To move forward with God, we must welcome change. The Lord declares, “Do not remember the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert” (Isaiah 43:18–19).
When God brings promotion into our lives, it is often preceded by a process of preparation. This process is necessary to help us let go of what God has done so that we can embrace what He wants to do next. Change that God initiates is not easy, but it’s always beneficial for our growth and maturity. Often, we resist change because it affects our comfort level. That’s why the question many wrestle with is, Why does it take difficult or dry times to bring about change?
We certainly are creatures of habit who can become set in our ways. Once these patterns are established, it is uncomfortable to adjust them. But if we are to step into the fullness of what God has planned for us, we must be willing to leave our comfort zone and pursue the way that God’s Spirit leads. This path will often take us through what the Bible refers to as a wilderness. This is where God causes new life to spring forth.
In 2016, while I was still working in the corporate world. I felt the presence of God asking me to step out and follow Him in full-time ministry. At that time it has been on my heart for some time. I prayed about it for at least three weeks, and God's plan stayed the same. But now it was time, I resigned and stepped out as God asked from me.
I told my family and friends about the decision, some was sceptical and others sort of understood. Standing on what my heart heard and was called for. God said He would do it, and I knew that if it was truly Him speaking, I wouldn’t have to help God make it happen.
But nothing happened for over a year and a half. During this waiting period, I was spending more time in prayer than ever before, even though my times of prayer felt dry and difficult. Not only that, the original vision I had for the ministry God called me for seemed to be fading away. I went through some rough internal and external trials like we had never experienced before. I began to think that I might have heard wrong, or that the timing was not right. Did I hear what I wanted to hear, what did I do wrong?
One day while seeking God for answers, the Lord said to me, “You are not in this desert because you have heard wrong or that the timing is wrong! I’m preparing you for the change that is coming.” God was developing within me the character I needed to handle the responsibility of the coming phase of ministry. He was also preparing me to let go of my present season by causing me to become unsettled. And without the necessary shaking, most of us could miss the new thing God wants to do. Eventually, God brought the change He promised. Looking back, I can see that the Lord was preparing to birth His ministry heart inside and around me.
If you find yourself in a wilderness season, be encouraged. God has not abandoned you and He is not punishing you. God is preparing you! Do not back down from what God has called you for. Stand your ground, trust Him and walk out the adventure road He has called you on......
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