The Illusion of Self-Sufficiency
I’ve always been a planner. From an early age, I meticulously charted out my life’s course. I had my career path and goals all neatly laid out. I thought I knew what was best for me, and any deviation from my plan was met with resistance. As I ventured into adult life, I faced numerous challenges and unexpected obstacles. Relationships crumbled and career aspirations shifted. Despite my best efforts, it seemed that I was stumbling through life without a clear sense of direction.
It was only after hitting my head against the wall too many times, that I began to question my approach. My relentless pursuit of personal goals was leaving me emotionally drained and even spiritually disconnected. Even though, at the time, I thought I was following God’s plan for me, it wasn’t until I decided to slow down, let go of my plans and turn to God for guidance, that things started to fall into place.
Slowing down was a foreign concept to me. I would have never done it by myself, but God found a way to do it in a very subtle way. I began to incorporate more moments of prayer and reflection into my daily routine and allowed myself to embrace silence as a means of listening to God’s voice. I started to recognize subtle nudges and intuitions that I had previously ignored, and I was finally able to tune in to those gentle prompts that urged me to reconsider certain choices and attitudes.
I wish I could say that this transformation happened overnight, but it didn’t. I’m not done either, I’m just getting started. Listening to God and trusting His guidance requires time and patience. There are still moments of doubt and frustration, but I must admit that the journey itself is a testament to God’s grace.
Allowing God to guide my decisions has profoundly changed my life. My career took unexpected but rewarding turns that I would never have predicted. More importantly, though, I have found a deep sense of peace and purpose that had eluded me in my past pursuit of self-reliance.
In a world that often glorifies speed and decisiveness, my personal journey has taught me the profound wisdom of slowing down and listening to God before making decisions. It’s a practice that has brought me clarity in moments of confusion, strength in times of weakness, and a deep sense of fulfillment in surrendering to a plan greater than my own. I hope this inspires you to slow down and trust that God always has your back.
Claudia and her husband Juan have shared many wonderful years together in Houston. As their four amazing kids are almost all gone to college, the couple is finding joy in spending more time in Claudia’s hometown of Valledupar, Colombia, embracing the chance to be closer to their family.
A passionate entrepreneur, Claudia’s spirit shines through her flourishing online women’s accessories business. Though the past four years have brought with them the challenge of chronic pain, she has persevered, her faith unshaken. Through this journey, her relationship with God has blossomed, and she is filled with gratitude for the blessings in her life.
In the face of adversity, Claudia remains a beacon of hope and acceptance, understanding that His will guides her path. With unwavering optimism, she openly shares her testimony, inspiring others with the knowledge that, through faith and love, things can always get better.