Exploring Promise, Purpose and Pain
Romans 8:28
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.
We all have a purpose on this earth and often that changes with the seasons of our life as God sees fit. As we walk in our purpose, life takes us through very interesting and dynamic experiences. Experiences that we should learn to accept and grow from. It starts with a promise, then a purpose and sometimes even pain. The beauty of it all is that no matter what, God's promise will always prevail.
My eyes have been opened to many truths and revelations over the past several years as I sought God for His perfect will and time during this season of my life. My question has always been - "What is it that You would have me to do Lord for You?"
There are three specific lessons that I have recently learned as I have journeyed down the avenue of promise, purpose and pain. It is my prayer that your spiritual eyes and ears will be opened to the revelation knowledge God has for you as I share.
Lesson 1
Running ahead of God is never a good idea
We have a tendency to, too often; "run ahead of God" when we feel that things are not moving fast enough or when we simply want to control circumstances or people. Because God has given us free will, God does not always stop our actions; neither does God save us from the consequences of those actions. Perhaps it is pride that makes us feel we must take control of situations; in fact, many Bible scholars say that pride is the root of all other sins. Of course, it is appropriate for us to take the initiative in many situations, but never without praying for direction - and being willing to wait for the answer.
Lesson 2
Lack of Faith and impatience are costly
When we take our eyes off God and try to do things on our own, we too often pay a high price. The ticketed item for lack of obedience turns in to harsh pain because we compromised. Impatience many times co exists with lack of faith.
A compromise can lead to misplaced confidence, confidence in self instead of God's promise. Don't compromise what God has purposed for you. A wise man once said, "Never doubt in the dark what God has shown in the light."
I heard Adrian Rogers say, "Don't let your testimony be weakened because of your lack of faith or patience." God will test us to reveal weaknesses so we can grow from glory to glory to glory for His glory. A faith that can't be tested won't last.
Live by faith and don't compromise and scheme. Lack of faith and patience can bring hardship and pain. The Word of God is sure and final and we can find security in living our lives by what His Word says regardless of the way circumstances appear. No matter what difficulties and delays we experience, our great stabilizer is our dependence upon the Lord and His Word.
Be assured that we will face continued difficult assignments from God and everything in us may reason and pull against what is clearly commanded of us. II Corinthians 10:5 tells us we must bring every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, to the Word of God.
It takes faith to receive the promise God has ordained for us and it takes patience and character to maintain what He has given us. God will achieve His plan and He will never alter the things that come out of His mouth. His Words are forever established. Heaven and earth will pass away, but His Word will never pass away. Impatience and self-willed acts will never produce promise.
Lesson 3
Submission yields a Prize
The life we live is much bigger than us. It is never about you! God has orchestrated it in such a way that our daily dependence has to be on Him alone in order to yield the fruit of the spirit. As we draw nearer to Him, He draws nearer to us. Then at some point we find our will submitting to His will. Sometimes it's after we've taken a number of detours.
Liberation is found in submission. Submission is our aid, not our enemy. If there has ever been an attribute that has been misinterpreted it is submission, but when we see the effect of submission on our lives, it's no wonder why God prizes it so highly.
Only God knows how long it will take us to make the exchange of our wills for His. We must continuously remind ourselves of God's promises. Take them personally and have faith in God and patience to see things through to the end.
Ask God to make it clear to you, to give you wisdom, direction and continued discernment in the area He is calling you. Ask Him for the supernatural will to walk in submission wherever He desires. I promise you that God will speak directly to your spirit and you will know without a shadow of a doubt that it is your Father speaking.
Submitting to God provokes the blessings of inheritance. God gives us strength for the journey - and He is merciful and true to His promises. The key to receiving the promises of God is obedience. Have faith, be patient and submit to God's will. Remember - first there is the promise, then the purpose, and sometimes the pain, but always a return to the promise.
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