Are we doing things our way, or God’s way?

We may think we’re ready to undertake that task, to climb that mountain, or to master that goal. We’ve grown up in the right environment. We’ve gone to the best schools. We’ve studied the great masters. We’re ready to plunge ahead.

But then, nothing happens.

We ponder, pray, and cry. We reflect and meditate.

Still, nothing happens.

But we can’t let this discourage us, for our ways may not be God’s ways. Our timelines may not be God’s timelines.

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.”
-Isaiah 55:8-9.

Moses wanted to deliver the Israelites out of Egypt. And he was ready. For forty years he lived within the Egyptian palace’s halls, with its splendour, pomp and riches. He witnessed far too much cruelty bestowed upon his fellow Israelites, and he was ready to deliver them out of slavery.

But God had other plans.

Another forty years passed before God thought Moses was ready. Ready by God’s standards. Forty years of living in the desert and shepherding flocks of sheep. Moses had lessons to learn. How could he possibly shepherd an entire nation without first learning how to shepherd a flock?

Sometimes we, too, have extra lessons to learn. We may think we’re ready for that mission, but God knows what we need–before we even ask. He is preparing us for our future task. Perhaps we are stuck in our current lifestyle because God wants us to master patience first. Or perseverance. Maybe that illness or disability is forcing us to grow in faith. Or to learn humility. Perhaps our lack of finances or material wealth is teaching us how to live with less.

How different would the outcome be if Moses had led the nation of Israel forty years prior? Would he have kept trying to do things his way versus God’s way? Would he have given up? Would he have had the patience to put up with forty years of complaining and mumbling?

Moses left the pomp and splendour of Egypt to live as a simple shepherd in Midian. He didn’t know it at the time, but he was in training for his biggest role to come.

What are we learning? What characteristics do we still need to master? We don’t always know what God has in store for us; we just need to be patient. So surrender to what is, and have faith that whatever is going on has a bigger purpose or meaning than we know. As the old saying goes, “Maybe God isn’t finished with me yet.”

“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 (NIV)

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Download the Fearless in 30 Challenge. Everyday, for the next 30 days, do something that scares you. Record your thoughts, actions, and results in your journal, and at the end of the Challenge review how far you’ve come.