In the quiet of the morning before everyone is up it’s easier to hear God’s voice. It’s easier to read His Word and let it direct my thoughts and my day.
This is good and oh, how I need it.
Then later happens…
Does this happen to you?
Road blocks like people and their thoughts, their actions, their problems, their needs, their wants and their feelings bump into mine. This is where I actually can begin to grow, and I don’t like it any more then you do.
When the actions of others catch me off guard I can get frustrated.
When they are not on the same page as I, it’s tempting to steer them where I think they should go – as if I can make them see the light.
This can back fire quickly my friend, especially with the people we love the most.
What God is speaking to me, may not be for others right now. I can’t hurry up the journey that God has anyone else on, or force them to grow at my speed. God has not sent you or I to rescue everyone all of the time. He is the superhero!
Yes, we can share and guide, but timing is everything. Knowing when and who and how all matter.
When God is nudging you to listen.
When God is nudging you to walk away and pray.
When God is saying love them where they are without correcting their path.
When God is saying don’t respond in anger, but lift that person up in prayer as you serve them well.
When God is calling us to grow. Will we listen? This is how to grow with God.
“But Samuel replied, “What is more pleasing to the Lord: your burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to his voice? Listen! Obedience is better than sacrifice, and submission is better than offering the fat of rams” (1 Samuel 15:22).
I struggle to make these kinds of right choices, especially in the heat of the moment. I’m so accustomed to my defaults. Yet, my ways do not produce the fruit that God is trying to develop in me.
God is asking us to trust His instincts and His ways over our own human desires. This is how to grow with God.
He’s asking us to let go once again.
This isn’t easy I know!
This is how we grow.
I’m in it with you friend, learning and growing (I hope). Some days I fail miserably and others days I actually get a chance to see what God does when I listen and obey.
So I encourage you to celebrate when you do get it right!
The other day I noticed someone in my family was edgy and irritable. My temptation was to respond in irritation back to them. Pushing through my thinking was this: “Pray for them right now instead. What good will it do to react?”
I literally thought to myself: “Wow God, I know this is you and not me! Thank you!” Yes, I had to put the brakes on my words, that were about to spin in the wrong direction, and I’m so thankful that I did.
I stumbled over my words in prayer a bit, because my feelings hadn’t quite caught up with what God was asking me to do. But at least I stopped, listened, and I actually surrendered. This is how to grow with God. That is an improvement for this stubborn, strong willed girl, and that I’m going to celebrate!
“The enemies to a great life are not tragedy, heartbreak, and hard times.
The enemy to having a great life is to simply lead a good life. A life where you seek comfort and ease above growth. A life where you avoid the risk of taking chances with God. . .
Ponder what He is teaching you. Surrender what He is requiring from you. And know that He is working out His wonderful plans for you right now behind the scenes.” – Lysa TerKeurst from her book, What Happens When Women Walk in Faith.
At 44, I still have to pray my fingers open and let go of what I really cannot do or control, and let God.
Thankfully I’m recognizing more and more of this truth: God can, God will in His timing, and I might as well let His peace reign in me as I trust and obey. Of course this is easier said than done, but it’s a wonderful invitation to travel with God and grow.
Awe, I can breathe again and say, “The Lord is good!”
In it with you my friends!
Love,
Joelle Povolni
“The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand” (Psalm 37:23-24).
“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it” (Isaiah 30:21).
P.S. If you have enjoyed this post you may also enjoy, How To Not Let Stress Take Over.
Note: Affiliate links may be listed in this blog post. There is no additional cost to you if you purchase a book or one of my favorite things. Thank you for supporting Faith Caffeine!
