May 30, 2008

Is This It?

We hope you are enjoying the Girlfriends in God daily devotions. We (Mary, Sharon, and Gwen) would like to introduce you to some of our special friends. From time-to-time, the Friday devotions will be written by one of our friends in ministry. We call them our "Friday Friends." So grab your Bible and a fresh cup of coffee and drink in the words from our "Friday Friend", Angela Craig.

Today’s Truth

Genesis 16:7-8 (NIV) “The angel of the Lord found Hagar near a spring in the desert…and he said, ‘Hagar, servant of Sarai, where have you come from, and where are you going?’”

Friend to Friend

Have you ever wondered, “Is this it?” Is this all there is in life, in marriage, in finances, in your career?” Personally, I may not have asked these questions out loud, but I can honestly tell you that I have asked them.

How many of us feel stuck in the day to day grind or imprisoned by our circumstances? How many of us would like a quick escape route? If you feel this way, you are not alone!

In the story of Hagar (Genesis 16) we find Hagar alone and pregnant in the desert after running away from her mistress Sarai. When the angel of the Lord asked her where she came from and where she was going, Hagar only responds to the first part of the question, “I’m running away from my mistress, Sarai.” Hagar had no idea where she was going, no plan for her future.

I believe the reason many of us ask the question, “Is this it?” is because, like Hagar ,we do not know where we are going and we have no plan for the future. We get stuck on the ferris wheel of life, just going through the motions. We find ourselves imprisoned by our overloaded scheduled and by out-of-control schedules.

We are so entrenched in our day to day responsibilities that we forget God is offering us a life plan that will prosper us, giving us hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11).

Here are three reasons why I think we stay stuck in life, constantly wondering, “Is this it?”

1) We do not believe God could ever have a plan and a purpose for our lives. If you are this person, you will say things like, “God has a plan and a purpose for other people, but not for me.” or “Other people hear God’s voice, but I don’t.”

2) We are stuck in our life story. Our negative thinking about our past and our future is holding us back from embracing what God has for us. If you are this person, you find yourself dwelling on (in mind and in speech) the negative more than the positive.

3) Our schedules are so full, we have no time to hear God’s direction and act accordingly. You know you are this person when you answer: tired, busy, or okay to the question, “How are you?”

The good news is we do not have to stay stuck in any of these scenarios! As a daughter of the King, you have every right to claim a new life and triumph to victory. Do not be afraid to step out of your comfort zone to follow the path of destiny and purpose that God has given you!

Let’s Pray

Dear Heavenly Father, Lord, open my eyes to see the areas of my life that are holding me back from following Your purpose. I pray for faith to step out of my comfort zone to trust You and follow Your plan. Lord, please bring Godly people and resources into my life that will help me grow in Christ every day. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Now it is Your Turn

1) Print or write out one of the following verses that you want to claim for your life today. Carry it with you wherever you go, reading it as many times as you can.

Jeremiah 29:11(NIV) “For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Psalm 46:10 (NIV) “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."

2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV) But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.

More from the Girlfriends

We constantly hear from fearful and defeated women across the world, women who are living a life they never wanted, because they have not yet experienced God or have not accepted His plan for their lives. It is so easy to live life – just doing the next thing. God has so much in mind for you, friend. Don’t settle for anything less. Need help? Check out Mary’s CD, “Stepping Out in Faith”. Blessings.