encuraging messages

encuraging messages

Try being patient

When we don't know what to do we are often tempted to make rash decisions and rush into things which can later bring regret and disappointment. When we are unsure about what steps to take we should try to be patient.

Someone once said to me that the only way to learn how to be patient is to go through a situation where we need to be patient! I have found this to be true in my own life. Many times I have had to delay making an important decision or taking an action that could dramatically change my life, because I wasn't 100% sure of what I wanted to do. In time things have always fallen into place and the decision process was made easier.

Try being prayerful

Many times we fail to take advantage of one of God's greatest gifts to us - prayer. We may be so wrapped up in making the decision that we forget to ask God for His guidance. When we want to come to a right decision we need to remember that God already knows the outcome. It makes sense to consult Him for the best option.

At the moment my wife and I are looking at buying another car. We are not sure if we want to upgrade the one we have to a newer model, or to buy a cheaper second car. We have taken this to the Lord and asked for wisdom. We have simply said, "Lord You know what is best for us and what we need, please guide and lead us in which way we should go". From past experience we know the Lord will soon show us and we will find something that meets our needs.

Try being positive

Not knowing what to do can often bring discouragement and we must be sure to keep a positive outlook on things. We need to realize that God is on the throne and wants the best for us.

Last year I found a lump in my neck and went to the doctor. The doctor advised the best course of action was to have it removed and biopsy performed. Until the results arrived back, I had no idea what was going to happen or what to do. I decided to remain positive and expect the best and if the results were not good I would deal with it then with the Lord's help.

How about you?

Do you have a big decision to make? Do you need guidance or direction? Why not call on God for help? You can pray this right now...

Dear Lord, I thank You that You are a God who cares for me and wants what is best for me. Right now I ask You to help me with all of my decisions. Please give me Your wisdom and let me know what direction I should go. Please help me to be patient and to keep a positive attitude during the decision making process.
Amen

What was I passionate about?
When someone is really passionate about something it shows. I have to admit that I love watching the West Coast Eagles AFL team play. Whether I am at the game or watching at home, I am usually pretty involved. I find myself jumping about and cheering loudly when they score a goal. Let me just say that it is fairly obvious which team I am going for!

The same goes for my calling or destiny. I am very passionate about telling people that God loves them and wants to a part of their lives. This drives me and is the major reason why I am involved with PASSION Australia. This passion moves me to action and I am compelled to do something about it.

What naturally flows out of me?
Another good way of finding your destiny is to reflect on what naturally flows out of you. By "flows out" I mean, what sort of things do you naturally do well and come easy to you?

Imagine if you are a teenager who is five foot six inches tall, with a solid build and you can do one hundred push ups or chin ups with ease. It would be fairly safe to say that you might be a good gymnast. Or perhaps you are a naturally bubbly person who loves talking to people, there is a good chance you might work in customer service or greet people as they come into church. What naturally flows out of you can be a key to finding your destiny.

What do others see in me?
Mature Christians like your Pastor, your family members or other leaders in your church can be a great source of wisdom and encouragement and they can also help you to find your calling or destiny.

I remember several years ago I met with my senior pastor. He said that he believed I had an evangelistic calling on my life. Part of his reasoning was that he noticed the things I was passionate about and what came naturally from me, but it was also part of his gifting to recognise and release people into ministry. That conversation gave me the confidence to move forward when I felt God speak to me about founding PASSION Australia. He recognised my calling and encouraged and released me into that area.

Closing
So wherever you are, I would encourage you to prayerfully seek God for your destiny. Remember to look at the things your are passionate about, at what flows from you naturally and seek the counsel from the people God has placed around you.

Dear Lord,
I thank You God that Your are a God who has a plan and destiny for my life. I also thank You that the Bible says You have plans prosper me and not harm me. I pray and ask that in the coming weeks and months You will speak to me about my destiny and the plan You have for my life. I pray that You will bring people around me to recognise and encourage me in this area. Please help me now and always to live for You. Amen