“The vision is yet for the appointed time. It hastens toward the goal, and it will not fail. Though it tarries, wait for it; For it will certainly come, it will not delay.” – Habakkuk 2:3

When you’re driving through heavy snow or on icy roads, you have to slow down and look intently. You can’t relax. You’ve got to watch for the next turn or an unexpected obstacle. Sometimes you have to stop altogether and wait it out.

I have this BIG prayer request, and the answer I want isn’t coming at the moment. The struggle is mighty. The stakes are high. There’s no end in sight.

But I’m not alone in this storm. God is with me. He wants to speak to me, even if the solution is nowhere near the horizon.

At Northwood Church this morning, Pastor Robert Stephens talked about what to do WHEN (not IF) storms come. Know Jesus and that He is the living Savior. When you don’t know what to pray, just say “Jesus.” Be obedient.

The Tuesday morning Northwood Ladies Bible Study gives me insight on what to do. We’re studying “Discerning the Voice of God: How to Recognize When God Speaks” by Priscilla Shirer. It’s been a wonderful reminder that God lives in us through the Holy Spirit. We have God’s power to do God’s will.

When you’re going through a storm, you’re on high alert. I’m seeking God’s face in my personal Bible study and prayer time. I’m desperate for guidance. Here’s some of what I’ve been hearing:

• God may not be answering my prayer in the way I want, but He’s still giving me guidance.
• I may not get the whole answer, but look for the next step.
• Take it, even if it is uncomfortable.
• I am called to act in love, but the response of others is not my responsibility.
• Becoming like Christ is a process. Choose to obey the Holy Spirit in the small things.

I didn’t choose this storm, but I can choose how I face it: angry and fearful or expecting God to be with me and work in me.

I may not like this verse, but it’s proved true in the past and will be true again in the future:

“…we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, ⁴ and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, ⁵ and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.” – Romans 5:3-5 (ESV)

While I’m waiting on the big answer, I’m not giving up. I’m searching for the good in the moments. I’m looking for beauty around me. I’m thanking God for His many blessings. I’m seeking out ways to bless others.

” ⁹ So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. ¹⁰ Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith.” – Galatians 6:9 (NLT)