This devotion was used by permission from Dianna Hobbs’ “Your Daily Cup of Inspiration.” For more great encouragement like this, visit her official blog here.

Ever been through a major life change that shook up your entire world? Yes? Me too.

After returning home from the ICU following my life-altering medical crisis last year, a change of pace was necessary. My normal task list suddenly felt overwhelming, and there was no way I could do everything I previously did with ease.

My team swung into action, cleared my calendar and took over most of my duties. Suddenly, all was quiet, and the pace of life dramatically slowed. In fact, things almost came to a screeching halt. As one would imagine, such a huge change required quite a bit of adjusting on my part. I needed far more help, rest and recovery than I expected.

Since last year, God has been teaching me to embrace life’s pauses. I have been learning that it’s okay to slow down and allow myself time to reset, replenish and refresh. And I think this is a lesson many are learning right now because of the Coronavirus. People are forced to stay at home. Events are canceled. Offices are closed. Large social gatherings are forbidden. Understandably, many are struggling to embrace this pause, but pausing can be a good thing, because it is during life’s pauses that we hear God clearly.

“When God allows your plans to be interrupted, He’s getting ready to implement His plan. And the outcome will be so much better than you anticipated. Trust Him!”

— Dianna Hobbs

In 1 Kings 19, this proved true in the life of the prophet Elijah.

After killing the false prophets of Baal, Elijah angered villainous Queen Jezebel who threatened to kill him within 24 hours, causing him to panic and flee deep into the desert. Once he was isolated, Elijah, feeling alone and in despair, wished for death. But God was with Him—something Elijah would discover as he obeyed God’s command to wait by the mountain.

In quiet solitude, in the midst of a life pause, God visited him and spoke to Elijah in a gentle whisper. The Lord assured Elijah that he wasn’t alone, gave him instructions for his next assignment and released him to go.

As you see, Elijah's pause was temporary, and the attack on him was not fatal. God was not through blessing Elijah but used the pause to reset him and instruct him. This is what God often does in our lives too. He uses life’s disruptions to redirect us and order our steps.

I don’t know what pauses or disruptions you may have experienced or are yet experiencing, but I do know that God is with you and isn’t through blessing you. Just as Elijah waited by the mountainside, if you wait patiently upon the Lord, He will show up and speak to you. He will give you the guidance and reassurance you need . He will minister to you, heal you where you’re broken, renew your strength and prepare you for your next, greater assignment.

Don’t ever mistake a pause for a conclusion. God has more in store for you, and the story isn’t over yet. To reiterate, view pauses as divine interruptions and preparation phases that lead to better things. As you go through your process, wait on the Lord. Trust Him. And soon, He will usher you into a new season of release and breakthrough.

To encourage you, I’m stirring Psalm 130:5 NIV into your cup of inspiration, which says, “I wait for the LORD, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope.”

As you drink down the contents of your cup, remember, when your life is disrupted and things come to a standstill, just stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord. He will speak. He will move. And He will prove Himself faithful once again.

Now, let’s pray.

God, during life’s pauses and disruptions, help me recall Your word that assures me that in due season, Your promises to me will be fulfilled. Even when I can’t understand Your ways, I trust that You are guiding my steps and leading me to my predestined place of purpose, blessing and breakthrough. In Jesus’ name, Amen.