GOD TREASURES JOURNEY

During the month of December all of the Wednesdays and Sundays teachings will circle around one theme, God treasures journey. We often read in Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”

This is so encouraging to us, God has plans, they are good and these plans should produce hope in each of us. Have you ever wondered if God was paying attention? Sometimes our journeys look like He forgot where we live. When Joseph was in prison for the second time because Potiphar’s wife lied to her husband about Joseph it would have been easy for him to be discouraged and to question if God was even sure about what was going on? I mean, to be honest, I would have thrown a pretty powerful pity party had I been put in prison again because of someone else’s issues! When Moses finally made it out of Egypt with the Israelites and then they came upon the Red Sea and Pharaoh’s army was hot on his tail he may have wondered if it was some kind of punishment that they were all about to die in the Red Sea. When David was anointed king and then had to hide and run from Saul in the mountains for years until he finally walked into his purpose we know from the book of Psalms that there were times when he questioned what God was doing.

For me moving into this church building and onto this property after 19 years of searching was a big relief only to have many trials waiting for me when we arrived. Oz and I were audited, we nearly lost our home, we had several family members and friends move in with us with various health issues and we experienced many breakdowns before we began to see breakthroughs. If we would have looked only at the circumstances we would have missed what God was doing all around us. This is the temptation of the enemy.

If Moses only focused on Pharaoh’s army coming after him, he never would have lifted his staff to see the salvation of the Lord. If Joseph would have become resentful he would have missed the plans God had for him and if David did not know how to worship himself out of his circumstances he never would have walked into his destiny.

May question to you is, do you believe God knows what He is doing? Do you think He forgot about you or that your choices have somehow taken you out of the running for His purpose? When things are not going to plan I first look inside to see what is happening in my own heart. I have to be honest with myself and with God. Sometimes I just have stopped communicating with God. There is a lie that I have believed that I have to earn His attention. I may be entertaining the idea that He is mad at me because I have been ignoring Him. It is hard to ask for something from God when I have not been talking to Him. This relationship is an invitation for more than reaching my destiny, it is more that getting my needs met or my prayers answered. This relationship is about Lordship, friendship and stewardship.

First He has to be Lord; His word in every situation has to be the final word, not up for debate, discussion but not debate. Secondly we need to approach this relationship like a relationship and not a hot line. This is a give and take a conversation. Today I just spent time loving on the Lord, thanking Him for all He has done, not asking for anything just appreciating all the things He has done and for the choices He made so that I could be in relationship with Him. I just sat with Him. Finally, we have to steward this relationship. Long distance relationships can be challenging and while the Lord is never far away, because I cannot see Him with my eyes it can feel like He is far away. It takes investment. I do not ever want to take Him for granted. Consistency creates intimacy.

Whatever is happening in your journey with the Lord be encouraged today that He is in love with you. He is happy you are part of His family and He is not mad at your nor  has He forgotten where you live!

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