Is THIS the answer to my prayers???

[la mosca]

To just continue on in a miserable situation?

I recently returned to work (part-time) from maternity leave. In addition to my 3 month-old, I also have a 2 year-old. I'm very interested in becoming a stay-at-home mom, and I've been praying for guidance on what to do. I've committed many years of study and work to my profession (law), so I don't want to leave it behind lightly.

Because of my work obligations, I'm not spending as much time with my children as I would like. I feel guilty about that, and I feel guilty about not being able to commit more time to work. And I'm exhausted. I feel like I'm nearing the end of my rope, and I just want to quit my job. I just don't want to work outside the home anymore.

DH is supportive of my staying home, and he's very helpful with the kids. Even so, there's only so much he can do. There's a decent chance that his job could take us to another city, including a city overseas, in the near future. That would be a great opportunity for me to make a graceful exit from the workforce.

This past Sunday, I dragged myself to church (I almost didn't even go), and the sermon seemed right on point for my situation--so much so that DH started chuckling at one point. The sermon discussed Sarai and Abram. Rather than trust God and believe his promise that they would produce a great nation, they took it upon themselves to produce an heir for Abram by having Abram impregnate Sarai's slave, Hagar. Then Hagar, who began to resent Sarai after becoming pregnant and was mistreated by Sarai, fled into the desert without even knowing where she was going. An angel of the Lord appeared to Hagar and told her to return to Sarai and submit to her.

I took the sermon to mean that I should not just "flee into the desert" by running away from my job. I also understood it to mean that I need to wait on the Lord for further instructions, because this is not the right time to quit. (During the sermon, I actually said to myself, "Wait on the Lord," and the pastor said the same thing shortly thereafter.) I felt such a boost after hearing that sermon.

Well, now it's Thursday, and work is getting crazier by the day. I don't know how much longer I can keep going like this. I won't quit now if God is telling me not to, but did I read too much into the sermon? I thought I had some clarity on Sunday, but now I'm not so sure. On the other hand, maybe He is preparing me for something better (though I can scarcely imagine it now). What should I do?

 

[Ladybelle]

Well, it's hard for me to say either way. I do know that God promises to give us the desires of our hearts and if we ask anything according to his will and he heareth us, he will gives us what we ask for.

So maybe God isn't telling you that you have to keep your job, maybe he's just telling you to rely on him & stop trying to figure things out on your own. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and in all your ways acknowledge him & he will direct your paths. Instead of just running out into the wilderness, Hagar would have been much better off had she allowed God to order her steps.

HTH & Blessings to you. I certainly know what it feels like to want to be a SAHM.

 

[la mosca]

Well, it's hard for me to say either way. I do know that God promises to give us the desires of our hearts and if we ask anything according to his will and he heareth us, he will gives us what we ask for.

So maybe God isn't telling you that you have to keep your job, maybe he's just telling you to rely on him & stop trying to figure things out on your own. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and in all your ways acknowledge him & he will direct your paths. Instead of just running out into the wilderness, Hagar would have been much better off had she allowed God to order her steps.

HTH & Blessings to you. I certainly know what it feels like to want to be a SAHM.

Thanks so much for your response. It's very helpful. I was saying something kind of similar to DH this evening, that maybe God just doesn't want me to quit in a panic.

 

[LifeafterLHCF]

Do what the sermon said wait on the Lord..he may not come when you want him but he comes right on time..I know Im saying this to myself as I type this..God could be prepare your escape so that if you desire to go back it will be on good terms bc you never know where life may take you..I know you want to be with those cutie pies but just press in and on God I know he won't fail you..and make sure when he does speak your clear so you can take his instruction

 

[la mosca]

Do what the sermon said wait on the Lord..he may not come when you want him but he comes right on time..I know Im saying this to myself as I type this..God could be prepare your escape so that if you desire to go back it will be on good terms bc you never know where life may take you..I know you want to be with those cutie pies but just press in and on God I know he won't fail you..and make sure when he does speak your clear so you can take his instruction

In my heart, I know this is right. I actually feel a little stronger today. I probably need to stick it out for now, because the time isn't ripe for quitting. If He wants me to stay on, He will take care of me and give me the strength to make it.