For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11 NKJV)
Do you know God’s plan for your life? Maybe you’re not sure where God is leading you, but today you stand steadfast in the center of His will. Perhaps you want to throw in the towel and quit. You felt certain of God’s plan, but now doubts confuse you. Maybe you question God’s calling.
Ten years ago, I began writing devotionals and emailing them to five people. Now it has blossomed into a web site, seven books, and speaking engagements, but it hasn’t been smooth sailing.
I imagine your dream will be similar. We have this misconception that the road to destiny comes without storms, but nothing could be further from the truth.
The Apostle Paul was in God’s perfect will while he traveled as a prisoner on a ship headed to Rome. Stormy winds gusted as churning waves rocked the ship making even seasoned fishermen afraid. Hurricane force winds carried the ship about five-hundred miles off course, but God had the ship… and Paul right where He wanted them.
Paul’s destiny was to preach the gospel to Caesar. Despite all the turbulence of sea travel and eventual shipwreck, Paul finally arrived in Rome.
Along the way, do you think Paul doubted he’d make it? Did he look with questioning eyes at his traveling companion, Dr. Luke and ask, “Am I really supposed to be doing this?” Did he think the journey should have been smoother because after all, he was the Apostle Paul? He was a Christian serving God as a minister of the gospel. Since Jesus issued the Great Commissioned should remove all the obstacles.
No, Paul probably didn’t ask any of those questions, but I have. A decade of tears and frustration flash across my mind. I’ve questioned God. Surely, God would give me a break and miraculously make my manuscript perfect since I’m blind. I love ministry, but it hasn’t been smooth sailing. I can’t count the times when I declared, “I quit!” Deep down inside, I knew quitting wasn’t an option.
We battle enemy resistance daily. Why can’t Satan choose someone else to pick on? Friend, I want you to get what I’m about to say: The devil only bothers those who make a difference.
That’s right. You are making a difference on the behalf of Christ. Dry your eyes and lift up your chin, because what you do really matters to God.
Storms don’t come to stop us, but to strengthen us.
Friend, I want you to look back at how far God has brought you. You haven’t reached your destination yet. You have sailed stormy seas, and you will face more storms before your journey ends, but you will make it. We will make it, because Storms don’t stop God.
Heavenly Father, thank You for giving me a purpose in life. Forgive me for doubting You on the days when the sun hides behind black clouds. Renew my determination and passion. Go before me fighting the enemy. Help me serve You in the name of Jesus. Amen.
DIG DEEPER
HIKING THE TRAIL
What purpose are you fulfilling in the body of Christ? We are all ministers in some form. Some are called to pray, encourage, clean toilets, teach Sunday school, share wisdom, raise godly children and grandchildren.
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Originally posted on July 19, 2021 @ 3:00 am
As much as I dislike the storms that have come my way while writing my memoir, I am thankful for them as well. Like you said Satan only has use of me if I am in Gods will. Satan will try every trick to get me to stop doing what God has called me to. If writing my story was smooth sailing than I would need to worry, worry because if Satan had no need to stop my work than that would mean that my story is not a threat to him. Oh I want my memoir to be a huge threat to him because in writing it with the help of the Holy Spirit I will win this battle of the enemies war.
Yes, amen!