What if the only thing holding you back from living your destiny was your own ignorance or disobedience? Last year at ABBA HOUSE, we prayed Jeremiah 33:3 throughout the year, both in meetings and in personal prayer. It was the key passage for the entire year, and we prayed it dozens of times.
“Call upon me, and I will answer you; and I will shew you great and secret things, which you have not known.” (Jeremiah 33:3)
Why ask God?
The basic idea is that we don't know much. God has important knowledge that we need. To gain it, it is essential to ask, to seek God's presence and guidance. God guarantees that He will answer. Thus, we will have access to hidden things, divine plans that we are unaware of. We couldn't ask for more.
In these situations, some act after asking, others ask without acting, some receive nothing by making superficial requests, and others do not ask at all. To walk in one's destiny and please God, an active prayer life is essential. Sometimes our thoughts are the opposite of what God intends for us. Everything I do today, except writing, was not at all in my plans. It was by divine revelation that I understood, and acceptance was not easy. But I have the absolute satisfaction of knowing that I am doing what God wants.
A destiny can be lost and God's plans can be delayed. We risk destroying our opportunities and relationships if we don't understand His heart. Therefore, it is appropriate to pray for revelation, and to do so persistently. When we walk closely with God, He certainly shows us what He has for us. One day, young Catherine went to a church meeting, full of excitement at the prospect of listening to an excellent preacher. She was already imagining the wonderful evening she would spend, surrounded by people ready to meet the Lord.
While walking through a busy working-class neighborhood, she heard this: “Would you not be more useful to God, and more like your Redeemer, if you took the time to stop at some of his houses to talk with his sinners and invite them to the meeting, instead of going there yourself for your own pleasure?” What efforts do Christians make to keep the commandment, "Compel them to come in, that my house may be filled"? She obeyed, which resulted in several families being saved and a Bible study group being formed. Her name was Catherine Booth (read the story here). What if we stopped for a few moments?) This illustrates the second point: obedience.
Revelation is not enough, obedience is key
What are we asking for? We must ask the Lord to reveal to us the things He intends for us this year, whether in our personal life, our career, or our service to God, so that He may show us what we have not yet perceived. Then, let us commit ourselves to doing what He shows us, because obedience is key. Seeing is not enough; we must act on what God reveals to us. We must respond with commitment and obedience.
God reveals His plan to him.
A few years ago, a person in the ministry of La Compagnie Théophile received a vision from God about the project the Lord wanted to accomplish. This work had been entrusted to him, and this revelation from God confirmed this and encouraged him to actively invest himself. He showed him the purpose and what He wanted to accomplish. I was delighted because I had explained the vision at length to everyone, but I felt like the message wasn't getting through.
She had a first vision and was amazed. She had never experienced anything like it before. Despite everything I had shared about the project, she had never imagined anything like it. And I think she had never seen how deeply it was on the Lord's heart. The experience boosted her, invigorated her, and she was determined to make it happen; but this wonder was short-lived. For various reasons, the work continued to stall.
Interestingly, God had returned. According to her, He showed her again what He expected of her. Unfortunately, this did not lead to true commitment. It was not a problem of vision, but of personal attitude. Commitment and obedience were lacking. Too often, we expect everything from God when He has already equipped us. He has saved us and empowered us to excel in His service. It is no longer up to God to act, but up to us to respond to His call and follow His rules.
God reveals his service to him
A few years ago, at a Sunday afternoon meeting, we came before God to speak to us about our service. The Lord spoke to each one. There were many surprises, but one person was particularly impressed by the revelation they received from God. The person had a wrong perception of their work; I was surprised by their lack of listening and cooperation, but then I understood why. When they received God's revelation, they were not only surprised, but completely unsettled.
She was completely incomprehensible about what God had shown her. I wasn't surprised at all; that's what I was trying to tell her, but she clearly didn't see it. This reminds us how much we need to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit and humble before leaders. Here too, this revelation was not followed by action. On the contrary, it was repeated for another project.
