By Rochelle Lloyd

For years, I knew I needed something more in my life—but I couldn’t figure out what that was. I was a busy mom with five kids, ages 9 to 19. Life felt chaotic—both inside and out. James Allen once said, “The outer conditions of a person's life will always be found to be harmoniously related to his inner state...Men do not attract that which they want, but that which they are.” That was certainly true for me.

Our life seemed to be in constant motion. One change I couldn’t ignore was the fact that my kids were growing up—and would soon be leaving home. Up until that point, my entire purpose had been to be the best mom I could be. Every decision I made, every action I took, revolved around them. But as I began to sense this chapter coming to a close, I also began to feel a pull… a desire for something more. Yes, we needed additional income to prepare for retirement and the future. But the more I felt tugging at me went beyond money. I couldn’t quite define it—but I was unsettled.

So what do you do when you don’t know what to do? Many people say, “Just ask. What do you want? What do you want God to do for you?” As a natural questioner and problem-solver, I dove into research. I looked into different careers that seemed to suit me. I explored what steps I’d need to take to pursue those careers. Even though I already had a Bachelor’s degree, I went so far as to reapply for college and started the process of becoming a traditional student again. But none of it felt right. I was focused on the future but still missing the more I was meant to find now. Nothing seemed to come together, and I felt frustrated. All I wanted was direction—but every road I tried seemed to lead to a dead end.

That’s when I found insight in an unlikely place—the story of Christ’s first miracle. John 2:1–5 says:

1 And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there:
2 And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage.
3 And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine.
4 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come.
5 His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it.

At first glance, this might seem like a simple narrative. But a closer look reveals something powerful—especially when we’re unsure what to do or how to ask for help.

I don’t believe for one second that Jesus was being dismissive when He said, “Woman, what have I to do with thee?” I see it as incredibly respectful. To me, He was saying, “Okay, Mom. What do you want me to do? How can I help you? Just ask—and I’ll do it.” Even though it wasn’t yet time for Him to publicly declare His divine mission, He was still willing to help His mother.

Mary didn’t give Him a direct answer. Maybe she didn’t know what to say—maybe she couldn’t even imagine the possibility of what He might do. But she trusted Him. She knew that whatever He chose to do would be enough—miraculous even. So instead of trying to spell it out, she simply turned to the servants and said, “Whatsoever He saith unto you, do it.” And from there, Jesus turned water into the sweetest wine.

Sometimes, like Mary, we may not know what to ask. But we can still move forward with faith, trusting that something beautiful will come of it. It’s the very act of moving that opens the door to miracles. You can’t steer a parked car. And God can’t steer us either—unless we’re willing to move.

Looking back, I realize that during those early years of searching, God was trying to guide me. But I didn’t recognize His guidance for what it was. I brushed it off. It would take another five years before I would rediscover—and finally follow—the path He had set for me. It felt like I was high-centered… spinning my wheels, occasionally catching traction but never truly going anywhere.

Everything shifted when I made the decision to be still and let God lead. That’s when I found traction. That’s when the wheel caught, and forward momentum began. Instead of spinning in frustration, I learned to quiet my heart and take simple, faith-filled steps forward.

And that’s when things began to change.

Now, like Mary, I try to live by this truth: “Whatsoever He saith unto you, do it.” Because on the other side of that obedience is the miracle you didn’t even know how to ask for.