How to Prepare for The Promise & The Inbetween
The journey to God’s promise is rarely what we envisioned. It’s full of twists and turns, a couple of detours and pit stops, people we meet along the way, and people we also have to let go of. The process reminds me of these song lyrics, “It’s everything you wanted, it’s everything you don’t. It’s one door swinging open, and one door swinging closed. Some prayers find an answer, some prayers never know, it’s holding on…and letting go.” Every promise requires a new version of ourselves and a new level of responsibility. The old version of ourselves will not be able to handle the weight of the mantle, and so God takes us on the journey to prepare us for what we have prayed for. We get excited, sometimes too soon, when instead we should ask ourselves, “Who will I have to become to live in this promise?” What do I have to learn in this season to prepare for this promise?”
The enemy desires that we become angry with God because it will be a distraction that keeps us out of our promised land. However, God hopes that we take up our cross and follow Him, despite the cost. As I read the Book of Acts, I found myself admiring Paul’s tenacity to stay in the will of God, though the road to his promise was far from what he had thought. The following night, after Paul was ambushed and attacked by a mob in Jerusalem after testifying about the Lord, he was given a promise. The following night, the Lord stood near Paul and said, “Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.” Acts 23:11 (NIV). While God’s word remained true, Paul would endure even more challenges along the way. He was imprisoned for two years after God told him to “have courage.” He was ridiculed, accused, shipwrecked, bitten by a venomous snake, and the soldiers on the ship plotted to murder him along with the other prisoners. Despite it all, Paul remained faithful, took heed to the word of God, and trusted that he would reach Rome safely. You see, safety for many of us looks like comfort. We want to bring everything that will make us feel more secure to the promised land. However, safety for Paul was being in God’s will. There are three things I learned from Apostle Paul in Acts.
1. Surrender: Paul surrendered to God; his life was of no value to him because he hid his life in Christ. Paul was not tossed to and fro no matter what hardship because he did not think more highly of himself than he ought to.
2. Submission: Paul submitted to God’s word and his promises. Paul reminds me of Mary, who said to the Angel of the Lord, “Be it done unto me.” Mary received the word of the Lord that she would bear the Messiah. Paul received the promise that he would testify about the Lord in Rome. Even shipwrecked, Paul encouraged the men that they would survive because God was with Him.
3. Stubbornness: Paul refused to be moved from God’s will. He was adamant about suffering for the Lord. When his loved ones warned him of the dangers in his journey, Paul stood on his faith. He could have stayed in Jerusalem had he not appealed to Ceaser, but Paul chose Christ over comfort.
The detours on the road to Paul’s promise actually prepared him for his life in Rome. You see, in Jerusalem, he sat in numerous trials, testifying and defending his case, and was in chains throughout. In Rome, for the first two years, Paul was placed on house arrest but was allowed to receive visitors and preach. While God may not intend for us to face so many hiccups on our journey, all that happens to us, He will work it out for our good and His glory.
You may be on the journey to the promised land or finally entering your promised land, but may you remember Paul each time you face a setback. May you not give up or give in, but fight to finish the race you have been given. As you reflect on this year, I pray that you choose gratitude over grudges and see how God has worked everything out for your good!
I hope you have an amazing Thanksgiving!!
Be Encouraged,
Love Monica.
