“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” — 1 Corinthians 10:31 (NIV)
Today, I found myself wrestling—again—with the question: Where should I stay during my sabbatical?
To be completely honest, if fear wasn’t in the picture, my answer would be simple: I’d stay at my current place. I love the quiet. I thrive in the stillness. I feel at peace when I’m alone—able to sing out loud in the bathroom, cry my heart out to the Lord, journal deeply, and play worship music without needing headphones.
It’s not about being antisocial. It’s about being in a space where I can fully be myself with God. I realized that when I’m in shared spaces, even with people I love, I tend to overthink—am I being too loud? Am I disturbing others? Should I adjust to the atmosphere around me? That constant need to “consider” everything steals the rest I know God wants to give me in this season.
Surrendering the “What Ifs”
In moments like this, I often find myself whispering, “Lord, tell me what to do. Where should I go?”
And while I know that wherever I go, God will be with me, I’ve learned not to rush decisions without peace. Just like when I was discerning whether to take this sabbatical or not, I told myself: If there is no peace, I will not move.
But instead of obsessively researching options and scrolling endlessly for better deals or places to stay, I put my phone down. I worshipped. I prayed. I chose to pause and invite God in again.
In that quiet moment, I remembered one of my goals for this blog: to become a living testimony of God’s goodness and faithfulness.
So, I asked myself a question:
“One year from now, what kind of story would bring the most glory to God?”
A Faith Decision
And the answer came gently—but clearly.
The best testimony isn’t necessarily the one that’s most practical or most affordable or most efficient. The best testimony is the one that reveals God’s provision, peace, and presence—even when things don’t make sense.
Yes, God already provided enough for this sabbatical. But still, I hesitated. Fear whispered lies:
What if I run out of money? What if I regret this? What if I need to control everything first before I rest?
But then I heard another voice within me—the Spirit reminding me:
“Yani, why are you not taking the path I already opened for you? I’ve provided. I am with you.”
So I made my choice: I will stay where I can grow closer to God in this season. I will step into the unfamiliar, even if it stretches my faith. I will trust God more than my budget, more than my plans, and more than my fears.
Because this sabbatical isn’t just about resting my body—
It’s about strengthening my spirit.
When I Said Yes
Once I said yes, it felt like everything else started falling into place.
Suddenly, ideas flowed again—I started planning where I would stay, how long I’d stay, and how I could truly make the most of this quiet time with God. It was like clarity finally stepped in when fear stepped out.
No, I haven’t written all my plans down yet. But one thing is already settled in my heart:
I’ve made this decision with God.
Encouragement for You
If you’re in a season of uncertainty—about where to go, what to do, or how to make a decision—I want to encourage you with this:
You don’t need all the answers to move forward. You just need the One who holds them.
God honors surrendered hearts. He is not only our Provider but also our Peace. Sometimes, the most faith-filled decision is the one that seems least practical—but leads you closer to Him.
Scriptures to Reflect On:
- “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” — Proverbs 3:5–6
- “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” — Isaiah 26:3
- “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” — Exodus 14:14
Reflection Question:
What is one decision you’re afraid to make right now? What would it look like to surrender that fear and choose the path that glorifies God the most?
I’d love to hear your thoughts—share in the comments below. Let’s encourage one another in faith. 🤍
Faithfully,
Yani
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