Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today- May 24, 2010
“The rest of their brothers (the priests and the Levites and all who had returned from the captivity to Jerusalem) began the work, appointing Levites twenty years of age and older to supervise the building of the house of the Lord.” Ezra 3:8b
The goal is to position yourself—with career and family—for the most impact on God’s Kingdom. And to place you and your family in an environment that will challenge and nurture your spiritual growth. Yes, pray much and seek godly counsel, but do not let fear of the unknown stifle you. This life is your one opportunity to follow hard after God.
“Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near” (Isaiah 55:6).
Do not let the things of this world paralyze you, or cause you to pause. Hesitation can hurt. However—in your zeal—do be sensitive to your spouse. Make sure to nurture him or her through the process. Retain Christ as your compass through the transition. He will keep you honest and soften the hearts of those most affected by the move. Do not let the fear of man get you off mission. Rather let the fear of God lead you to follow His call.
Transitions can be exciting. They can keep us young. They move our faith to a whole new level. You could have stayed in your comfort zone with a minimum felt need for God. But now your dependence on Him is daily, even real time. You feel and know He is your loving heavenly father. Your circumstances may or may not get better, but you will.
“Now Joseph had been taken down to Egypt. The LORD was with Joseph and he prospered” (Genesis 39:1a, 2a).
Is He is leading you to a new city? Hire a realtor. Does He want you to downsize so you can simplify your life? Put up a for sale sign. Does He want you to cap your lifestyle so you can give away more money? Tell your financial advisor. Does He want you to move overseas and train national leaders? Buy a passport. Does He want you to reach out to your neighbor? Invite them to dinner. If He wants you, trust Him and wholeheartedly give yourself God.
Divinely orchestrated transitions are like a loyal friend, whom you totally trust. See this shift as an asset on heaven’s balance sheet of your life. Ride change like the ocean waves. It may be a little scary—maybe a lot scary—but He is with you. You will crash occasionally—but He will buffer your fall—like resting on a soft sandy sea bottom. Let this transition lead you closer to God and His will. You will never know exactly what you would have missed if you don’t, and you will have few regrets if you do.
“Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me” (Hebrews 13:5-6)?
What transition do I need to embrace, celebrate and trust the Lord is with me?
Related Readings: Psalm 66:6; Isaiah 43:2; Acts 12:10; Hebrews 11:29
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I really enjoy beginning the day with these devotionals. I use them as a resource to help me throughout the day. The simplisity of the word is great for mediatation and discussions. Thank you very much!
Hi thank you this really hit home for me and it the first one that I have received wow, I was led to move to oklahoma the end of feb. to be around family on my late husbands side, I have not been to happy the last couple of months sence I have been here not knowing why I am here. but after I read this I know now that I just have to trust in the Lord that He has brough me here for a reason, maybe cause my brother in law will be here from jail in october He has opened his heart to the Lord the last couple years, maybe he needs my strenth after he gets out. I will stay here and see what the Lord has for me here in oklahoma.