Every year around the Christmas school break, we sit down and watch through the whole Lord of the Rings trilogy (only the Extended Editions are allowed in our house). If there was a longer version, I would take great delight in watching it as well.

In the Fellowship of the Ring, while watching Boromir riddled with arrows and sacrificing his life for Pippin and Merry, my son and I turned to each other and quoted with the movie: “I would have followed you my brother, my captain, my king.” It is a powerful moment where the man who had given in to his lust for power and tore apart the fellowship of nine had found his arc of redemption in his dying breaths.

I had a dream a few weeks ago. I was driving a semi-truck with a delivery to my aunt’s house, which was just down the street from where I grew up. The whole time I was on the phone with my dad and he was giving me directions. I had just driven through a construction zone, but had no recollection of what had happened in the construction zone…

Oftentimes, when I am presented with big decisions, I want a prophetic word to give me the next thirty steps so that I can be “comfortable”. I prefer to have all the eventual outcomes worked out before I exercise “faith”.

What I have come to learn is that the Father will rarely speak prophetically about a decision you have yet to make. He will, however, confirm what he has already been whispering in your inner man.

Our family trip to Mount Rushmore became a powerful lesson in faith. Arriving to thick fog, we were discouraged, but a whisper, "Pay attention to how this plays out, it will prophesy what is to come," resonated. Despite others' negativity, we waited. Through the "gift shop" (a symbol of the Holy Spirit), I lingered while my family explored. Just as dusk fell, the fog cleared, revealing the illuminated monument. This experience taught me that trusting God means focusing on who He is, not just what He'll do. Like the fog at Mount Rushmore, doubt can obscure our vision, but God's heart remains constant. He's present, revealing Himself even when we don't see the full picture. What are you waiting for? Focus on Him, trust His timing, and know He will bring clarity, just as the fog cleared at Mount Rushmore.

Tired of feeling like you're constantly striving for perfection? Do you long for a deeper connection with God that goes beyond rules and regulations? This post explores the profound truth that true freedom comes not from rigid discipline, but from a deep and abiding relationship with the Father. Discover how to break free from the 'bit and bridle' of performance-based Christianity and embrace the joy of living as a beloved son or daughter.