Knowing What Is Ahead

For I will show him how much he must suffer for My name’s sake. Acts 9:16 NASB

God told Moses he would be leading the children of Israel out of Egypt and yet would meet resistance from Pharaoh. God gave Joseph dreams that revealed what lay in his future. God let David know through the prophet Samuel that he would one day be king of Israel. In today’s verse, we see where Saul is being told of the suffering he would face. These are just a few of the examples that come to mind as I consider the times God let His people know of future opportunities or trials. Many times there wasn’t a lot of detail but enough was given to prepare them for what was in store. Does God still do such things today? You bet He does! I am seeing it clearly done in my life as I wade through a present season of pain. Allow me to share it with you and see if you can relate.

Two years ago, God revealed to me something that would be necessary in order to bring about freedom and a fresh awareness of Himself. At the time, I thought it was a command but now I see it was simply a preview. With that thought in mind, He continued to teach me vital truths about Himself and instill within me necessary character qualities. As the time approached for the actual “test” He got more specific. Within a three day span He showed me that He would be pruning me by cutting away a significant aspect of my Christian life, that I needed to focus on Him rather than the past, and that it was essential to learn the truth of abiding in Him. He even gave me a dream one night that left no doubt in my mind as to what He would be doing and why. I did not realize how vital these things were until the reality of the trial hit! Once I saw what was happening I realized God had been preparing me all along.

He wanted me to see that change was necessary, that His hand was in it, that growth would come from it, and that I would survive! I have learned to call Him a gracious God. As He and I wade through the issues and make the necessary adjustments there is a closeness being formed between us. I sense His interest, involvement, and purpose as He develops in me the trust, obedience, and cooperation that is needful for this season of my life. This is not about behavior modification but rather it is about heart transformation and a renewed mind. All that I have learned about Him in recent years is being reviewed and lived out during my present circumstances.

As I step into another day, I know it will be filled with good moments and difficult ones. There will be tears as well as shouts of joy. The process will be painful but productive. And in the end I will know Him as never before.

Father, You have invested much in preparing me for this time. Wonder is replacing fears and tears as You continue to reveal Your person and Your plan. Amen.

Doing A New Thing

This is what the LORD says---He who made a way through the sea, a path through the mighty waters, “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland. Isaiah 43:16,18,19 NIV

I find instruction and comfort in this passage today. As I sense major changes in my life, my anchor of truth is knowing God’s hand is in it all. I know that the very things I am going through are either being caused by Him or allowed by Him and that He will not waste any of it. He will bring good, gold, and glory out of it all. He has shown me too much of His heart and character for me to draw any other conclusion. How can I not trust Him?

His instructions for me right now are to forget the former things and to stop dwelling on the past. He knows that if my mind cannot move on with life I will remain in a capsule of pain, disappointment, and sorrow. I will focus on the circumstances of my life instead of the Redeemer of those circumstances. I will stunt any growth, limit my own receptability to His teaching, and miss out on what He is doing. I have to believe that what He has in mind is far better than what He is removing from my life.

His promise and comfort to me is that He is doing a new thing in me. He knows what is necessary in order to bring it about. He says He is making a way in the desert. In order to make a way He is having to remove obstacles…the very things that would block progress. The hard part is experiencing the pain of His removal of what seems like good things. The things that at one time actually helped me to grow in my faith have fulfilled their purpose and would hinder growth if allowed to remain. It seems so final as this season of my life draws to a God-ordained close. That which brought security, safety, and encouragement will quickly become bondage and entrapment if I do not let go of it and take hold of Him.

When I see it as His work and His invitation to follow Him, I am better able take the first steps toward this new direction in my life. He has been gracious enough to prepare me for this time. He knew the day it would all hit me and He also knew I would respond with tears and trust. The tears were appropriate and the trust was necessary. Starting today, I do not want to miss anything He wants to teach me along the way. I sense His delight and excitement over what will soon unfold right in front of my eyes!

Father, I have grown so use to the way things have been. I bring all discomfort and disappointment to You. I reach for Your hand as I open my heart to You. Amen.

All Means All

And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 NKJV

I have often looked at this verse and seen it only in context with physical needs such as food, clothing, and shelter. This morning, God is inviting me to broaden my view! He knows that I have needs that go beyond the physical aspects of my life. After all, I not only have a body, I have a soul and a spirit. Some of my needs are certainly external but many are internal. I know this to be true: all means all! God desires for me to see Him as the One who meets not only my physical needs, but my emotional, spiritual, and social needs as well.

