This week we are going to get practical. One thing I know about single moms is that we are practical, resourceful, and can multi-task circles around most people. Our days are full of being the household bread-winner, project manager, accountant, chef, janitor, chauffeur, tutor, and counselor. To top it off, we do much of it on our own. And if we are fortunate, we get a little sleep at night to recover just enough to do it all again the next morning.

Although God has called us to this face-paced life for a season, it doesn’t mean that it feels doable on any given day. It’s tough! And we are tired! Probably frustrated, insecure, and weary as well. We were created to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do (Ephesians 2:10). This means God has plans for us. Purpose for us. And to live in the sweet spot of his will, we need to challenge the status quo so we can move forward and do what God has called us to do.

Think about your week ahead. Can you sift through the “crazy” and pull out one issue that needs prioritizing? It could be any number of things: Career, kids, relationships. Perhaps it is physical in nature, like calling to set up a payment plan for an overdue bill. Or maybe it’s a personal health matter that requires a change in diet or starting an exercise program. It can even be a spiritual issue that requires some tough decisions to stop or alter a behavior that is causing pain and destruction in your life.

Some of you may be drawing a blank. And that’s okay too. If you are stuck and don’t know where to start or how to start, take a good look at our scripture for this week. God says he will instruct us and teach us in the way we should go and that he, himself, will counsel us. I am desperate to hear from him. How about you? Do you need direction? Do you need counsel on something that is just too much for you to handle on your own? How about wisdom? One thing is for certain, I need God to give me wisdom. Doing this on my own for almost ten years now, wisdom has been what I’ve prayed for each and every day.

Whatever your particular issue may be, find a quiet moment, even now, and ask. Ask God for wisdom. Ask him to open your eyes to see what needs attention and how to take one step forward this week in addressing that lingering problem you’ve been stewing over or putting on the back burner. It may be hard to pick just one thing—your life may be in total chaos right now. Don’t try to change everything at once, that is a set up for failure. Just pick one thing and work on taking one step forward.

I am a big proponent of writing things down. It’s a great way to see the problem, focus on the specific issues that need addressing, and allows adequate room to piece together a more concrete plan of action. Can I encourage you to try that this week? If doing it on your own seems too difficult a task, ask for help from your mentor or a friend. What is overwhelming on your own, can be a fun and exciting adventure when you invite someone else into the process. Allow God to guide you. He is for you and wants to set your feet on solid ground. Go ahead, ask him to show you how to “grow forward” this week and then take that step.

Reflect and Respond:

Try and carve out a few quiet moments where you can pray, listen, and journal. Ask God to give you insight on one issue you need to tackle or address this week. And then write out a plan of action to move forward in that direction.

Remember, you are not alone. Have a blessed week.