waiting – Page 6 – GREENLiGHT

Jacob Was Afraid. But God Had A Plan…

Jacob was Afraid to Go…but God had a plan.

I love Joseph! His brothers were mean to him. They sold him as a slave. But God had a plan. My focus was always on Joseph and how he loved and trusted the Lord. It meant everything to me throughout my life. Then a bible study that I attended opened my eyes to Jacob—Joseph’s dad; the mean guy. Jacob the deceiver. I actually disliked him most of my life. Why? He deceived his father and brother Esau in getting his birthright.

But later in life when he was old and grey, he longed for his son Joseph who he thought had died because his other sons had told him so.

Then, when the Lord finally opened the doors for Joseph, and he was in charge in Egypt, Jacob was asked to visit. But he was afraid. He didn’t want to lose his youngest son.

I never thought much about Jacob, who was a deceiver in his early life, yet was himself deceived by his father-in-law years later. He had to work 14 years to get Joseph’s mom, Rachel. No wonder he loved Joseph so much.

The point is, Jacob was afraid to go to Egypt because he could not see the future. Yet, God had a plan! When he finally gave in and went, he not only received back his youngest son, Benjamin; he also received back to life, his other son Joseph! Oh, how the Lord works if we only trust Him!

I walked away from that study thinking of how scared I am at times because I cannot see what’s around the corner. I can’t see what lies ahead. But through Jacob’s experience, my mind has been rekindled to trust the Lord who holds the future.

When you can’t see, obey and trust Him. He will work it out. Find out more about GreenLight: When God Says Go

The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. (Psalm 46:11)

When God Says No…

My grace is sufficient for you

How many times have we asked the lord for something and he said no? Im sure there are many times.

Personally, as a child my dream was always to become a nurse as I love taking care of others. For some reason my path turned and I ended up in banking which (through my responsibilities), wet my appetite for the Human Resource role. I transitioned into pharmaceuticals, then more direct healthcare managing several medical clinics. As I reflect, his purpose was to place me in an area where I was more able to affect patient care through pharmaceuticals and clinical care through other healthcare professionals.

On the other hand, Cancer took my mom, grandma, and sister from our family despite our prayers for healing. Though I miss them terribly, his response was to provide them with spiritual healing from the wear and tear on their bodies. I couldn’t be selfish in wanting them around me much longer.

So remember, sometimes God says yes. Other times he says no. The important thing we can do is to trust him. His plan is always best for you.

Take some time this season to reflect on the path he has taken you through. He has given you the GreenLight.

Blessings overflow.

Miraculous Miracle…

A miracle is defined as “something so difficult only God can do it.” Therefore, as many examples recorded; Abraham had Isaac at 100 years old; the Lord delivered his people from exile; a virgin gave birth to a savior.

Do Not Worry

So, do not worry. The Lord is working things out for you according to His will. Simply trust, have faith, and continue to believe. It will come through soon because nothing is too hard for the Lord.

The Lord said to Abraham “is anything too hard for The Lord?” (Genesis 18:14.)

U-Turns

U-turns. Dont you just hate them?

It may be an accident. It may be road work. It may be that we must stop at a gas station, pharmacy or grocery store on the other side of the road.

Mistakes

U-turns—don’t you just hate them? U-turns here point to our mistakes. The errors we make in life.

It is an inconvenience, but it is necessary especially when we have lost our way and when we need to get back on the other side. To get back on the right track in life when we falter both physically and spiritually. The Lord will be there to guide and direct us.

So even when you’re afraid, still make that U-turn. With God’s help, you will get right back on track.

You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. (Hebrews 10:36)

If you have been blessed by thought for the day, Gift a copy of the book GreenLight: When God Says Go to a friend today.

How Does God Get Our Attention? 8 Ways…

How does God get our attention? Certainly something to think about. If He needs to get our attention and we are not listening for months, years, or even decades, then one day he will give us a shove especially if his goal is specifically designed for us. Dr. Charles Stanley provided a few insights that I elaborate as I share.

8 Ways God Gets Our Attention

1. Restlessness

We have that Restless feeling that no matter what we do, there’s no satisfaction. We still feel that prodding. There’s no resolve until he gets our attention.

2. He Speaks Through Others

Sometimes he speaks through others. Remember be mindful of this as not everyone who gives you a word may be from him. So be wise. Stay in tune and you will know when he speaks.

3. Through His Blessings

He blesses us and we are surprised. Have you ever received an unexpected gift, that knocks us off our feet. It’s as though it blows our minds especially when we didn’t ask but needed it. Then we start rejoicing and thanking Him.

4.When We Reflect On His Goodness

When we stop to think how good he is to us. Reflect on what’s happening around us and look back at our past experiences and it we sure can’t help but wonder how good he is.

5. When He Answers our Prayers

God gets our attention through times of introspection and prayers when we ask; seek; and wait on him. He initiates and we give in to his prodding.

6. Through Disappointments

When we experience disappointments, we reflect to find out what he’s saying to us.

7. Through Failure

As Dr. Charles Stanley says “Failure drives us to God.” It might be the loss of a job; financial problems such as the loss of income, house, job opportunities or more. To avoid uneasy feelings we try to help ourselves but it hardly ever works. If it does work, more often than not the solution is only temporary. Then we run back to him.

8) Through Sickness

Sometimes God wants something for us that we don’t want for ourselves. Often he wants more for us. Something better. He wants the best. He wants us to walk in his steps. When we do, we will get his joy, support, acceptance, and his divine energy.

As you reflect on these 8 points, are you getting that feeling that the Lord is trying to get your attention? Listen and respond today and avoid long periods of delay. In the end His prodding leads to lasting satisfaction and peace.

Father give me clear direction where you want me to go.

He Makes No Mistakes…

God Makes no Mistakes

Sometimes Rest…

Rest. It’s important.

Even if…

seashore during nighttime

Stay true to yourself, but always be open to learn.

Even if….

God desires that we cling to Him—even if our loved one isn’t healed, even if we lose our job, even if we are persecuted. Sometimes God rescues us from danger in this life, and sometimes He doesn’t. But the truth we can hold firmly is this: “The God we serve is able,” loves us, and is with us in every fiery trial, every even if. (Extract from our Daily Bread)

And It Came To Pass…

Hold on. Nothing Remains. It’s all passing through.

And it came to pass. Nothing remains. This stanza reminds us that everything passes through. Nothing remains at a standstill. It’s all just passing through.

Lord, please quiet our hearts. Give us comfort, peace, and love as we pass through difficult times.

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. (Isaiah 43:2)

Hold On A Little While Longer…

city landscape sky people

Computer acting up while I was preparing for a presentation. Fed up I said aloud “What is happening Lord?” The immediate response from computer, “almost there.”

I applied that response to my heart. To the Lord’s action on my prayers, pleadings, and supplication in my life. He said to me, I am “almost there.” So, don’t worry, just hold on a little while longer.

Thank you, Lord, I have received you comforting reply. I will wait on you. Though I’m getting anxious about the issues that surround me, I know your timing is always right. Forgive my anxiety. Please help me to wait on you.