‘See, I am doing a new thing…’ Isaiah 43:19 NIV

Can you imagine Moses’ surprise when God talks to him from a burning bush? As doors shut without explanation, Paul is surprised by a man from Macedonia calling to him in a vision: ‘…come over here and help us.’ (Acts 16:9 TLB) Well, He’s still the God of surprises who says, ‘See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?’ Ah, there’s the challenge—our perception [what we see and understand]. We fail to recognise God at work! Maybe you’re saying, ‘I’ve prayed, claimed God’s promises, done all I know to do, yet nothing seems to be working for me.’ Then try this promise: ‘Therefore the Lord will wait, that He may be gracious to you…’ (Isaiah 30:18 NKJV) Notice the word ‘wait’. God has a plan and a timetable. ‘Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.’ (Proverbs 19:21 NIV) Even when your plans seem to go wrong, if your heart’s right God will still make things turn out for your good and His glory. When it comes to God’s guidance, here are some things you need to know. First, ideas go away, but His direction stays. There’s persistence in His leading; that’s why time is on your side. Second, His direction is impossible to follow without His help. He plans it that way. ‘…without Me you can do nothing.’ (John 15:5 NKJV) Third, His direction usually begins with discomfort. Like ‘an eagle that stirs up its nest… The Lord…led him…’ (Deuteronomy 32:11–12 NIV) A baby eagle is shocked when its mother forces it out of the nest. But that’s when it ‘finds its wings’. Think about it!

SoulFood: Jer 4–6, Luke 3:1–10, Ps 59:9–17, Pro 14:23–24

The Word for Today is authored by Bob and Debby Gass and published under licence from UCB International Copyright ©