When it comes to finding God’s will, hearing from God about our future, we often want the 10-year plan or the 20-year plan. What does my future look like? When will I be healed, when will I be married, when will I have children? We want the whole map, the big picture but instead, we are given glimpses into what God has planned.
I remember when I was in high school, maybe college, I attended a Bible Study once and the topic was understanding God’s will, His plans, for our lives. The leader explained that God has a beautiful plan for our life, but what we can see of it often looks unfinished and damaged. It’s like a cross stitch, from the top you can see the beautiful design that the creator planned out and worked tirelessly to complete. From the bottom side, which is our view, all you see are the hanging stings, the knots, and a few colors. It’s hard to make sense of it. But we have to trust that the Father has a beautiful design for our life and He is working out all the details.
I’ve seen a theme in my Bible Study the past day or so that tells me the Lord is trying to show me something. Psalm 119:105 says “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” When we need direction for our life, as Christians, we turn to the Word of God. But again, here it’s showing us that the “Word is a lamp to my feet.” It’s not a spotlight that shines way in the distance. I know and understand that the Bible is full of prophecy to be fulfilled with the return of Christ and such, but I also know that when we are seeking direction we are looking for how the Word applies to our personal lives here and now. A lamp is meant to put off light for those in close proximity. It provides just enough light to see what you need to see when you are close by. God wants us to stay close to Him, to his Word, and to keep seeking Him. He sheds light on our path so that we can see the next step or maybe two. He wants us to take those steps and trust Him for what lies ahead. We want flood lights, to see the end from the beginning! But if we saw that, we would rely on ourselves and our own plans to get there.
Abraham knew all about following God, trusting him along the way. Hebrews 11:8 “By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as an inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.” True faith and obedience means stepping out in faith when you are called to, even if you have no idea where that step will lead. Sometimes that looks like going to an informational meeting about foster care, not knowing that it would lead to nineteen little blessings within two years. Sometimes it means planting seeds of faith in someone else when you know that you have need as well. I don’t know what that step is for you, but if God’s lamp is showing you a step of faith, you’ll never regret it.
“Be strong and courageous, and take action; do not fear nor be dismayed, for the Lord God, my God, is with you.” 1 Chronicles 28:20a AMP
In Pursuit of Christ 