You are getting prepared for the great things ahead

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., once prayed, “Use me, God. Show me how to take who I am, who I want to be, and what I can do, and use it for a purpose greater than myself.”

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., once prayed, “Use me, God. Show me how to take who I am, who I want to be, and what I can do, and use it for a purpose greater than myself.”

Have you ever tried to figure out God’s will? In which direction should you go? Where is God leading you? What does God want you to achieve? And, how can you use your gifts and abilities in service to others?

Indeed, God has great plans for you, but sometimes, despite our best efforts, we do not know the full plan or how circumstances are all going to work out. Yet, God knows. He can dream a bigger dream for your life, more than you could ever dream for yourself, and moreover, cause all things to come together for good.

Some time ago, I heard a story about a young man who, one evening, had a dream. In his dream, the room was filled with a bright stream of light, as God appeared. With angels standing on either side, God spoke, “I have a special purpose for you. And that unique plan, only you can fulfill.”

Next, God told the man to look outside his window. There, the man saw a large stone embedded in the landscape. God instructed the man, that he should go outside and push against the stone with all his strength. At that point, God and His angels departed.

With obedience and faith, the young man did as God requested. Day after day, he pushed the cold, heavy stone. Many months passed, and although the man continued to push with all of his might against the massive, hard surface, the stone stood unmoved.

Thereafter, the man would return home, worn out and dispirited. Discouraged, he began to feel that his attempts to move the stone were in vain. He did his best; however, the man didn’t see the results he had anticipated, and thought, “Why should I even keep trying?” Then, tortured by insecurities, the man would utter to himself, “I’ve been pushing that stone for months, and it hasn’t moved,” “I must be a failure,” “I’m not good enough,” and “Too much time has gone by with no results, so I am going to quit.”

Have you ever felt this way?

How many of us have been plagued by doubts and uncertainties, because situations have not yet gone in the direction that we thought they should? Do we think that God has overlooked us, if the answers to our prayers have been delayed? And now, are we about to settle for less than what we really desire, and, like this man, are we voicing negative words over our future.

Yet, before the young man gave up, he decided to take to his knees in prayer. “Dear God,” he let out a deep sigh, “I have tried and tried. I’ve put all of my strength in to achieve that which you have asked me to do. Nevertheless, after all this time and effort, I have not budged that stone, even an inch.”

With that sincere prayer, God appeared once again and whispered to the man, “You have done

what I asked you to do and I am well-pleased. But, I did not expect you to move the stone. Your task was to push.”

The man was confused. And God tenderly explained, “You have not failed. Look at all you have achieved. You’ve demonstrated steadfast faith, obedience, and trust in My wisdom and will. Through the opposition, you’ve grown, you have become so strong, and your abilities surpass that which you used to possess. You now have everything you need to accomplish my best plan for you.”

Peace flooded the young man’s soul, as God said to him, “Now, I, in my strength, will move the stone.”

In the Bible, Exodus 16:4 tells us that the Lord said to Moses, “Look, I’m going to rain down food from heaven for you. Each day the people can go out and pick up as much food as they need for that day. I will test them in this to see whether or not they will follow my instructions.” The people of Israel had to trust God to provide for them, and God wants you to trust Him and rest in His sufficiency, too.

I like what a friend of mine said, “My job is to take care of the possible and trust God with the impossible.” There is no limit to what you and God can accomplish together.

Therefore, let us walk in obedience and trust when situations, at the moment, don’t make sense. Scripture says to: “Walk by faith, not by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5:7. And a time of testing may be God’s way of preparing us for the great things He has ahead. God works in mysterious ways. So, let’s listen to our still, small voice inside. Make decisions prayerfully. And stay in-tune with God’s direction, being open to new opportunities that might come our way. A reader wrote, “You never know what God will do if you let Him.”

So, together, let’s look forward to the blessings and joys in our futures, and keep our hope and trust in Him. Things are not always what they seem to be… but God has a divine plan for you and me!