January 27, 2017
When You’re in the ‘Not Yet’ Season
Susie Larson
Today’s Truth
When they heard that the Lord was concerned about them and had seen their misery, they bowed down and worshiped (Exodus 4:31, NIV).
Friend to Friend
Every time God makes a promise, the devil makes a plan. And when the enemy presses in, it’s tempting to grab for ourselves, gripe at God, and grind our gears in our own strength. Lord, help us to remember in the darkness what You told us in the light!
Most everyone, it seems, is walking through a storm right now. If that describes you, may I ask you a question? Amidst your current struggle, do you sense God’s nearness? Or does is feel like He’s forgotten about you? Are you starting to wonder if He is with you? Do you actually believe He treasures you even though He’s not giving you what you want at the moment?
He does! The One who set the starts in place—Almighty God—has set His affection upon you.
It’s hard to wait, and walk, and worship in the ‘not yet’ season. And yet. And yet, this is the time to remember that God moves on our prayers. If we will trust and obey Him right here in this season, we will watch and see how He turns the table on the enemy of our soul. We’ll marvel at how He leverages our hardships to actually work in our favor. And, we’ll rejoice over the way He makes all things beautiful in their proper time.
We’ve got to settle it in our hearts that God is good, His promises are true, and He will always make a way for us. Then, we trust His timing and we worship while we wait.
Trust His Timing: Do you remember the story of when David ended up in the same cave with a raging, jealous Saul (see 1 Samuel 24)? Clearly the Lord had delivered Saul into his hands, right? David was a God-fearing man and even though deliverance seemed to be at his fingertips, he would not take it until the Lord gave it.
I can think of a number of times when it seemed my breakthrough was at my fingertips, there for the taking.
And yet, I knew deep inside me that it wasn't my time yet.
I would’ve had to drop the ball on something else to grab hold of what I believed God had promised me. My breakthrough seemed so close, but not close enough to be mine yet.
And when my time finally came, it was like plucking a ripe piece of fruit from a tree.
Are you in that place right now? This is what the Lord would say to you: My beloved one, I’ve got you! That dream in your heart? I put it there! Trust Me in this, and see if I won't establish you beyond your wildest dreams. I intend to do a mighty work through you. But first, I must do a mighty work in you. Humble yourself before Me. Refuse jealousy or a competitive spirit. Embrace Me, embrace My timing, and I will establish you at the proper time. I promise.
Worship While You Wait: Read this beautiful verse: I bow before your holy Temple as I worship. I praise your name for your unfailing love and faithfulness; for your promises are backed by all the honor of your name (Psalm 138:2).
Trust in the Name of the Lord. It’s impossible for Him to fail you! Worship Him while you wait for your breakthrough. Turn a deaf ear to the enemy’s threats. Worship God because He’s always good, even when we can’t see what He is up to. And, in due time, He will surely break through.
What are you anxiously white knuckling? What’s in your hand right now? Can you offer it up to God, so your hands are free to praise Him today?
Dear Friend, to truly walk in places that are far beyond your qualifications, to make an impact that is bigger than you are, you need God. You need to remember that it's in HIS hands to make great. And He truly wants to do great things through you.
These battles you face? God will use them to grow greatness in you!
Embrace Your Identity. Obey Him Fully. Humble Yourself before Him. Trust His Timing. Tune out the enemy. And face down your fears. So when it’s all said and done, you will stand in the place God has for you.
God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us (Ephesians 3:20, MSG).
Prayer
Father in Heaven, I’m starting to learn that You make me wait because You’re making me ready. Thank you for taking Your time with me. You are a protective, invested Father, and You know what’s best for me. Awaken fresh and bold faith in me! Help me to trust You in the meantime. When it’s all said and done, I know I’ll be glad I trusted You, so let me declare with my whole heart: I trust You now. My soul waits for You, O Lord.
In Jesus’ Name, I pray.
Amen.
Now It’s Your Turn
How does God want you to stand in battle while you wait for your breakthrough?
What are you anxiously white knuckling? What’s in your hand right now? Can you offer it up to God, so your hands are free to praise Him today?
More from the Girlfriends
Susie Larson is a talk radio host, national speaker, and author of twelve books and many articles. Susie has been married to her husband Kevin since 1985 and together they have three wonderful sons, two beautiful daughters-in-law, and one adorable pit bull named Memphis. Susie’s passion is to see women everywhere awakened to the value of their soul, the depth of God’s love, and the height of their calling in Christ Jesus.
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Originally published Friday, 27 January 2017.
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