I AM WITH YOU AND FOR YOU.
“When you decide on a course of action that is in line with My will, nothing in heaven or on earth can stop you. You may encounter many obstacles as you move toward your goal. With My help, you can overcome any obstacle. Do not expect an easy path as you journey hand in hand with Me, but do remember that I, your very-present Helper, am omnipotent.” – Sarah Young, Jesus Calling 1/9
Have you ever asked yourself, if God is omnipotent and I am doing His will, why do I have to face obstacles and troubles along the way? Why not clear sailing ahead?
Here is a test. If you were able to stand completely still for 24 hours, not adding or taking away anything from this world, then observe the world’s activities around you, would they be filled with peace and quiet? Is your physical body at complete comfort and a sense of calm? What is happening with the weather around you? Depending on where you were standing, such as on a remote island or in the middle of a war zone, your answers will differ in detail. However, the one thing that is common regardless where you are standing is that throughout the 24 hours, your experience will be changing moment by moment.
Your physical body will be going through physical adjustments such as hunger, stiffness, unrest, cramping, heart rate fluctuation, and your mind will go through a thousand thoughts – ranging from peace to doubt to fear to joy and around and around it will go. The elements around you will change. Light and darkness will exchange hands, temperatures, air flow, smells, noises will all be fluctuating. Now throw other human beings in the mix that cross your path while you are doing nothing but standing still and watch what will happen. Early on, you will most likely just be passed by, but as the day goes on, people will begin noticing your lack of movement. Some may come up and stare. Some will ask questions to fulfill their curiosity. Some will be genuinely concerned, and some will see an opportunity to take advantage of you. There may be some who seek to taunt you and even inflict harm on you. Remember you have done nothing but stand there asking for and requiring nothing. I hope you can see by imagining you doing this exercise, the world around you will bring a variety of activity, good and bad, around you and within you.
One last part of the experiment. After the 24 hours are over, on the next 24 hours, I want you to start interacting with the world around you in any way you chose. Observe how and what affects you bring to the experiment. Will you bring joy and peace or greed and resentment? Will you bring expectations or pour out generosity? Will you judge or offer support? Will you be self-serving or look for opportunities to serve? Will you run and hide, or will you stand boldly? Every movement you take will have a ripple effect in the world.
Now back to the story. God is saying that when you follow Him, you will face obstacles and trials and suffering. But He will never leave you and He will give you the strength to endure and the heart to find peace and joy along the way.
The world will, by itself, generate problems along your path. God is just clearing the path before you. If you decide to run out in front of Him, you will face them on your own. If you walk behind Him it truly is clear sailing ahead. The key is to stay on His path, walk at His speed, and trust Him as He clears the way for you.
“Much, much stress results from your wanting to make things happen before their times have come. One of the main ways I assert My sovereignty is in the timing of events. If you want to stay close to Me and do things My way, ask Me to show you the path forward moment by moment. Instead of dashing headlong toward your goal, let Me set the pace. Slow down and enjoy the journey in My Presence” – Sarah Young, the remaining writing from 1/9 Jesus Calling entry.
Just a Thought…
