometimes redirection may simply mean you need a different avenue to realize a potential goal or result. The desired aim may still be optimal but your path towards its attainment may need you to approach another ‘door’ while still maintaining your focus.

You may have heard the story of Colonel Sanders, the creator of KFC, who was rejected over 1000 times before he was able to secure financing to pursue his restaurant franchise. His story provides a solid example of maintaining a clear vision, but identifying alternative routes to it.

Then, there is the redirection that requires a complete reversal, a full 180 degree turn around. Those instances are the hardest to accept and justify, especially if said path is one where you adamantly fought to 'swim against the current' for a while. These are

the ones where you've already invested a decent chunk of your time and energy into their accomplishment. You have wrestled with it, tried to convince yourself to push along despite your inner guidance that this does not truly feel fulfilling...somehow you know when it simply does not feel right.

These are the times when true and complete trust in God's sovereign will and omniscience is the only thing that will give you the peace and the humility to accept redirection. It can be very difficult to do so with the logical mind and from our limited human perspective. The way to do it is to exercise faith. This is the difficulty in changing course – the faith driven, humble but clear acceptance of the need for redirection.

There are many biblical quotes which focus on full trust in God for direction. I have highlighted two of them here:

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not unto your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him and he will direct your path." Proverbs 3: 5- 6

"Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails." Proverbs 19:21

Powerful scriptures.

Our own self reliance is not enough - leaning on our own physical understanding and grasp of a situation is not sufficient. We must submit ourselves, our desires, our plans to God and then be humble and open to redirection if He determines it is necessary.

It takes strength to be humble.

Blessings!