Often times disappointment marks my path because I have intentionally or unintentionally placed my expectations upon people to meet my needs. Especially the internal needs. I look to them for acceptance, approval, affirmation, comfort, and love. And I will be honest, it feels wonderful when they are able to give me those things. The problem comes when my needs exceed their ability or willingness to give me what I am craving. The cycle is all too familiar. I sense a need, look to a person to meet it, face disappointment, experience a feeling of depravation and anger, walk in shame for seeing this part of myself, and eventually crumble in a heap. Once again I am confronted with a choice. Continue the cycle or break it!

For me, the breaking of the cycle is only possible as I take my expectations off individuals and place them entirely upon God. It is an act of my will God waits for me to put into words. So my prayer may sound something like this: “Father, once again, I take my expectations off __________ and place them entirely upon You. I release them from my need for them to be what only You can be and do what only You can do. I accept Your words of provision to me. Forgive me for running after my idols of flesh and blood. You are the One who supplies ALL I need and I praise You for that! In Jesus precious and powerful name I pray. Amen.”

It is a prayer that God delights in and honors. Instantly, the chains of dependency on others are broken and raw emotions are healed. Each time the issue resurfaces I will have to choose to take the same steps toward freedom. I joy in such truth! I now invite others who struggle in this area to do what I have learned to do. You will not be disappointed when the expectations are transferred over to the only One who is able to meet them. He is waiting for you to take Him up on His extravagant offer of supply!

Father, this is an ongoing battle for me but You supply the victory every time. Thank you for faithfully teaching me how to apply Your Word to my life. Amen.

An Absolute, Unlimited Offer

For we were slaves. Yet our God did not forsake us in our bondage; but He extended mercy to us. Ezra 9:9 NKJV

Freedom is possible only as we accept the truth about ourselves and the truth about God. The religious leaders of Jesus’ day did not see themselves as being in bondage to anyone or anything when they said, “We were never in bondage to any man.” (John 8:33) Little did they realize they were in bondage to their own mindsets, heart attitudes, and religious systems. They could not see it therefore they were in no position to admit it and seek freedom from the very One who could give it to them.

Ezra 9 is a chapter of corporate repentance. As priest, Ezra cried out to God on behalf of his nation because of their disobedience. But throughout his prayer the word WE is constantly used. He entered into the truth of his own heart. Yet as He came to God with the list of offenses He also proclaimed the truth about God. God was aware of their bondage and was not backing away. He was graciously extending mercy. He does the same for each of us today.

When we are blind to the areas in our life that hinder us from living in freedom and joy, we are unable to bring them out into the light in order that God would do a work in us. He is extending the mercy but we are unaware of our need of it. We are in no position to receive it or live by it. At that point it remains an unopened gift! Whether the bondage is a habit, a mindset, a sinful act, or something that has been passed down from past generations, God is urging us to acknowledge it and accept the mercy, grace, forgiveness, and help He extends.

This morning, God is drawing me into conversations with Himself. I am aware of the things I need to admit to Him. There are mindsets that are affecting my relationship with others. There are places in my life where I am allowing the enemy to feed me lies and color my perception. There are blind spots that God would have me open my eyes to. None of this is possible to admit if I view Him as anything but a welcoming God. He is ready to hear me and ready to give me the mercy I so desperately need. He has spent the past few years building a foundation of truth about Himself to me. When I read a verse like Ezra 9:9 I now recognize that characteristic as being who my God is and what my God is like.

Father, Your heart is what draws me to You. I hear and accept Your invitation to come to You and receive from You. Thank you! Amen.

Heart Implants

Blessed be the LORD God of our fathers, who has put such a thing as this in the king’s heart, to beautify the house of the LORD which is in Jerusalem: and has extended mercy unto me before the king, and his counselors, and before all the king’s mighty princes. And I was strengthened as the hand of the LORD, my God was upon me. Ezra 7:27,28 KJV

Read through the Old Testament and you will find many occasions whereby God put things into the hearts of His servants. It may have taken years for those seeds to come to fruition but with time God brought it all to pass. He cleared away obstacles, crossed the paths of significant people, instilled talents and abilities, orchestrated events, and watched over every detail. His requirement for His servants was step by step obedience. Many could not have told you how God was going to do it, but when they looked back they could see His hand on them as well as on His plan for them.

For Ezra, it was the rebuilding of the temple. For Moses it was leading the nation of Israel out of Egypt. For Joshua it was leading the nation of Israel into the promised land. For Esther it was delivering her people from annihilation. For Joseph it was becoming Prime Minister of Egypt and preserving the lives of many. For Paul it was introducing many to Christ and writing much of the New Testament. The list goes on and on. Although each was a different era and drama I see similarities.

Each had a passion for something. Each went through a time of testing and waiting. Each faced difficulties and what seemed like death to their dreams. Each learned important lessons about themselves and God. Each were linked with specific individuals that played key roles in their lives. Each saw God’s involvement from start to finish. Each fulfilled the very thing God put within their heart. They are my examples. They are my encouragement. They are my guides.

