Apicontent

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.
(Ecclesiastes 3:1, NIV)

We live in a culture that demands instant gratification. We want what we want and we want it now! But God is never in a hurry.

The prophet Jeremiah wrote, “The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD” (Lamentations 3:25–26, NIV). Is your hope centered in God as you patiently wait for him to rescue you from your current situation?

Waiting is difficult, especially when we see others taking shortcuts to achieve what we desire. But King David reminds us to, “Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes” (Psalm 37:7, NIV).

When we get what we want prematurely, we shortchange ourselves. It may not be apparent right away, but time always reveals the consequences of impatience.

God is in complete control of everything. Any delays are not because he isn’t able to make things happen faster. Rather, he has more he wants to accomplish in us and through us during a slower, more deliberate journey to the ultimate destination.

God sees everything that concerns us and has a complete view of our future. With our limited foresight, we can only base our judgments and decisions on what we know presently. Our assumptions about the future are only our best guesses. But God knows about the major changes that are coming around the next bend. Our faithful and loving God is more committed to our long-term happiness and well-being than to our immediate pleas for what we want right now. Because of our impatience, all too often we are willing to settle for something or someone that we know is less than ideal. But when we have accepted God as our guide, he steps in and stops us from trading away the far better future he has planned for us.

“You have a time-table, and God has a timetable. His is better than yours.”
— Criswell Freeman

To be impatient with God’s timing is to question his ability, goodness, and love for us. Psalm 27:14 tells us, “Wait patiently for the LORD. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the LORD.” Best is always worth the wait.

“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”
(Isaiah 43:19, NIV)

You’ve probably heard it said that the definition of lunacy is doing the same thing over and over again but expecting a different result. And yet, as creatures of habit, we tend to not want to try new ways of doing things.

God is constantly bringing about something new in our lives. The most dramatic change occurred when we invited Christ into our lives and were born again into God’s forever family.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: the old has gone, the new has come!
(2 Corinthians 5:17, NIV)

God uses change to transform us so our character will reflect the qualities that Jesus demonstrated when he walked on earth.

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
(James 1:2–4, NIV)

“The amazing thing about Jesus is that he doesn’t just patch up our lives, he gives us a brand-new sheet, a clean slate to start over, all new.”
—Gloria Gaither

God uses change to transform our situations because he wants us to accomplish the good things and purposes for which he created us. He designed us with specific abilities. He placed each one of us in a particular family and environment. All so he can accomplish what he has planned for us.

For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
(Ephesians 2:10)

God uses change to transform our relationships because he wants us to experience and share the depth of love that is characteristic of his very nature.

Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.
(1 John 4:11–12, NIV)

Learn to embrace change. Your life is in the hands of your heavenly Father who will lead you into a glorious future.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and future.”
(Jeremiah 29:11, NIV)

God desires the very best for you and he has mapped out a perfect course for your life that will result in your utmost joy and fulfillment. Embrace the change, even though it may be difficult and is moving you beyond your comfort zone. Trust your heavenly Father. He knows what he is doing.

We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.
(Romans 5:3–5)

Each one of us has experienced difficulties at various times throughout our life. Usually, these trials dominate a day, or maybe a week. But there are other times when we encounter a crisis that is life-altering. When that happens, we find ourselves walking through a valley so dark and deep we wonder if we will ever see sunshine again.

With every trial, we face the temptation to abandon God while the evil one whispers in our ear “Give up on God. After all, hasn’t he abandoned you?” But in reality, God is with us even in our darkest hours, regardless of what our emotions or demonic voices tell us. God knows what we are going through and reaches out his hand, not to save us from the situation but so we can walk through that valley with him.

When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.
(Isaiah 43:2)

“Our loving God uses difficulty in our lives to burn away the sin of self and build faith and spiritual power.”
—Bill Bright

Adversity looks a whole lot better when you see it through your rear-view mirror. It’s only when a crisis is far enough in your past that you can see the bigger picture and appreciate the good that God accomplished through pain and suffering.

God uses adversity as a tool to refine us and increase our capacity for greatness.

Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.
(James 1:2–4)

Perhaps the most difficult crises are the ones where we felt betrayed by those we trusted. God molds us and shapes us through trials. But when he has used others in the process, we can leave the valley shouldering bitterness toward them. As a result, in a sense, we imprison ourselves with unforgiveness.

