Are Changes Stressing You Out?

April 30th, 2011

Written by Anita Carman
Dear Faithful One,

Have you ever been upset with God for allowing changes in your life? Do you get stressed because you cannot control the changes or the timing of changes in your life?

In John 3:8, Jesus described the movement of His Holy Spirit in these words: The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit. NIV.

At first, the words “blows wherever it pleases” sound like an undisciplined activity. However, God is not undisciplined. He knows what He is doing. The idea of “wherever it pleases” express God’s authority to do exactly what God intends to do. He does not need to ask our permission. His presence will be clear as described in the words, “you hear its sound”. However, God will choose to flow in and to flow out of a situation to fulfill His purpose. Those who belong to Him will find themselves living in a similar way. You may wish to have a rule book that tells you precisely how to live your life. Instead, God is inviting us into a relationship where we listen for the sound of His voice and trust Him as our plan.

Has God left a situation because He is through with showing grace? If so, are you lingering when God has already left? Has God chosen to enter a situation in spite of the challenges? Are you still procrastinating or hesitating when God wants you to enter the battle field in His name?

Instead of listening to the voice of human reasoning, let us listen for the sound of the Spirit. Expect the Spirit to express authority because God will do as God pleases in order to accomplish His purpose. The sound of God’s Spirit will never be hesitant or fearful or deviate from God’s character. God is the perfect balance of justice and grace. As God flows into a situation to take over don’t be surprised if relationships are interrupted or dismantled. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself relocating. Don’t be surprised if you are unclear where your steps are leading. You may not know where the wind is blowing but you will know the next right step. So let us do the next right thing and keep listening for further instructions. Let’s go from sound to sound of God’s Spirit and not live too far into the future.

I pray this devotion encouraged you in a special way. When I pray for you, I hear a victory song. I believe in you because I believe in the power of God’s Word in you as you put His Word into action.

Love, Anita