God reveals, but it is forgotten.
God often reveals His plans, but the enemy steals the word. Another person once came to me excited and told me about an encounter with the Lord where He told her to work on something specific we needed, something key to advancing God's work. Once again, I was happy and relieved. She was finally going to get started. Her enthusiasm was evident; she gained a new determination, convinced that God supported this project. Later, I asked when she would start, but she had forgotten everything God had told her. Not only had she forgotten what He said, but she had forgotten that the encounter had taken place. We have discussed it several times since, but she has no memory of it. And she never got around to the project. This shows us the importance of holding on to God's word and putting it into practice.
Pitfalls to avoid
- Oblivion
As we saw in one of these stories, forgetfulness is a major trap. No matter how profound the revelation, it's easy to forget everything. Of course, at first, enthusiasm is overwhelming, but that's not enough. If nothing is done, the demands of life will overcome the revelation. What to do? Write down the revelation, like Habakkuk, and meditate on it regularly. Write down relevant prayer requests and engage in prayer. As you meditate, it will be engraved on your heart. Then confess it. Say what God has said and what you will do.
“I have kept your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you” (Psalm 119:11).
Ask the Lord for the plan and the steps to follow. And get to work.
- Self-sufficiency
In this kingdom, everything worthwhile and lasting is accomplished by the power of the Holy Spirit. Unfortunately, we tend to rely on our own strength rather than on the Lord. We no longer listen to the Holy Spirit. We rush, we stress to get there. And the result is disappointment, sometimes failure, and God's disapproval. I have learned, with wisdom, that when God reveals a plan, it is only the beginning. We don't rush into trying to do everything; we increase our dependence on God. At each step, we ask for direction, and each day, we submit more.
- Waiting and procrastination
I know people who report what God tells them and talk about it often, but they don't act. They wait until circumstances become favorable, until outside help arrives, or simply for no specific reason. They are victims of procrastination. It is essential to have a plan and choose the right time, but it is also important to act quickly, even if all conditions are not ideal. As soon as you take the first step of faith, the rest will follow.
- The precipitation
It's paradoxical, but time cuts both ways: either we move too slowly, or we move too quickly. Some people act without thinking or planning, only later realizing they've made poor choices. In our diligence, we must operate in divine wisdom. Listening to the Holy Spirit, reflecting, and seeking guidance from quality people helps us avoid making hasty decisions.
- The temptation of indifference
A Christian must be the most enthusiastic person possible. We are the ones who have benefited from God's indescribable grace and extraordinary condescension. However, some fall into the trap of indifference. Initial enthusiasm quickly gives way to a worrying indifference, especially when it comes to serving God. The seed of the Word cannot find fertile soil in which to grow. Love for God and gratitude for His blessings are nourished by meditation on His Word and prayer, to prevent indifference. We must pray and obey.
The day Catherine Booth decided to listen and act without delay or hesitation, she embarked on what would become her life's mission. Had she not obeyed the Lord's promptings that day, she would have fallen into indifference. But because she obeyed what she heard, she saw results, and her heart was strengthened. Subsequently, she and her husband dedicated their lives to preaching the gospel and supporting those in need, helping them escape poverty.
Have you ever received a revelation that you neglected? “What can you do today to obey God?”
After years of observing those who live without true direction, lacking a clear vision of God, and others who see but hesitate to follow their calling, I realize that many of you will not spring into action upon reading these words. However, you can choose to stand out and act differently. Our lives are calibrated by our obedience. God's promise must meet our obedience to be fulfilled. If anyone tells you that you can be disobedient and live a victorious Christian life, they are lying. Obedience activates God's promises.
Let us take a few moments to pray fervently. Let us ask the Lord to reveal to us what He wants to do with us this year. Let us commit ourselves to acting in obedience, not forgetting what He tells us. Let us pray that our lives may bear fruit and touch souls. Amen.
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