Difficult life experiences shape us. Through those experiences, God allows us the opportunity to grow in our spiritual character so we reflect more on his values and strength. But it is our choice whether we allow that transformation to take place. If we harbor resentment toward God and others, we will leave the valley diminished instead of stronger.

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.
(Romans 8:28)

Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself to have attained this. Instead I am single-minded: Forgetting the things that are behind and reaching out for the things that are ahead, with this goal in mind, I strive toward the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
(Philippians 3:13–14)

Experiences from our past have a strong effect on our lives and our behavior. Great experiences can give us confidence and faith. However, sometimes tough experiences can make us bitter, fearful, and untrusting which can produce a devastating effect on our lives and our relationships.

Most of us have some history we would like to erase. How about you? Are you haunted by things you did—things you want to forget, actions for which you still feel condemned?

Before the apostle Paul became a committed disciple of Christ, he was a persecutor of the followers of Jesus. This was part of his history that he wished he could erase. And even after he became a Christian, he still struggled with his old nature and at times slipped into sin. Paul shares his struggle and Christ’s solution,

Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. So you see how it is: In my mind, I really want to obey God’s law, but because of my sinful nature I am a slave to sin. (Romans 7:24–25)

He continues, “So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death” (Romans 8:1–2).

We need to see beyond the sins and mistakes of yesterday so we can embrace Christ’s promises for tomorrow. Today, accept the grace and forgiveness Christ has provided to us so we can be free to live the new life he has planned for us.

John, the apostle, explains it like this, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9, NIV).

“Trust the past to God’s mercy, the present to God’s love, and the future to God’s providence.”
—Saint Augustine

We can’t earn God’s forgiveness. It is freely given by him when we acknowledge we have worked against him and ask him for forgiveness. Then he will remove “our sins as far from us as the east is from the west” (Psalm 103:12).

God has an overall plan that is not thwarted by anyone’s mistakes. Negative experiences will be turned into positives for our future when we let God heal us and teach us what we can learn from them—allowing him to conform us to the image of Christ.

Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.
(Galatians 5:25)

God wants to guide you on your life journey, but do you know how to discern his direction? How do you separate what God is saying to you from all the other distracting messages around you?

First, prepare your heart to hear God.

By getting right with God

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9, NIV)

By surrendering your will to God

“We know that God does not listen to sinners. He listens to the godly man who does his will.” (John 9:31, NIV)

By humbling yourself before God

“And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8, NIV)

By renewing your mind with biblical truth

“Be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:2, NIV)

By having a mindset of faith, trust, and expectancy toward God

“We live by faith, not by sight.” (2 Corinthians 5:7, NIV)

By being patient and willing to wait on God

“Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.” (Psalm 27:14)

Second, monitor God’s channels of communication.

God directs our steps through his Word, the Bible.

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” (Psalm 119:105, NIV)

God directs our steps through the prompting of the Holy Spirit.

“But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth.” (John 16:13, NIV)

God directs our steps through other people.

“Make plans by seeking advice.” (Proverbs 20:18, NIV)

God directs our steps through providential circumstances.

“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” (Genesis 50:20, NIV)

Third, make sure the direction is from God.

Does it comply with the directions given in God’s written Word?

“Direct my footsteps according to your word; let no sin rule oversee.” (Psalm 119:133)

Does it make sense when you use sanctified reasoning that is based on God’s truth?

“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:2, NIV)

Does it seem to fit with the surrounding circumstances?

“In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will.” (Ephesians 1:11, NIV)

Does it concur with the advice you have received from wise godly counselors?

“Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” (Proverbs 15:22, NIV)

Does it generate a supernatural inner peace and calmness that cannot be attributed to your circumstances?

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6–7, NIV)

You do not have to be able to answer “yes” to all of the preceding questions to confirm the direction as being from God. However, if you answer “no” to any of these questions, wait on God to give you more confirmation before taking action.

Fourth, trust God to guide you.

Believe God will give you the wisdom you need.

“If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.” (James 1:5, NIV)

Rely on God to show you the right way.

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.” (Psalm 32:8, NIV)

Expect God to confirm or redirect your steps.

“In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.” (Proverbs 16:9, NIV)

Discovering God’s will and discerning his direction is more dependent on your relationship with him than a process of steps. He wants to guide you. Stay close to him. Hear his words. Notice his signs. He will reveal his plan to you at the right time.

Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.
(Matthew 7:7, NIV)

God wants us to involve him in the pursuit of our desires. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus reveals a simple but profound three-step process to help us: ask, seek, and knock.

When we are looking for something, we usually change this sequence. First, we begin by seeking. Then we knock on various doors to see if any will open. And then finally, we ask a person hoping to get the answer we desire.

Did Jesus make a mistake with this sequence? Why did he begin with “ask”? The answer is actually quite obvious. Jesus is not talking about asking a person. He is telling us to ask God before we even begin seeking and knocking.

Ask

Have you ever asked someone you didn’t know for something significant? If so, deep down you probably doubted you would get what you wanted. That’s because usually, the depth of the relationship needs to be in proportion to the size of the request.

Jesus tells us to ask our heavenly Father (see Matthew 7:9–11). We begin by asking him for the things we desire. We go to him because we know he cares. We go to him because he wants to be involved in our lives.

Prayer changes things in the spiritual realm when we ask according to God’s guidelines (see 1 John 5:14–15; Matthew 21:22; James 4:3; 1 John 3:21–22; John 15:7; John 15:16; Luke 18:1,6–8).

However, it may take time before that change becomes noticeable in the physical realm. By faith, make it a habit to thank God for his answer while you wait for its manifestation.

Demonstrate your faith and anticipation by “seeking” and “knocking.”

“We cannot rely on God’s promises without obeying his commandments.”
—John Calvin

Seek

Why does God want us to seek after asking him for what we desire? Seeking implies faith and expectation. Do you believe in God’s ability to fulfill your desire? Are you trusting that he cares enough about you to follow through? Are your motives for the request according to God’s standards?

Work through whatever issues you may have so that you can actively watch and expect God to act on your behalf. The apostle Paul tells us, “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful” (Colossians 4:2, NIV).

Look for possible ways through which God may answer your prayer. With an attitude of expectation and anticipation, be sensitive to the Holy Spirit. Stay alert; if you believe God has answered your prayer, you will be looking for its manifestation.

Knock

God doesn’t just want you to watch for opportunities expectantly, he also wants you to put your feet to your faith. As the Holy Spirit makes you aware of possibilities, be faithful to pursue them. Knock on the door of a possibility to see if it will open wide or slam shut.

What God doesn’t answer immediately he will answer eventually. As you walk by faith, continue to thank God for his answer. Although you do not know when it will arrive, it will be on schedule according to his timetable. Keep on thanking him for his promise: “For everyone who asks receives, he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened” (Matthew 7:8, NIV).

We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps.
(Proverbs 16:9)

Where do you go from here? Perhaps you are the kind of person who likes to plan everything out. You want to know the exact route to your destination and make sure you have everything you need before you embark on your way. Or maybe you are a free spirit who feels comfortable letting life happen without much forethought.

God wants you to walk by faith into your future with him. What does that mean? You will not know exactly where the road will take you. And you will not be able to count on your resources or abilities to get you to your destination. And the destination that you have chosen may even be changed!

2 Corinthians 5:7 tells us “For we walk by faith not by sight” (BSB). God wants you to walk into the future knowing that he is by your side and trusting in his goodness. He is your guide companion provider and protector. He wants you to trust him because you know him and have a history of adventures with him. You don’t know what the future holds. You don’t know what lies around the next bend of life. But he does. And he is committed to caring for you as you walk the road together.

“God uses our most stumbling, faltering faith-steps as the open-door to His doing for us ‘more than we ask or think’.”
—Catherine Marshall

It’s true that the journey ahead of you might be longer than you wish. You may go through dark valleys. There might be detours and cliffs on either side of the road. Whatever the case may be, it’s okay. If you just do the next step you will get there. Are you feeling nervous right now? Discouraged even? Trust that God hasn’t forgotten you. He’s right here with you—listening to you loving you desiring a closer relationship with you. Lean on his Word and his understanding in times of seeming hopelessness and he will provide you with the love strength and encouragement you need to take the next step.

God is more capable and involved in guiding your steps and orchestrating your circumstances than you can imagine. King Solomon wrote, “A person’s steps are directed by the LORD. How then can anyone understand their own way?” (Proverbs 20:24)

Take your next step by faith, knowing that God will redirect you if necessary. You can go forward with this assurance: “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged” (Deuteronomy31:8).

So, what is your next decision to make? What is the next step to take? Whatever it is, do it. God will be there with you. He is your partner on this life journey.