When Both Paths Look Good

Slowing Down to Pray and See the One God Lights Up

In Joshua 9, the Israelites made a decision that seemed right, sounded good, and looked harmless in the moment, but they didn’t stop to ask God first. And that has been on my mind because I’ve been walking through something similar.

Recently I had a door close on something I was really excited about. I thought this event was going to help me grow, give me a reset, and be exactly what I needed. But one obstacle after another kept showing up. Nothing flowed. Nothing felt peaceful. I kept trying to push through it because I wanted it to work, but deep down I knew something was off. It finally hit me that those obstacles were God shutting that door. He wasn’t being harsh. He was protecting me from something that wasn’t meant for me.

When I finally stopped and prayed about it, I realized God had already opened another door. I just didn’t see it because I was so focused on the one I wanted. The weekend I had originally set aside for that event is now becoming something so much better. Instead of going somewhere to try to grow, I’m growing right where God has planted me. I’m pouring into my retreat, dreaming big, and collaborating with friends He has placed in my life to help make it all come to life. And the whole thing feels natural, peaceful, and surprisingly exciting.

I don’t always know God’s plan for me. I usually know what I want and what seems awesome in my mind. But I’m learning that if it’s not from Him, it’s just not going to be awesome. When I pray first, when I ask Him before deciding, the clarity comes. I see what He’s been trying to show me all along.

So I’m trusting this. When a door closes, pray. When something feels forced, pause. And when God opens a door, even if it wasn’t the one I had my eye on, walk through it. Because that’s where the real growth begins.