Stepping Stones: Waiting on God is Active, Not Passive

03 September 2010



Transformational Thought

Football is a violent sport. I played it, but I didn’t like it. As a running back, I would get the ball and move toward the designated “hole” to advance the ball. When I first get the ball, no hole exists. Huge angry people are in my way, trying to hurt me, so my first reaction is to run somewhere else and find a real hole where no one can tackle me.

The Coach would yell, “Karl, trust your lineman. They’re blocking the huge angry guys but it takes a second or two. By the time you get to the line, the hole will be there. You have to run hard, waiting for the hole to open, not just trusting, but really knowing your teammates will accomplish their job and you can run through the hole at top speed. If you wait by standing still to see if the line really did their job, then start running, it will be too late and the hole will close. You will miss it and get crushed.”

Waiting on God has similar principles. To wait on God means action. Start running toward the hole while directing your attention to Him in hopeful, knowing anticipation of what He will do. It means trusting Him with every part of your being instead of trying to figure out everything on your own. We are often distracted by our discomfort, pain, need for a quick fix, wanting to be in control, impatience, and our I “need” it now mentality. These distractions interfere with our ability to go full speed with what we are supposed to do, as we actively wait and trust God do His thing.

God has designed you to interact with Him…all day…every day. He has designed you to stay conscious of Him as you go about your daily duties. Satan, the world system, and our flesh are always trying to distract us, provide interference so our spiritual radar has trouble tuning in to His communication and action in our life.

Tithing is a very concrete application. Do you tithe as you are called to, then trust God to provide? Or do you wait for God to provide, then you tithe? The second way usually leaves people missing out on the big opportunity God has, just like the running back who waits too long because his trust is lacking.

Today, be patient when something different or stressful occurs…or it isn’t clear what you should do in. Remember, God speaks to us through our circumstances, so wait on Him. Take action and read what He is saying to you based on who He is, then respond….rather than just reacting based on your limited skills, insight, and ability to read the future. Look for the light He will shine on your Stepping Stones.

Prayer
Dear Father God, I confess that one of my many short comings is my lack of patience. I read in Your Word that you promise many blessings to those who wait on You…for those whose hope is in You. I pray for Your help in increasing my patience and to let You shine Your light on my pathway of life You’ve designed for me. I know that waiting on You enables me to glorify You by living in deep dependence on You. It will also help me to enjoy You. It is only in Your presence that I will find the fullness of joy. I pray this in the name of my savior, hope, and joy, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!

The Truth
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

but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Isaiah 40:31

You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.
Psalm 16:11
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Stepping Stones Devotional

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  • 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
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