We think God is a god of mission statements and commands. Like if he tells us something, it's because he then wants us to carry it out.
"What's this, a message from God...ok, I'm listening. Right, got it. I'll get right onto that. I'll be back when I'm done to get my next assignment."
Maybe we think we're meant to be some kind of secret agents or action heroes - Your mission, should you choose to accept it...
We go off and try to make it happen - largely on our own, maybe with a few cursory check in's with 'mission control' - mostly to make sure God still knows we here trying our best.
We try to work out what steps to take, what effort to put in, what to do and say and put into place. And then we wonder what's going on when it seems like such hard work. Or we give up. Or we think we were wrong about the whole thing. This really is mission impossible, when we do it this way.
But sometimes, God probably wasn't giving you a command or mission statement that you had to carry out. Maybe he was just letting you know - "hey, kid - because I love you and because we're friends, I thought I might let you in on what's happening and the things I'm doing. Then we can share and enjoy them together!"
Sometimes it's right when we finally given up struggling to complete a mission that we have realised is beyond us, that God unfolds his perfect plan and his perfect timing; we discover he has placed everything where it needs to go already. We can relax. We can rest in him.
The path is already laid by God - yet for some reason we continue to think we need to build it; and so we busy ourselves digging ground and laying uneven pavers - until God gently guides us back and says, "Here, I've laid this path for you. It's straight and clear - let's walk on it together."
If you feel like God is telling you things, if he's given prophecies over your life, or revealed things that seem important - rejoice, and then relax. You can be excited and eager, but assured that God will direct your steps.
He's not telling you because you alone have to understand it all and make it happen somehow - you're his friend and his child, he wants you to be excited and in on the plans he has. Maybe he's just lettin' you know.
Then in Him is the impossible, possible.
Peace and joy. (Romans 5:1-11)
Jessie.
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Beautifully written and so true and calming. You have so much wisdom to share.
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