I once bought a flashlight from Temu that didn't work in the beginning. When I read the instructions carefully, I realized it needed to be charged first. Oh, yeah... forgot this little detail. I charged it for 6 hours. Boy, it shined super bright! I used it especially when I had to go out in a dark rainy night to check on my rainwater barrels. Hehe.... collecting rainwater was a weird habit that I am no longer able to practice here in Taiwan.
Anyway, recently I asked the Lord a lot about why He has called me to Taiwan, and what I was supposed to be doing. He gave me the image of my Temu flashlight plugged into the outlet. He said charge in Him first and wait for His time. Sure, I visited some friends and relatives, and had others visited me. I met lots of new people through the two churches that Ted attends regularly. I ate lots of good food, gained a few pounds. I read and wrote blogs. Then I get impatient and asked God again, "what I was supposed to be doing, God?" He again tells me to recharge in Him. It is not our habit to wait on a hidden God to somehow work out a masterful plan to bring glory to Himself. It is especially difficult when I am a workaholic in recovery. It's so not like me to do nothing.
Jesus' disciples followed him for 3 years, they watched him, cooked his meals and did some chores, sometimes asked some not-so-smart questions, and perhaps journaled about what Jesus did so they can remember later. After 3 years, Jesus entrusted huge missions into their hands with the help of the Holy Spirit, of course. Before he began his public ministry, Jesus went to the wilderness for 40 days without food. John the Baptist was also in the wilderness for 40 days before his ministry began. He ate wild honey and grasshoppers. Moses thought he was ready to rescue the Israelites by killing the Egyptian, but he spent 40 years in Midian as a shepherd before God thinks he was ready to lead Israel out of Egypt.
These were not the only examples in the Bible when God needed to prepare a person for an important role and purpose He had for that person. No one knows how long God's prep time is except for God. I wonder when Jesus' disciples were cooking meals for Jesus, maybe they were thinking and wondering, "When are we able to do cool miracles like Jesus? When will God use me in a big way?"
Life is boring when you are recharging and waiting. But when I don't plug in my phone to recharge for a decent amount of time, it doesn't work right. Recharging is boring but it is also necessary and important. Maybe you feel like you are stuck in a rut in an area of life. Don't be discouraged, keep recharging in Jesus. He is preparing you for something big. Keep moving forward and put one foot in front of another.
What do we do when we are recharging and preparing for God's next step for us?
1) Say YES to God daily and surrender.
It's important to tell God that He has your "YES" no matter what it is. Work on your surrender attitude of heart. Each day tell God that you want to do His will more than your own will. This is very hard for me because I struggle with control and not knowing. But I am working on trusting him daily and surrendering to what He has.
2) Keep doing your responsibilities.
This goes without saying. If you are supposed to work, then keep going to work. If you are a full-time mom, then do whatever you do to get the kids ready. We are not supposed to stop everything while waiting on God to act. The disciples had chores to do. Moses had to tend the sheep. Keep doing what God calls you to do presently.
3) Try new things/work on self-improvement
I remember a famous preacher says it's all green light unless God stops you. As long as we do not violate scripture, it's ok to pursue what our heart desires. God is the one who gave you those gifts and desires. Go learn to paint, sing, dance or play an instrument. If it is not your thing, you will know. But at least try it.
4) Keep a lookout for open and close doors.
God will open and close doors. You may encounter someone who leads to someone or to a unique opportunity. It is not only a coincidence. God is in it. Or the door may slam shut. It's just a way God lets you know not to go there. Use your God-given discernment.
5) Always spend time in God's word.
Read His word as much as you can. It will only clarify God's will for our lives when we are in His Word. I also love Godly books and good sermons. I listen all the time when I am doing mindless chores. I love that privilege!! Spiritual knowledge is so readily available. we no longer need to drag out your huge Bible commentaries or concordances. Whatever your question is just a "google" away. You don't need to travel miles to hear the best preacher, it's on YouTube for free. I love that! God speaks to me through all those channels. Let's keep all channels open so we can hear Him clearly.
Waiting on God is hard, but it's only for a season. If God tells me to wait, I don't want to be doing anything else and jump ahead of Him. When I plant a seed, which I just did yesterday, I do not expect to see anything for at least 2 weeks to a month depending on what kind of seed it is. However, I wait in hope and excitement each day I water the soil. Sometimes He puts me in uncomfortable spots for me to learn something and to draw closer to Him. Right now, in this season, my life if full of those moments that I need to learn to embrace. These are the verses that I camp on while I wait in hope because He has begun a good work, and He will carry out His good plan for me and you.
“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.” – Jeremiah 29:11
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” – Proverbs 3:5-6
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” – Romans 8:28
“Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” - Philippians 1:6
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