Hope and a Future

Cycle of Desires: God’s Blessings Part 5 of 5

Cycle of DesiresGod’s Blessings

As we turn back again to the Cycle of Desires, where we are at the point of “Giving Up” and “Surrendering,” God seems to open up His storehouse of blessings and rains them down in a way that literally blows our minds.  He wants to bless us abundantly.  In fact, John 10:10 says, “I have come that they might have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.”[i]

Full Cycle of Desires

What a cycle to take us through!   I don’t understand why we have to go through it, but from my perspective, there appear to be two key points: 1. God wants to bring us to the point where we know we need Him more than anything else in this life; and 2. God wants to bring us to the point of brokenness and submission where we are willing to do and be anything He wants us to do and be!

The beauty in the Cycle of Desires is that “dreams don’t come with expiration dates.  Taking a circuitous route to your dream doesn’t mean you won’t get there.  Life’s unexpected circumstances come as no surprise to God.  Instead, you may find that God is moving you toward a dream perfected for you – better than you have imagined.  The life you live and the wisdom you gain will make your dream that much sweeter.  Maybe that will prove to be the purpose of the delay all along.  Be patient.  God is not finished with you – or your dreams – yet.”[ii]

And remember, nothing is too hard for the Lord.  As He did with Abraham and Sarah, He loves to pull off the impossible.  No matter how long it’s been and no matter how impossible it looks, stay hopeful. Your time is coming.  Every dream that’s in your heart, every promise that has taken root, God not only put it there, but He has every intention of bringing to pass.  Remind yourself that your time is coming! God is working behind the scenes on your behalf. Oh what a sense of joy He must get as He orchestrates miracles in the lives of those who love Him.

[i] NKJV John 10:10

[ii] Listening Heart devotional

It’s the “Nevers” that kill you

During our waiting, it’s the “Nevers” that creep into our minds that can just be killers! I am never going to get that job. I am never going to be healed. I am never going to have a baby. We are never going to be able to get through the adoption process. I am never going to meet the man or woman I want to spend the rest of my life with. My dreams are never going to be fulfilled. God’s promises will never become reality.

The “Nevers” are so hard, and Satan is without a doubt the king of the “Nevers.” Why? Because if he can get us to focus on the “Nevers,” than we begin to lose our hope. And if we lose our hope, than we give up on our God-given desires and simply settle for good enough rather than God’s best. Or we give up altogether.

As I was driving home from work the other day, the Lord gave me this phrase….. “But God, By God, and For God.”

When the “Nevers” creep up on me…..or flat out assault me….I remind myself…..BUT GOD has plans to prosper me and not to harm me…to give me hope and a future. HOPE AND A FUTURE! The “Nevers” are simply not part of God’s plan for me.

For I know the Plans I Have for You

And BY GOD, I can do all things through him who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13) Easy? No. Do I falter and at times fall flat on my face? Yes. But He is there to pick me up, remind me I am strong in Him, and that He has more power in His little pinky than I can even begin to imagine.

And FOR GOD, I keep pressing on, loving Him, loving those He puts in my path who are on the same journey, and giving Him glory for all He has done in my waiting.

We will see the light. We will make it through. We just have to put those “Nevers” where they belong….in Never Never land…..while we head into our Promise Land!