GOD WORKS IN MYSTERIOUS WAYS.

Recently, the blog host made a profound revelation about what it means for the Lord to work in mysterious ways. When I was younger, the song "God Works in Mysterious Ways" was a common anthem during our devotion periods at school, home, and church. I never really took the time to think deeply about the meaning of this phrase, but God worked in my mind through this song.

The mystery of God is that He often does things we don't expect, anticipate, or think of. He simply does His work, and there are moments when we're amazed and moments when we're lost in deep thought. Working in God's plan and understanding His works each season is wonderful. However, there are moments when we seek His face, ask Him questions, and consecrate ourselves, but He still doesn't give us a clear answer.

How do you feel in those moments? For me, those are the most difficult moments, and I often wonder if I'm not doing my part with God correctly. Do you experience similar anxiety and thoughts?

This reminds me of the story of David after Bathsheba gave birth to their child. David sought God's face, asking for the child's healing, but God didn't respond. God didn't need to reply to confirm His forgiveness or love for David. Although God had already given His verdict concerning the child, His mercy, love, and presence remained with David, even if David didn't feel it at that moment.

After waiting on God for 21 days, I wondered why He didn't give me a specific word. Did I fast correctly? Did I seek His face enough? Was it just a futile exercise? The next day, after my 21-day fast, God instructed me to go on a 3-day fast. My initial thought was to dismiss the idea, but God works in mysterious ways. I began to watch my life take shape during these days. 

The bigger picture, which we often desire to see, is something that only God can see. God wants to unveil us to the world and to ourselves. We might hear what He's doing in most moments, and we might not in other moments, but the promise remains: "And nothing shall by any means harm you" (Luke 10:19). 

God works all things together for our good (Romans 8:28).

Stay revived!

By Guest Writer.

The Dangers of Rushing: Trusting God's Timing Over Our Own

 

Recently, I was having a conversation with my sister, and she asked me about why people often rush to achieve everything all at once, not fully trusting in the timing of life. She mentioned a guy who, feeling desperate for cash, couldn't wait any longer for the right opportunity. He decided to seek out someone who he believed could give him the wealth he desired, he got the wealth but died in a very short time. This situation got me thinking about how, at times, we are tempted to take shortcuts, believing that quick solutions will bring us happiness.

It's fascinating how, when we seek things outside of God's will, we fail to realize that anything the enemy offers is only a counterfeit of the original blessings God has in store for us. What the enemy gives is temporary, meant to satisfy only for a moment, while God's provision is eternal and abundant.

During this conversation, I was reminded of a classmate from some years ago. She was the first in our group to complete her degree, land a job at a radio station, get married, and have a child—all before the age of 27. Tragically, after a few months, she passed away. As I reflect on her life, I can't help but feel that she lived in a hurry, packing so many significant milestones into such a brief period. It was as though her life was compressed into a short line, rushing from one achievement to the next, without the opportunity for much rest or reflection.

This brings me to a broader point: There are times when we compare ourselves to others, thinking we need to reach certain milestones by a specific age or stage in life. But as the Bible clearly states, such comparisons are unwise.

2 Corinthians 10:12 (KJV) reminds us:
"For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise."

We are often tempted to look at others’ achievements and feel that we must measure up or follow a similar timeline. But when we measure our lives by someone else’s, we miss out on the unique journey that God has planned for us As the Regulator his timing is perfect, he directs our life to the place and how he wants when we surrender and His plans for us are filled with purpose, even if they don't always align with the timeline we envision.

Rather than rushing through life, let us learn to trust in God's timing and recognize that the things He has in store for us are far better than any quick fix the world can offer, you might not be there yet or get everything you want yet but He sees, he hears and is walking in the shadows to set things right in his time.

Stay revived!

The Ultimate Regulator

As the school regulator, I used to feel a sense of satisfaction whenever I rang the bell and watched as teachers changed classes and students prepared to welcome the next instructor. It gave me a sense of control, as I believed I was managing the flow of activities between teachers and students.

 At times, when a teacher who wasn’t particularly liked by my classmates walked into the classroom, I’d hear whispers like, “Isn’t it time yet? Please ring the bell and let this man go.” It’s funny to think back on, but it also makes me reflect on life in a deeper way.

Our entire existence is regulated by God. He is our life’s ultimate Regulator. A regulator is someone who controls, manages, or oversees a process, system, or event. As the Regulator, God sets the direction, timing, and purpose for everything that happens. He directs the course of events, guiding us in ways we may not always understand, but ultimately leading us toward His greater plan.

The important thing to recognize about God as our Regulator is that He requires our surrender for things to move steadily but not always smoothly. As the Regulator, He might decide to withhold certain things from us, even things we may desperately need at the time. But because it is not the right moment according to His plan, no matter how hard we try, we cannot force it to happen. It’s not that God doesn’t care—it’s just that based on his calendar its not yet time. He knows the right time for everything. What we are asking for may not align with His perfect timing.

When we try to align ourselves with God's plans, seeking to understand His timing, He gives us the ability to discern through the Holy Spirit what He is preparing for us. This allows us to sense the right moments for specific parts of His agenda in our lives.

Its the first Saturday of February and I'm sure we are hopeful about what the Lord has in store for us but never forget that the regulator sets things right in times and seasons.

Stay revived!

Trusting the Process.

As I reflect on the events of the past few days, I find myself contemplating God’s thoughts toward humanity. His Word reminds us, "Eye has not seen, ear has not heard, nor has it entered into the heart of man what God has prepared for those who love Him." (1 Corinthians 2:9). It is humbling to consider that God's plans for us exceed anything we could ever imagine.

Just last week, I meticulously planned my schedule, leaving no room for extracurricular. However, when I arrived at work, I was unexpectedly informed that I would be attending a forum. Initially caught off guard, I went ahead and participated, trusting that there was a purpose behind this sudden change of plans.

This experience made me reflect on how often we, as individuals, feel disappointed when life doesn’t go according to our plans. Many times, we rely on our education, organization, and careful planning, believing that these factors should ensure everything unfolds exactly as we expect. However, what we often fail to realize is that when the Lord begins to work in our hearts, He often moves beyond our routines and expectations to fulfill His divine agenda.

There's a saying that "the Lord works in mysterious ways." But what this really means is that God works in ways we do not anticipate. His timing is not our timing, and His methods are not our methods.

God doesn’t operate according to the schedules and plans we set for ourselves. Instead, He calls us to a place of total surrender, where we trust the process, follow His guidance, and rest assured that He will not lead us astray.

As Jeremiah 17:7-8 (NIV) tells us:
"But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit."

When we trust in the Lord, we are anchored—like that tree by the water. Even in uncertain times, we can remain confident that He will sustain us.

As we strive to keep our focus on the Lord, let us learn to trust Him in the journey called life. Believe that when we follow His direction, He will take us exactly where we need to be—into the fullness of the plans He has prepared for us.

Stay revived!