Sometimes, I feel like a racehorse waiting for some gate to burst open so I can run around the track for God. But it just won’t open.
My enthusiasm is there, but many parts of this life in Christ don’t move ahead like I think they should. Then I read, “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps” (Proverbs 16:9) and, “‘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).'” And I realize some gates are closed to us for a reason.
We push and push on the gates hoping to get through, and we come to the point where we think our life is blocked. Though, actually, we’re being protected from a misstep, or a dead end, or we’re being given a chance to learn something necessary first. In other words, these were never the gates God wanted us to go through.
Isaiah 30:21 says, “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’” I take that to mean, the gates for us aren’t the ones we beat down of our own strength, but the ones we approach by following God’s loving voice. The ones where, when God says it’s time, we walk up, walk through, and see whole fields open up before us.
I hope this encourages you to listen for God’s timing at the gate today.
Kevin Murray
© 2023 All rights reserved
Kevin, this was really excellent and was exactly what I needed today. Truly awesome!
Thank you Ted. I needed it too!
We all have “big plans” – don’t we? And sometimes those big plans don’t quite work out the way we thought they would, and often we become disappointed.
Yet how many times do we look back and see God’s hand in all of it? When one is immersed “in the fire”, we cannot see clearly. Only He Can!
As usual, Kevin’s words ring true, and we thank him for that!
“Only He can!” Yes indeed Greg.
Kevin,
As usual your blog is excellent. Such a good reminder to follow God’s wishes for you.
Thanks Shawn! I appreciate you.
Thanks Kevin, great reminder!
You’re welcome. I need the reminder too!