Thursday, July 7, 2011

Detour Through the Desert

Has God given you a vision of what your purpose is? Is it clear in your mind; what He has called you to do? Are things progressing as you thought they would or are you faced with nagging thoughts that maybe you heard wrong? Maybe you misunderstood.

Scripture has the ability to reveal truth in a very special way. Looking back to Exodus 13:17 we see God made a distinct decision to send the children of Israel the long way around. "When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them on the road through the Philistine country, though that was shorter. For God said, 'If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.'" (NIV)

God could have chosen to send them directly to the Promised Land, but He purposefully chose the long road. If you take the time to read through the whole account of the Israelites' journey out of Egypt in the Book of Exodus, you will find that these were a "stiff-necked" people-much like ourselves-who needed training and time in the wilderness.

It is possible God has called and shown you your specific ministry, yet things are not progressing in the way you thought they would or should. You may have your own agenda and timetable set. Be patient and accept the truth. God is not about our timetable. We see time as a hindrance but God, who created time, uses it to accomplish His perfect plan. His timing is Perfect. Perfect.

There is no use wasting your time or energy kicking against it. Accept it. Embrace the challenge and allow your desert detour to shape you gracefully in preparation for whatever the Lord has ordained your ministry. Your time will come. When it does you will be ready. He will make all things beautiful in His time. You may still have to learn some hard lessons but with His grace and by the power of the Holy Spirit that works within you, none of your obedience will be in vain.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight," Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV).

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