I watch people all the time. I love to observe and consider. It’s one powerful learning tool.
I am not judging people, rather I’m always watching, considering, and deciding what they do that I’d like to become better at doing, and what they do that I don’t want to emulate. It’s the way I’ve always processed people. I’m a learner.
I was considering this recently and had this train of thought occur…
Have you ever observed someone who is in a waiting position, and you think, “I don’t think they’re really waiting on God. I think they’re just being lazy or are afraid to make a move.” And then you see another person and they are also in a waiting position, and you think, “Wow, it’s amazing how they are waiting on God.” And you know that if they move ahead in the wrong timing, it would be from a spirit of fear.
It’s interesting the way God works. Two people doing the same thing, the only difference is the unseen motive.
Motivation can drastically change things. In the same way, two people could give financially to someone…and one could be motivated from God to do so while the other is motivated by a self-important desire to be seen giving. So, while their actions both appear noble, only one was. Appearances can be deceiving. The heart is what matters.
It’s so important to be honest with ourselves. Some of us pretend to hear from God to validate our decision, when we really don’t know what to do. I wish we’d stop trying to intellectualize things and simply be honest. If you are afraid…if you don’t know what to do…just admit it. Go to God from that position and sit with Him through it. Then when He speaks to your heart and you can move forward from a position of peace, move ahead.
The worst thing to do is make a move because you are afraid of being still.
On the other hand, if God is moving ahead and drawing you in that direction, then don’t hold back. Surrender is the answer. In the same way that a roller coaster moves and loops without our assistance, Holy Spirit sometimes takes us for the ride of our lives. The best way to enjoy it is to let go. Just learn to enjoy the ups and downs. Discover peace in any season. It’s always available.
It’s so important to be in constant communication with God. It’s important to listen to Him in “real time”.
Remember that if Abraham wasn’t in “real time” communication with God then Isaac would’ve been sacrificed unnecessarily. God gave Abraham a word to do one thing, then at the last minute He gave Abraham another word to stop. That’s real time listening.
God speaks. He speaks today. He speaks in many different ways, but He does speak. It’s up to us to tune our ears to His voice. It’s a decision.
I know the following verse was Ruth speaking to Naomi…but I say this to the Lord all the time. So, in that context I share this.
But Ruth replied, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back form you. Where you go, I will go, and where you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Ruth 1:16
The Lord replied, “My Presence will to with you, and I will give you rest.” Then Moses said to Him, “If Your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here. How will anyone know that You are pleased with me and with Your people unless You go with us? What else will distinguish me and Your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?” And the Lord said to Moses, “I will do the very thing you have asked, because I am pleased with you and I know you by name. Exodus 33:14-17
365 Days in the Presence 