Steven Furtick's Blog, page 25

Your Perspective Is Your Choice

“And now, God, do it again — bring rains to our drought-stricken lives so those who planted their crops in despair will shout hurrahs at the harvest, so those who went off with heavy hearts will come home laughing, with armloads of blessing.” (Psalm 126:4-6 MSG)

One of the most difficult places to live is between what God has done in the past and what you’re hoping God will do in the future. It’s the place that’s often referred to as the desert — the place of the dry spell and the drought. Maybe you’re there now.

When we find ourselves in this place, our eyes instinctively go to what we don’t have and what seems to be missing. Our focus goes to our frustration, instead of His faithfulness.

It doesn’t have to be this way though. You have a choice in every season, even seasons of drought. You get to choose your perspective.

You get to decide if you will complain about what’s missing or thank God for what’s available.

You can decide to turn the dry ground into a training ground — a place you learn to rely on God more than ever before.

You get to decide if you will stare at the parched, dry ground or fix your eyes towards the skies heavy with blessing. There’s always supply in sight, if we train our spirits to recognize it.

A season of drought can actually drive you to greater devotion. It can bring you to a place of asking God to “do it again.” To plead with God to come through in the ways that only He can. But it doesn’t happen naturally. It’s a choice — and the choice is yours.

The Promise Still Stands

“For no matter how many promises God has made, they are ‘Yes’ in Christ.” (2 Corinthians1:20)

Encourage someone today by sharing this image on social media using #WakingFaith.

When Progress Isn’t Obvious

“For we live by faith, not by sight.” (2 Corinthians 5:7)

Just because your progress isn’t obvious, doesn’t mean your faith isn’t working. Watch this short video and be encouraged.

God’s Got Your Back

“The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand.” (Psalm 37:23-24)

You don’t have to be certain of every step you take in order to be confident. Whatever comes your way, God’s got your back. Check out this short video and be encouraged.

Are You Comfortable?

“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” (2 Timothy 1:7)

Help others by sharing this image on social media using #WakingFaith.

Purpose Over Preference

“When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them on the road through the Philistine country, though that was shorter. For God said, ‘If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.’ So God led the people around by the desert road toward the Red Sea.” (Exodus 13:17-18)

As Moses led the people of Israel out of captivity and towards the promise land, the path they took was not the shortest or the easiest. In fact, God deliberately led them the long way around (Exodus 13:17).

 

After living under abusive oppression for 430 years, I’m sure taking the long way wasn’t their preference. Remember, the Egyptian regime they were fleeing was the same one that once decreed that their firstborn sons be murdered — not to mention the forced labor and regular physical beatings they were subjected to.

 

But God had their purpose in mind, not just their preference. The extra miles weren’t God’s punishment. They were His provision. They were multi-generational slaves, not warriors. Had they gone the way I’m sure they wanted to go, they probably wouldn’t have had the courage to continue. They weren’t yet prepared to face the enemy by going through.

 

God’s way doesn’t always seem like the best way — that is, if you define the best way as the shortest, most comfortable, most convenient way. Many times, God’s way is none of those things.

 

Instead of leading you the short way to what you want, God will often lead you the long way to what you need. It may not be the easiest, but it will be the most purposeful.

 

How to Be Fruitful in Your Frustration

“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)

Are you wrestling with some frustration right now? Watch this short video and learn the key to being fruitful in it.

Perceive On Purpose

“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” (Hebrews 11:1)

Help others by sharing this image on social media using #WakingFaith.

Becoming Unoffendable

“A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.” (Proverbs 19:11)

Help others by sharing this image on social media using #WakingFaith.

Learning to Love Yourself

“… Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:39)

The way you love others is often directly related to the way you love yourself and how you think God loves you. Watch this short video to discover more about this truth.