Is There a Word From the Lord?...
Many times, we as Christians ask this question during various seasons of our lives. We ask when trouble or indecision comes our way and we are seeking God for direction. We especially ask this question when we enter into our houses of worship and await the sermon from our pastor. Regardless of where or when we ask, the key is that we recognize that all of the answers to our problems and trials rest in that one moment--when we hear from God regarding our particular situation.
In the Bible, we see many examples of men and women who needed to hear from Him when they were in trouble. David needed a Word when he was at Ziklag; he inquired of the Lord to seek permission to pursue his enemies after his men wanted to stone him out of bitterness (I Samuel 30:1-8). When the Lord answered, He assured him of the victory. When Joshua took over as leader after Moses' death, the Lord assured him from the beginning that He had him covered. All Joshua had to do was be strong, courageous and obedient, and the Lord would lead him and the children of Israel to the Promised Land (Joshua 1:1-9). Once he got his direction from God, he moved forward. And although Mary received a Word from the Lord through the angel Gabriel that probably would have sent most of us running in fear, she instead was willing to be used by God; responding, "I am the Lord's servant. May your word to me be fulfilled..." (Luke 1:26-38, NIV)
The Bible shows us that sometimes when we do receive a Word from God, we don't recognize it when it comes. For instance, Zechariah and his wife, Elizabeth, who were both very old, sought the Lord for a child for many years. Suddenly, the angel Gabriel appeared to Zechariah with great news: the Lord had heard their prayers and they would finally be having a son! However, instead of rejoicing, Zechariah questioned how this was even possible since they were so old, even though he asked God for this very thing for so long! That's when Gabriel had to set him straight--reminding him that he was sent from God to tell him this good news. Gabriel then told Zechariah that he would be unable to even speak until the day of the child's birth, because of his unbelief.
There are many things that I am seeking the Lord for in my life right now, as I know you are too. When times are hard, we can begin to feel stressed, impatient, unqualified, anxious...or all of the above. However, it is helpful to remind ourselves of the men and women mentioned here and many others. All of them at some point felt anxious or fearful about their situations as well, but they eventually watched the Lord bring each of them out victoriously. Because they were willing to be used by God and go through their test, not only did they win, but they came out of their trial stronger, wiser and BETTER than they were before. Most of all, they received a Word from God that empowered them to run through troops and leap over walls...and to reach their destiny.
I have to admit, for me to finally decide to start writing a blog was a bit daunting; especially figuring out when I can fit in time to do it while balancing other commitments. However, I'm trusting Him that He will continue to guide me every step of the way. And I am looking for more things...even greater things...to still come my way because I took a step in faith. I just have to be diligent in seeking Him daily for direction on this journey.
I am recommitted, and I hope you are too, to seeking a Word from the Lord like never before in every area of my life. And I want to encourage you to do the same as you face your giants and go after your dreams. So if it takes a while, hold on. If what He asks you to do seems too big, then lean on Him as you move forward. Habakkuk 2:3 says, "For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay." (NIV) We have great evidence in His word that He is faithful to accomplish what He says. All we need to do is to trust Him, be willing and be obedient, as our biblical examples have shown us. Most of all, when you finally do receive that Word from the Lord that you've been waiting for...
Be ready for it when it comes.
