As I’ve adjusted to some new change this week, I’m learning how much I value down time to sit, read, and think. In my quiet time with the Lord, I’ve read through the book of Genesis and about a third of Exodus so far. I’m reading through stories of real people who dealt with change, moving, goodbyes, hardships, dysfunction, loss, and transitions. People who also encountered God in amazing ways, who trusted in Him, who asked questions, who strived to be obedient, and who responded in thankfulness. As I read, I prayed that God would give me new perspective, use repetition to teach and renew me, and open my eyes to more of who He is. He did not disappoint.
Here are some of the things I’ve been learning in my time in God’s word:
- God created us to be living beings as He breathed the breath of life into us. We aren’t made to be isolated, stagnant beings. We are made to move and live and breathe. We are alive in Him. Through life in Him, we receive the freedom to take risks, try something new, embrace change, follow Him, and walk in obedience knowing that He goes with us.
- Sight is a powerful sense –it can allow us to be in awe of God’s creation or hinder us in leading us towards sin. It strongly influences our desires and how we choose to act or not act on them. Wow, I had never noticed this before, but sight had a large role in these stories whether it was Eve and the apple being “pleasing to the eye” or the emphasize on external beauty. What we expose ourselves to can have a large impact on the desires that grow inside us and can start to influence our decision making and priorities. This can change how we see the world.
- In the midst of consequences and toil, God continues to provide. Something I’ve never noticed before in the passage about the Fall was that following the consequences given to Adam and Eve, scripture says, “The Lord God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them”. How neat is that – to see a God who will give consequences for disobedience, but our sin doesn’t disqualify us from receiving His love.
- Walking faithfully with the Lord is a lifestyle rather than a one-time decision. I want to walk obediently with the Lord, for Him to be able to say, “you’ve been faithful”. To be able to go when He says move and respond the first time. Trusting His “yes”. Am I choosing to respond to His call with hesitancy or with trust? Am I communicating with Him throughout my day? He speaks to Abram and says, “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward” (Genesis 15:1). Do I see Him as my most valuable treasure? My largest priority? My greatest reward?
- God remembers and chooses you. You are not forgotten. He hears you and sees you. God protects and shields you. He is our provider. He clothes us. He disciplines and love us. He takes care of us and hears our cry. He walks beside you; you are not alone. Hold onto these promises. He cares and provides unlike any other. He alone can satisfy.
- Following God is going to require waiting and learning the art of patience. The Lord has His timing for a reason. Part of faith is trusting Him in His timing, knowing He has a plan for you. Then when the timing comes, we can respond with gratitude. Waiting can be so difficult! Especially when you’re waiting for something you know God sees as good. Sometimes, I catch myself thinking if only I had that or if this came sooner, then life would be better. Not realizing that God has me in this season for a reason. He places me here and seems to be making me wait, but actually He has purpose in this time as I seek to be obedient today.
- Sometimes we won’t see the fruits of our labor or the flowers that come from the seeds we plant. This was so evident as I followed the generations of people through Genesis and Exodus, the many families, and different leaders. Sometimes we are going to take steps to follow where the Lord is leading and not know what’s next. Sometimes we will place seeds or do acts of service for others, and we won’t see how our work ends up. I’m learning to be more okay with that. The purpose isn’t about me seeing the change and giving myself the praise. It’s about thanking God for this time and pray for the seed to grow, be watered, and strengthened.
- Responding when we see God move– whether that is through thankfulness, action, reflection, worship, declaration, or praise. How do I respond when I see God providing? Do I give Him the recognition? Do I remember to acknowledge Him? Do I have a heart of gratitude?
These are just a few of the lessons God has been revealing to me. One of the overarching themes I’ve noticed is that God doesn’t call the qualified, He qualifies the called. He didn’t create perfect people. He didn’t choose the most popular, strongest, wisest people. He chose people who He could fulfill the mission He placed in them through His power, His strength, and His direction… that they may be able to accomplish those things for His glory.
God has been also revealing to me more and more that my foundation with Him is one of love and not fear– and the importance of that. In response, obedient followers of Christ should act out of love rather than fear in decision making and relationship building.
Thank you so much for reading. I hope something in this post encourages you or allows you to reflect more on who God is and how He is moving in your life. I want to take a moment to thank all of the individuals and families who have joined in partnership with me in prayer and financial support over the last month or so. Praise God! He has provided in so many ways already in this short time, and I can’t wait to continue to see how He moves 🙂 If you’re reading this and would like more information/would like a support letter/or want to meet up, I’d love to share more about my journey with you. Feel free to contact me at [email protected]. Click the “follow me” link on the left, and you’ll receive new posts directly to your email.
Sincerely,
Madison Riley
