Stepping Stones: Wishing or Living?

24 August 2010



Transformational Thought

The other day, we hit a glitch with a particular hire we were pursuing. For a moment, I started wishing I was running an organization like a friend’s that was older, more established, and had more cash flow to expand our staff.

How much time do you spend "wishing" for different circumstances, or even a different life? What if you got your wish and were able to switch places with someone or have the life you often dream of? What makes you think you would handle those circumstances any better than you are managing your present real life? Pretty arrogant to think you would do a great job with someone else’s life, when you have struggles with yours.

Wishing and daydreaming is actually such a waste of time. We know one thing for sure: time and energy are extremely limited. God knows exactly the best circumstances for us now so we can reach our desired destination...peace, contentment, joy, control, power, impact, connection, passion, energy. And the most awesome destination, Christ-likeness with a close and intimate relationship with God.

Try to accept each day as a precious gift from God and trust Him enough to yield to His design and purpose. The situations we find ourselves in, He brought specifically to take you one stepping stone closer in developing the mind of Christ and drawing you closer to Him.

Today, instead of longing for what is not, invest that energy and time in trusting Your Lord, praising your Lord. Take a look at your situation and ask yourself, "what is God showing me or want to grow in me?" and "He brought this in my life today for a purpose, so how do I do it well?" Daydreaming will leave you hungry, lost, and discontent. Trusting and praising God then acting on the opportunities He gives you each day will draw you closer to His joyful presence.

Prayer
Dear Father, I know that I need to take more control over my thoughts. I find I am always yearning for different circumstances. More money, different job, better house, more sexual satisfaction, fitter body. When it's hot I wish it were cooler...when it's cold I want it to be warm. I find I am always rejecting the current day's circumstances and wishing for something different. When I stop and think about this habit I feel foolish and arrogant...but left to itself, without Your wisdom, this is how my brain works. I pray, Lord, that You help me accept each day as it comes, to not wish it away. Let me remember that this is the day You have made for me and to let me be glad. I yield myself to You and Your Holy Spirit. Help me be a better steward of these daily opportunities so I can grow and You can trust me with greater things. I pray in Jesus' name; and all God’s children say - AMEN!


The Truth
This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Psalm 118:24

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28

Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, O LORD. They rejoice in your name all day long; they exult in your righteousness.
Psalm 89:15-16
- - - Navigate Life at: http://www.LighthouseNetwork.org/content

Stepping Stones Devotional

Lighthouse Network's Stepping Stones Community
  • Stepping Stones: Loss Is Your Door to His Stability
    February 10, 2012

    Transformational Thought

    As young children, one thing we learn quickly is the reality of loss. Missing a meal, seeing others whose needs do get met, losing a mother’s attention to a newborn sibling, losing a beloved toy, losing at games, loss through divorce or job relocation. Loss of innocence through abuse or extreme life circumstances.

    Life is filled with many kinds of losses. But despite the cause, one thing is certain: all loss hurts, regardless of its size. We recover quickly from some losses … but others take months or even years to absorb and process. Certain losses are temporary while others are permanent.

    In today's economic environment in which businesses are closing and downsizing, many are facing the loss of their jobs. This kind of loss can be devastating to anyone, but especially to the breadwinner of a family. Even if it is a second job, it may represent a threat to survival, credibility, and stability for our spouse or kids.

    Job loss can produce many emotions, but fear is usually at the root of any uncomfortable response. Will I lose my home? My child is leaving for college this fall—will I have to break the news that it will be impossible? We have built up credit card debt trying to keep our heads above water … what now? Who will respect me? Will our marriage survive this pressure?

    These and many other concerns are very real and can seem extremely threatening. If we keep our eyes on the waves of hardship, we will sink into despair and hopelessness. This is a time when it is difficult … but imperative … to focus on Jesus, not on the problems. This is a time to remember that He, not our job, is our source of value, peace, security, comfort, redemption, and abundance.

    We may go through some real challenges. We may have to tighten our belts and make some sacrifices. These struggles are not easy, but with Jesus we have hope and a powerful peace. Our job may be gone and the economy may be falling apart, but God has not changed. Step back from the hardship and see your life from God’s perspective. It is because of his mercy and loving-kindness that we are not consumed.

    Today, dig into the areas where you struggle or have experienced some recent hardship. What is the fear at the bottom of the issue? Infuse Jesus’ teachings into your fear, let Him bring healing and comfort to your pain. Then re-evaluate your struggle through these new lenses. Remember, great and abundant is His stability and faithfulness in all things. Life is your decision, so choose well.

    Prayer
    My Father and Lord, This economy and my finances have left me feeling angry and fearful. Help me to regroup … to remember that You are here, that You love me and my family, and that You have a plan. Help me remember that this economy and my recent loss have not taken You by surprise … and that You have already made a way for me. Thank You that Your compassion never fails and that Your stability and faithfulness are abundant. I pray this and all prayers in the name of the One who provides my stability, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!

    The Truth
    It is because of the Lord's mercy and loving-kindness that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great and abundant is Your stability and faithfulness.
    Lamentations 3:22-23

    The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.
    John 10:10
    - - - Navigate Life at: http://www.LighthouseNetwork.org/content