There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.
— Proverbs 14:12 (NKJ)
We all grow up with patterns of behavior. As we continue in these patterns, they are reinforced in our lives. Only when we are willing to look at these patterns in an unbiased way can we see if they are good or bad.
In the past, when I would find myself in a situation where I couldn’t see the next step, I would pray and fret and beg. This became my pattern. “Where are you God? What do you want me to do? Just tell me”. It was discouraging, frustrating and sad. And because I was so focused on my need, I couldn’t hear what the Spirit was trying to tell me. Without acknowledging it, I was disappointed because I thought God was not answering me – holding out on me. Sound familiar? Remind you of Eve?
I am learning to allow the Holy Spirit to help me take a look at myself and see from His point of view. My focus was wrong. In my panic, I was focusing on the problem instead of the answer. Abba and Jesus are always the answer. So what do I do?
I take the focus off the problem and I begin to remember and remind myself of who He is. Proverbs 18:10 says His Name is a strong tower and I am to take safety in His Name which shows His character. God will never change because He lives outside of time. Change only happens in time. We live in time so we change, but God can not and will not change.
Therefore I remind myself that God is always good, always present, always the provider, always the healer, always peace, always for me, always working on my behalf even when I don’t see it. Romans 12:2 says to renew our mind so we can be transformed in our thinking. Then we will know God’s will.
The question is, “Do I believe this?” I start by quoting what the Word says about God and what Jesus has done for me. Then as I continue focusing on God, His goodness and His love for me, I begin to see light. Instead of begging, I say, “You have a plan for me. You have not forgotten me even though it looks that way sometimes. I don’t go by feelings; I go by who you are and I know you are with me and taking care of me. I trust You”. And on and on . . .
Doing this only one time and then going back into your old feelings won’t help. You may need to remind yourself every few minutes until God becomes bigger than your problem. I have had to do that. But if you faithfully do it, your view and focus will change. Your trust grows in the Father and you begin to have joy, knowing it’s going to work out well.
May this bring encouragement and direction to your life. It certainly has to mine. God, as we see in the life of Jesus, is Good and Faithful. His way always works!!
“It is not living for Him but from Him”
January 2025 Wallpaper