“How God gets you to where He’s taking you is more important than the destination of where you will end up.”
Many times, we wonder why God allows injustice to persist. Why the wicked seem to flourish while the righteous or innocent are left picking up the pieces. Or why, when we know God can heal, He chooses not to and we are left in the tension of the mystery of what HE can do and yet, doesn’t. I don’t know about you, but sometimes these thoughts overtake my mind and I sit in the wonder of the ‘Why’s’ of God.
But, if I’m honest, most of the time in my situations, I want some entitled privilege that exempts me from the hard and gives me the quick fix of instant relief and satisfaction. My sinful nature overtakes my spirit and yearns to be out of any state of uncomfortable.
The truth is, often the greatest testimony is not that we were delivered but that we were able to stand in the midst of the storm. Sometimes the greatest display of God’s power is the testimony that “He is the God who brings us THROUGH!”
Now, don’t mishear me. I fully believe in the miraculous and in deliverance. I’ve seen God do the impossible in situations that were dim and felt hopeless. I’ve been a firsthand witness to Him opening blind eyes, restoring deaf ears, and breaking the bondage of addiction in a fierce sweep. I’ve watched those tormented by suicide, literally in a moment, be filled with life and hope, never going back. God is a Miracle God. He is still doing miracles that science and society cannot explain. Sometimes His miracles take place in an instant, but more than often, I’ve seen His miracles take place as I’ve submitted to His process.
Many of us desire quick deliverance, but our deliverance may be walking through the fire and not being burned from it. This, my friend, is also God displaying His miracle power. (Isaiah 43:2)
Why do I think this?
James 1: says, “Consider it all joy when you encounter various trials, knowing the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect effect. So that you may be perfect and complete lacking in nothing.”
The truth is, God is not interested in our comfort. But he IS INTERESTED in our faith. He cares deeply about our character. He is especially concerned in the ‘how’ we get through our trial, set back, or disappointment. He desires lasting fruit in our lives, not just short-lived victories. We must not underestimate the deep value of when God chooses to take us through the storm. He loves to build storm-resistant faith in His children. It’s His gift to you and me. Our testimony, on the other side, will be our gift to other people. His faithfulness will be a witness to a watching world that our God is not just faithful to deliver, but He is faithful to be present. He is trustworthy. He is a present help, so we can overcome. He will meet us in our valley and strengthen us as we face opposition.
How do I know this?
When God delivered Israel from Egypt, they got stuck in the wilderness, but when it was time to inherit the promise, He required them to face the Giants. He began their journey with deliverance, but he matured them through enduring faith.
Don’t misunderstand God’s goodness. How He gets you to where He’s taking you is more important than the destination of where you will end up. God is a God of process. He is developing you, not just moving you. We care more about the ‘where’, God cares more about the ‘how’. When we care about what God cares about, we’ll stop fighting Him in the storm and we will learn to dance with Him through it.
If we are going to inherit the promises of God, then we must be prepared to face our Giants too. How we possess the land, is more important to God, then simply living in it. He allowed an entire generation to die, because they would not be faithful in yielding to Him in the ‘how’.
They wanted quick deliverance. God wanted faithful obedience.
They wanted God to remove the Giants. God wanted them to trust Him with the Giants.
They wanted to not fear the outcome. God wanted them to fear Him, more than the outcome.
They wanted the land without it costing them anything. God wanted them to know the value of His gift.
They wanted their manna from Heaven and the fruit of the Promise Land. God wanted them to make Him their prize.
They wanted their comfort. God wanted their character.
They wanted a transaction; God wanted a relationship.
They wanted a destination; God wanted a people.
If you need a miracle today, ask the Lord, how does He want to bring you through? Don’t miss the ‘how’ He will perform it because your overfocused on the ‘where’ you’re supposed to find it.
Pray this Prayer with me:Lord, I yield my way to yours. My plan to yours. My life to your will and way. Forgive me when I have sought you for deliverance, when all I wanted was an entitled, painless escape. Help me to desire what you desire. To lean into the process however you desire to take me through. Build Your character in me. Deepen my intimacy with You, even if it means, the Giants don’t move. I trust you with my Giants, my Mountains, my Loses, my Disappointments, my Fears, and all my Uncontrollables. Help me not seek the destination, but to seek a deeper desire to know You more. I give you my trust because You alone are trustworthy. In Jesus Name, Amen.
Isaiah 43:2; Hebrews 10:32-39; James 1: 2-4
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