God’s Promise, God’s Process, God’s Purpose

Isaiah 55:8-9 (NIV) and James 1:4 (NIV) —

'For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,' declares the Lord.  'As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.'

Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

In difficult seasons, we can find ourselves wondering why God allowed a certain difficulty or why he doesn’t seem to be answering our prayers. Sometimes God reveals this to us; other times it remains a mystery.

God’s promises are often followed by seasons of preparation to ensure we can steward the blessings he has prepared for us, including their associated challenges.

Joseph’s story illustrates this principle. David is another example: he was anointed king of Israel in place of Saul as a teenager but he didn’t become king for approximately 15 years.

David’s character had been so refined by God that when he had the opportunity to kill King Saul who'd tried to kill him several times, he said: ‘The Lord forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the Lord’s anointed or lift my hand against him.’  (I Samuel 24:6)

Imagine that! David knew he was anointed to replace Saul but didn’t hurry the process; he still took the honourable path. God will sometimes take us through uncomfortable processes to develop our character (or propel us into our purpose) that comfort could not birth. Let’s look back at Hannah’s story: her desperation led her to promise to give her son to the Lord, a decision she is unlikely to have made if she had had no issues conceiving.

Be encouraged today in knowing that God watches over your life (Psalm 121). Although he does not causebad things to happen in our lives, if he allows it, he has a divine purpose and a good outcome in mind.

Further readng: I encourage you to read Deuteronomy 8 where Moses explains to the Israelites why God took them through the wilderness.

Prayer – Dear Father, thank you for your amazing love. Would you give me your perspective on the situations I am facing.