I know the things God has placed within my heart. I feel a camaraderie with my biblical ancestors as I move closer to the fulfillment of those things. I am learning when to put my hand to the plow and when to “be still and know that He is God.” I am learning to develop the skills He has given me while keeping my ear open to His still, small voice. It is a cooperative effort between my Creator and myself. There is still much to do and much to learn but with God’s hand upon me I am strengthened. I may not see the completed picture for decades but in the mean time the path I am on will be rich with lessons and intimate fellowship.

Father, what You have put in my heart is meant to come to fruition and bring You glory. Much is new for me as I follow You. Fulfill Your dreams for me! Amen.

The Basis for Trustworthy Words

Nevertheless I am continually with You; You hold me by my right hand. You will guide me with Your counsel, and afterward receive me to glory. Psalm 73:23,24 NKJV

Words spoken to us are only as reliable as the person saying them. All of us can attest to a time in our life when something was said or promised that did not come to fruition. At the time, there may have been sincerity but over time things changed. Somewhere along the line either circumstances or the very heart of the person changed. How painful for the one who trusted what was said to them. Whether it happens in a marriage, a friendship, on the job, or in a church it is imperative that we bury our hearts and trust in God and His Word.

This morning I am being reminded of the faithful, consistency of God. The promises of Scripture do not change because the character of the One who spoke them does not change. He means them as much today as He did when they were first penned and the ink was still damp on the pages of the scrolls. They were not spoken in haste or with the inability to be carried out. Therefore they can be counted upon and trusted. No need to wonder. No need to ask if He still feels the same way toward us. What He said to our ancestors generations ago He says to us today. All that has changed is the audience He is speaking to. I still thank Him for the day I realized His words were meant for my ears as much as for anyone else’s ears. It was then that I could appreciate and accept God’s Word as His personal letter to me!

So when I find myself hurting over the change of heart in others. When the things they told me at one time no longer apply to me. When promises made no longer remain true. I have a place of safety and refuge to resort to. He still holds my hand and guides me with His counsel. He loves me with an everlasting love. Nothing and no one can be counted upon in the same way God can be counted upon. In this life I will face hurts and heartaches but I will also experience the healing touch of the hand that never lets go of me.

I want to experience today’s verse on a daily basis. I want to feel His hand holding mine, sense His guidance, and know that I am continually in His presence. That is security to me. It broadens the picture in my mind of Jesus’ words, “I will never leave you or forsake you. I am with you always.” It shows me God’s loving, consistent involvement and companionship in my life. What a personal God!

Father, there is always risk involved when I trust a person. Some have handled my trust with love and others have not. You alone remain a guaranteed place of safety for my heart. Amen.

Learning How

Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. I Peter 2:1 NIV

I read this passage yesterday and my first question to God was “HOW? How do I rid myself of that which seems to be such a part of me so much of the time?” Within the list of things that needed to go, the one that jumped out at me the most and spoke the loudest was envy. I knew the feeling, I knew the reality, and I knew the times it came upon me. I didn’t like it, want it, or need it. And yet there it was! It was a part of me as much as my brown eyes, brown hair, skin, and bones. And now I was faced with a command that showed me God’s view of it. It had to go! But how? There is not a command in the Bible (whether for something to do or not to do) that God will not enable us to carry out. He gives no impossible orders! NONE! He will provide everything we need to walk in freedom and obedience to Him, including showing us how to do it.

The answer did not come right away but it also did not fall on deaf ears. This morning He showed me the “how to.” It came while I read some verses from Psalm 73. Asaph is the writer of this Psalm and his prayer was the answer I was seeking. In 73:2,3 he says, “But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped. For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.” God instantly brought my question back to me and whispered, “That is how you rid yourself of envy. Confess it to Me. Own the truth about yourself. Ask for My forgiveness, cleansing, and transforming work. Draw near and open up.”

This I know! If I ask God a question and He gives me an answer I would be foolish (and unchanged) to not act upon it. So I began to list for Him the people I was envious of. I gave Him the names as well as the reasons. I began to see how the envy was chipping away at my quality of life as well as hindering me from seeing those people in the right light. My confession and repentance opened the door for forgiveness, freedom, and change. While envy will continue to make itself known, I now know what to do to rid myself of it and its effects. God never reveals a truth to me that is limited to one use only. His intent is that I now take what I have learned and use it on a continual basis. He also desires for me to realize that this works on any internal heart issues of which I need to divest myself.

Once again, Father, Your Word has shown itself to be alive and powerful. May I continue to take the questions to You and know the answer through Your Word and prayer. You are my wise Counselor and Guide as I venture through the mine fields of life. Amen.