Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – February 27, 2018
Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ. Galatians 1:10
I like living a “with” life. For example, “I’m so glad you’re taking this class with me.” “It’s going to be awesome having you start this new exercise routine with me.” “I love that you’re partnering with me on this new project.”
With is wonderful, but there are times when “with” just doesn’t work—especially when God has an assignment for you that requires you to walk alone.
You may have to walk the path of launching an organization or ministry alone. You may need to start a new health plan alone, or work to be a change maker at work alone. And, because you’ll be forging a new path, and perhaps shaking things up for Jesus, the people around you—and maybe even those you love the most—may not join you in your new endeavor. In fact, they may not support you because they may not believe that what you are doing is wise, prudent, or possible.
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).
Let me encourage you. Don’t let anyone hold you back from getting free, stepping up, moving forward, moving on, or moving out. Don’t let anyone stop you from fulfilling God’s plans, obeying Him, and glorifying Him. Don’t give others permission to define what is and isn’t possible. If God says you can, you can.
I’m not talking about pumping yourself up with the false doctrine of “I can and the power is in me.” I’m talking about embracing the power that God has given you in the Holy Spirit and the power He will provide when you agree with Him and begin your journey. Your new journey is about agreeing with what God has said about you, and what He says about Himself.
The good news is that sometimes you just need to start walking down the path He has designed for you—and others may start to follow. But in the beginning, it may just be you and the Lord.
You may need to grieve that those you love and admire won’t walk with you. Make sure you don’t allow pride or unforgiveness to become your companion as you move into God’s purposes. Instead, continue to extend grace to others. Becoming more like Him isn’t just fulfilling the purposes He has set before you. Most importantly, it’s about loving when loving is hard. It’s about extending grace toward those who don’t support you.
There may be times when others may feel threatened by your courage and new change. And because they feel threatened, new tensions may arise in your relationships. Keep walking with Jesus. Consult God about your journey. And keep extending grace.
Also remember that you don’t need to be threatened by the differences between yourself and those you love. Love can reveal its finest self when the adversity of differences shines. This is your moment to allow your calling to be the catalyst to transform you into a more loving person. Let God refine you while you walk the path alone.
There are times when even those who are closest to you won’t want to walk with you. You will walk the path into fulfilling your desires alone. But you won’t truly be alone. The Lord is with you. You can do it.
“And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:20).
Prayer
Lord, what an awesome privilege it is to obey you and walk with you, even if I have to do it alone. Thank you that you are always with me, empowering and strengthening me to do your will. Amen.Application
Take five minutes to talk with the Lord about how to rest in His approval and not strive to please other noisy voices.Related Reading
Joshua 1:9; Jeremiah 1:7-8; 2 Corinthians 12:9-10Post/Tweet today
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These are powerful words and I am presently walking alone. Thank you for the sweet and powerful reminder that I’m never walking alone.
Dear Wayne,
Thank you for contacting us with your kind words after reading “When You Walk Alone With God’s Approval”. Shana’s devotional was a powerful reminder for all of us that we really and truly are never alone. Our Father walks beside us and I am so thankful HE does!
When Shana wrote ” Don’t let anyone stop you from fulfilling God’s plans, obeying Him, and glorifying Him. Don’t give others permission to define what is and isn’t possible. If God says you can, you can.” it reinforced what we sometimes tend to forget. If it is God’s plan, it will work for His Glory! If He says you can, then by golly, YOU CAN!! Amen and amen.
Wayne, we are thankful that you are a fellow wisdom hunter and look forward to hearing from you again.
Rejoicing in the fact HE walks besides us,
Gwynne
“Since you are my rock and my fortress,
for the sake of your name lead and guide me.”
Psalm 31:3
“You turned my wailing into dancing:
you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,
that my heart may sing to you and not be silent.
O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever.”
Psalm 30:11-12
Thank you Shana for sharing the gift God has given you that encourages and builds up your brothers and sisters in Christ. I admire the intense depth of your walk with the Lord. It is so refreshing to read an author that is genuinely filled with the love of Christ.
God bless you always
Great words of encouragement! I recently went on a trip to the Holy Land that the church I attend was offering. The cost & timing was perfect for me but I couldn’t find anyone (family or friend) to go with me. I had never traveled that far from home. Still, I felt like it was an opportunity that I shouldn’t pass up, so away I went. The trip was amazing and the group I was with just made it all the more memorable! Not only did I get to see places Jesus walked but I learned more of what a church family really is….and I give God all the glory!
Dear Nina,
Thank you for reaching out to us with your wonderful comments. Your trip to the Holy Land sounds amazing and what a great benefit to an incredible adventure – that you learned about ‘church family” along the way! I would say you really had the trip of a lifetime for many different reasons!
I enjoyed Shana’s words in this devotional as well (I always do though…)
When she said, “Let me encourage you. Don’t let anyone hold you back from getting free, stepping up, moving forward, moving on, or moving out. Don’t let anyone stop you from fulfilling God’s plans, obeying Him, and glorifying Him. Don’t give others permission to define what is and isn’t possible. If God says you can, you can”, I felt like this was a “call to action” for all of us who need a little push to serve HIM, at times, as one.
So glad you emailed us and we look forward to hearing from you again sometime.
Grateful for you~
Gwynne
‘Devote yourselves in prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. Be wise in the way you act towards others; make the most of every opportunity.”
Colossians 4: 2-4
Dear Sharon,
Thank you so much for sharing these sweet words for Shana. We are blessed to have her as one of our writers, along with Boyd and Tripp. Please know I will share your kind comments with her and I just know she will be blessed by them.
We are so thankful for our wisdom hunter’s family of readers and always look forward to hearing from you.
Enjoy this beautiful “almost spring” day!
Believing and trusting~
Gwynne
“Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
Hebrews 10:25