Devotional By CC Brown
It’s easy to get to a place in your walk with God where you begin to wonder if you are truly where you should be in life. You look around and see the progression, pace and season of others in comparison with your own and feel like maybe you missed it somewhere. You wonder if you’re behind or lacking or if the ship has sailed and you’re stuck.
These thoughts are common, but should not become a campground for your mind. There is an answer to the wondering; a peace to the storm.
The answer is not in perfect timing, who you know, your intelligence or skill set. In man’s eyes the key to success and making sure you are where you “should be” in life is minimized to comparison and man made ideas and opinion.
The answer is found with the One who directs the tides of the sea and the seasons of life; the One who created and designed all things for His Glory - Our Great God. He is the One who knows how, when, where and with whom you should progress and no one on Earth has greater wisdom than Him.
The answer is found in closeness with Him - Your proximity to God. Your friendship with God and your sharpened ear to know and obey His voice are all you need.
Matthew 11:28-30 (The Message)
“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”
What a refreshing verse! Jesus actually beautifully outlines how we find peace and confidence in our season.
1. Come To Me: When we are feeling anxious, the best place to run is to the arms of the Father. Go to Him. Tell Him how you feel. Tell Him your fears, frustrations, wonderings, comparisons - all of it! You won’t scare or overwhelm Him. He knows every inch of it, but loves to listen and be close to you. Open up and cast all your cares on Him. Let Him carry the weight for you. He knows you best and is waiting to meet with you.
2. Get Away With Me: Sometimes we just need to unplug from the things around us and get away with God to hear Him speak. This might look like a lunch alone with just you and God to chat, a fast, a drive alone, finding a quiet space in nature to sit and talk or taking a walk, run or bike ride with Him. Get away and see what God has to speak to you in response to what you brought to Him. He has some encouragement, direction and peace to pour out. Get away with Him and receive.
3. Keep Company With Me: This is the last but most important part. Keep company with Him. Keep meaning maintain. Do your best not to disconnect from God specifically in the area you are needing peace and direction in. Maintain the conversation about where you are with Him and in life. This can help keep you from wondering if you got off track.
Questions to guide you:
If you can answer yes to all of these questions, then you can be confident that you are right where God wants you. You are with Him. You are right with Him. You trust Him. You obey Him. You have healthy consistent communication with Him. He is not hiding anything from you or keeping you from your dreams, desires or calling. Remember, those dreams are actually His! He wants them to happen more than you do!
A final thought is found in the main encouragement from this scripture- REST. Bring your cares to Him, get away with Him, consistently commune with Him so your soul can be at rest in the season you are in.
He has ordained peace within the borders of your life (Psalm 147:14 NASB). His will is for you to live in peace and joy and enjoy the season you are in - no matter how challenging or simple. Grow. Enjoy. Learn. Apply. There will be no other season like it. So get all you can from it!
Be encouraged today! You are right where God wants you. God loves you immensely and wants and reserves only the best - His best - for you! If anything needs to adjust on your end, you are just one moment with God away from getting it right. Remember, you haven’t missed it and the person next to you is not your standard. God’s got you. Rest in knowing you are right where He wants you to be.
CC Brown is the SEU Site Director for Bethany College. She loves encouraging the next generation of leaders toward their unique purpose and engaging their gifts and divine design
