As you know I attended a women’s retreat last weekend in Oklahoma. I was surrounded by beautiful countryside, near perfect weather, a peaceful environment, and 55 precious women of faith. But it was the Lord’s presence that filled this place.
During our first night of worship, Suzie Eller spoke to us about our ‘right now‘ invitation. My mind kept saying, ‘What is my ‘right now.’ What did that mean to me?
It meant I was to seek God’s direction and guidance. But for what I kept wondering? Maybe God is waiting for me to be ready for what He has planned next. Maybe He has used the last six months to take me in a direction that I cannot see–yet.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
Whatever it is though, I don’t want to be the stumbling block that keeps me from making the necessary progress or change He desires. I know that sometimes I allow myself to get stuck in the present and it keeps me from seeing what He has for me.
I know I will get there; sometimes I am just late to the party.
There is something comfortable about hanging on to what I know rather than stepping out into the unseen. But I feel His Spirit continually nudge me to surrender my thoughts and plans for His perfect thoughts and plans. He wants me to follow Him no matter what. He is patient and He is waiting on me.
“My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the LORD. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.” Isaiah 55:8
So what keeps me in my comfort zone? Maybe it is the unknown. Maybe it is fear of failure.
But I will not let worldly thoughts stop me from receiving all that God has for me. I have the perfect road map to follow. I have my Bible. His Word. And His clear direction and precision timing. I will fully trust Him to move in ways I never imagined.
There is nothing more important than His truths and promises–and I am blessed to have both. He has got this and He has me. He is the source of who I am. And for that, I am forever grateful.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6
So as I seek my ‘right now,’ I am committed to letting go and letting Him.
Here are five keys to help us find God’s will for our lives. The list is a great starting point and we can add to it as we go along.
- Spend time with God ~ Read the Bible; pray continuously; cultivate a relationship with Him.
- Surrender my plans for His plans ~ Release your plans and tell God what your desires are. He does the rest.
- Claim His promises ~ God’s word is truth and His promises never fail. He keeps His word and He never changes.
- Seek His Spirit ~ During my prayer time I make a habit of praising and thanking Him first; then I seek His next steps for my life.
- Listen to my heart ~ When I walk with God I can feel His presence and then I can experience all that He has for me.
I am praying for you this week to find your ‘right now.’ I would love to hear from you.
Hi Mitzi!
Wow! I just wrote a blog about my restlessness with God, and this was perfect timing. But, isn’t that how God is? I was asking myself what was God calling me to do, “Right Now.” I had been contemplating if I should go back to work outside the home or stay where I am at, and the things God revealed to me were amazing. Then, on my personal page of Sheila Schweiger-Rhodes, I used the Isaiah 55:8-9 scripture today. It is like God talking to me in stereo. Thank You for sharing, and I will be praying for you, and I would appreciate prayer too!
I will absolutely be praying for you Sheila. God is indeed amazing and His timing is so perfect. The older I get and the more I trust Him, I see He has the perfect plan all worked out–down to the tiniest detail. Maybe not what I thought it would be or what I wanted, but what He wants for me. And, He knows the big picture. I am so grateful for that.
Beautiful post, Mitzi. I love your steps to seeking God’s plans for our lives. I am oraying lately to hear Hin more clearly. I think He wants me to pick a date for a women’s meeting in November to share my message. Also to read the rough draft of my book in the next 2 weeks. 🙂
Thank you Betsy! Seeking what He wants for my life is truly a step-by-step process. I don’t want to rush any part of it. If He means for me to be still, then I want to do that. If He moves me in a specific direction, I want to be open to that and honor Him with my actions. I appreciate your kind words.