Hello my lovelies, and welcome to ‘An Inquisitive Mind – Illumination through Christ’.

A New Season

I have recently entered into a new role in my organisation, which is at a senior level and I can see that this has required ‘more’ of me – in some respects. This being in terms of my time; in learning new process’ and procedures to acquiring new skills. Although, there has been an adjustment period I can see ‘how’ and ‘why’ things had to work out the way they did.

Scripture says the Lord orders our steps (Proverbs 16:9) and I can see how He had helped me to prepare for this current season – so that I could manage the ‘more’ without drowning (Isaiah 43:2).

Isn’t it interesting how it seems that if God doesn’t ‘answer’ our prayer (in the way we want) we can feel forgotten about but actually it is rather a blessing. This being because if He gives to you what you truly want at the point you are unable to handle it – it could have adverse effects on you and/or others involved.

How gracious and merciful is He, for He is never too early or too late. God allows things to happen at just the ‘right’ time (Ecclesiastes 3:1).

Keep that thought in mind whilst we explore some points I was reminded of :

You are more than your ‘things‘

It is important that we shouldn’t think of ourselves as less than because of our current inadequacies or losses. This being because we are more than our ‘resources’, materialistic items and our ‘titles’ too.

In Ruth 1:12-13, we can see how Naomi is feeling hopeless because she felt she had nothing left, after she lost her sons and her husband. Her title in that state was that she was a ‘widow’ whom was grieving and this is how she saw herself; her identity. Whilst in this space, she noted that she felt that life was bitter and that God was working against her.

Although, she had Ruth with her whom wanted to stay but Naomi couldn’t see beyond her pain (Ruth 1: 16-18). As time progressed towards the end of the chapter of Ruth we see the God of restoration. This being as Ruth now has had a child, Obed whom was ‘born for Naomi’ (Ruth 4:16).

There is still more to us even when we seem to have lost it all (Ruth 1:12-13) and/or even when it seems like we have gained (Ruth 4:16).

It is important that we look at we have instead of what we don’t have. Ruth had been with Naomi all along but whilst she was grieving what she lost she couldn’t see what God was still blessing her with (Ruth 4:15).

This is not to say grieving is not a painful process, but we shouldn’t stay stuck there for it is vital we look at the bigger picture. As we do so and steward our small seasons well we can be blessed with more (Matthew 25:21)

An Increase of Faith

I have realised it is important to meditate on the word which will result in us wanting what God wants, therefore doing what He wants too (Matthew 6:33).

We can see this with Abraham who waited patiently for God’s promise to be fulfilled unto him and it was so (Genesis 21: 1-7). Within this time, Abraham did not become downcast but he was noted to have great faith (Hebrews 6:12-15).

Whilst in the waiting we have a choice, and we should choose to have faith. Therefore resulting in us achieving greater success as we trust in the Lord and don’t depend on ourselves (Proverbs 3:5-6; Psalm 37:23).

For there is truly no one greater than God, so we should not run ahead of Him but rather we can wait on Him. We can have the assurance that in doing so we are recipients of His constant love, grace and mercy (Lamentations 3:22).

It’s not soley about you

God increases our capacity so that we are able to do more in the positions we are in. This requires selflessness, determination and at times a ‘breaking’. We can see this with a range of people in the Bible as examples such as :

• Joseph who went from pit to palace and then saved his brothers ( Genesis 45:1-8).
• Esther who was a Jew in the palace whilst there were racial divisions, but yet she was willing to put her life on the line to save others (Esther 4:16).
• Daniel didn’t compromise on his faith despite laws in place putting his life at risk for disobeying the laws of the land (Daniel 6:10).

There is more required but…

It is important to remember who we are and whose we are whilst in the waiting. This not only leaves us encouraged but also other’s around us who will see God at work.

Let’s Pray:

Father Lord, I thank you for ordering our steps in every season. I pray that you will please help us to prepare well for what is ahead so we do not mismanage the blessings in store for us. Father Lord, as you require more from us please help us to prioritise you by meditating on your word and spending time to seek you with surrendered hearts that want your will above our own.