Facing a New Challenge
It seems just about the time you get comfortable where you are, GOD has something new in store for you. I suppose too much time in one’s comfort zone can result in adverse affects. A loss of motivation and drive will definitely ensue. Over time, laziness can even set in leading to eventual failure in the mission GOD has called one to do. It’s important we keep in mind that GOD’s plans always far exceed what we can even begin to imagine and so we can often fail to reach the goals GOD has for us because we have allowed our human reasoning to come on scene and in so doing we lose sight of GOD’s big picture.
I reminded today of the mission GOD had for Paul and Barnabas. Apparently, GOD’s plans far exceeded what they were capable of carrying out in their current scheme of things. So, as GOD will often do, He intervened into their life situations to see that His plans got carried out to their fullest. Let’s pick up at Acts 15:36 and read the story: “Some time later Paul said to Barnabas, ‘Let us go back and visit the brothers in all the towns where we preached the word of the Lord and see how they are doing.’ Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark, with them, but Paul did not think it wise to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in the work. They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus, but Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord. He went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches” (Acts 15:36-41 NIV).
The mission GOD had in His heart required that Paul and Barnabas split apart. Their abilities were being stifled as long as they were dependent upon each other. By dividing up the team, GOD’s divine mission of evangelizing the world became more of a reality. One team became two teams carrying forth the message to twice as many people. GOD apparently wasn’t near as concerned about how the breakup came rather His concern was simply that it happened. Some sharp words and disagreement took place, but, above all, the teams were now more capable than ever in their work.
Oftentimes, GOD interjects Himself into our work, our relationships, and anything else that is hindering His work, so we will wake-up and get back on mission. When such times come, we can immediately re-direct our life’s course according to GOD’s direction or we can whine and carry on about how our feelings have been hurt and how offended we are now. We can follow GOD’s direction and understand our position as His servants acting always in obedience to Him or we can spend so much time having ourselves a pity-party allowing Satan to have his way and in effect destroy all GOD wishes to do in and through us.
Recently, I encountered just such an intervention in my life and work. Having struggled incessantly with those whose hearts and minds failed to understand GOD’s leading and direction, GOD stepped into my path and nudged me away from that work. Although I felt a sense of apprehension over loosing my income, I began shortly thereafter to feel GOD gently leading and directing. Before long, GOD was controlling my direction and helping me to see things from a different perspective. He was bringing people into my life who had encouraging words to say. Today, although I am still struggling to comprehend all of GOD’s plan, I know that He has a plan in store for me that I certainly do not want to miss out on. Today, I am facing a new challenge with my head high knowing GOD’s direction is always the right direction!
Preacher Danny's Truth for Today 