Next Steps...
Do you ever struggle with the question..."God, why am I here and where am I going?" Boy, I sure do. As much as I have devoted my life to knowing my Father in heaven more and to knowing myself, these questions still plague my mind and heart. Sometimes I'm really hard on myself because I continue to ask these questions. But, I also know that God knows that the questions are coming from a place of love for Him and a desire to give all of myself, each and every day, to Him. It's not a "what's in it for me" heart that longs for more...it's an "I want to be everything for You" that brings these questions to my mind. I guess that's why this devotional from Charles Stanley really touched me with hope and grace.
"We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them." Ephesians 2:10
Never forget that the Father knows your life from beginning to end and has a plan for all He created you to accomplish. Understanding this will help you avoid rushing into the unknown when you should be waiting for His guidance. In your desire to see the Lord work in your life, you may often wish that He would reveal more about the path ahead or that He would speed you along to the destination more quickly.
This is not uncommon; in fact, it is the inner struggle of every believer He uses powerfully. But remember that God knows the big picture and what is best for you. He will not allow your passions and gifts to go to waste. He understands the level of faith you need in order to succeed and sees the best path for forming His character in you. So endure and wait for Him to open the doors of opportunity. He knows what He created you to do. Trust Him to accomplish what concerns you.
Lord, thank You for giving my life purpose. I wait for You to reveal the path for my life, amen."
After reading this, I almost felt a weight being lifted off me. I loved the reminder "In your desire to see the Lord work in your life, you may often wish. That He would reveal more about the path ahead or that He would speed you along to the destination more quickly. This is not uncommon; in fact, it is the inner struggle of every believer He uses powerfully." Whew!!! I'm not alone!!
I know from personal experience time and time again that God's timing is perfect. He is rarely early, but never late. I know that God is love and He only wants the best for me. I know that His leading and His waiting is so the best will come. So, when I say "Let's go!!", and He says "Let's just wait a little longer", it's not that He is keeping me from something, but rather that He is continuing to prepare me for something.
So, the real question is, today can I keep my focus on Him instead of my desires, trust in His leading each step of the way, and know that because I am His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that I would walk in Him, that He will accomplish all that He has planned?
What about you?
Dr. Jason