Team,
Do you know the safest place in the whole world?
Yes, it’s in the will of God. And frankly, none of us want to operate outside of God’s perfect and protective will.
I sure don’t.
But, sometimes the desire to only operate in God’s perfect will leads many of us to fearfully over-analyze how we live and when we should move. Our Christian walk becomes adversely dependent on God giving us signals or permission – the way we want it – or else we’re stuck, arms folded, refusing to move one inch.
Have you ever said or thought the following?
- “I’m going to wait on a word from the Lord.”
- “God, I’ll know this is You or Your will, if You {do, say, show, appear, send…}”
- “God wouldn’t ask me to do XYZ; He knows I don’t have {resources, support, money…}”
Since when is the ease of an effort a sign of God’s will? Does God really have to jump through our hoops FIRST before we obey? It’s a dangerous place to be stuck in fear and doubt when it’s time to move for God.
Here are some of the dangers of being overly permissive with God vs. moving toward good works in faith:
1. Windows of Opportunity Close
To everything there is a season, a window. There’s a time to wait and a time go. There’s a time to ask, and a time to command.
While “living in the last days” has become cliche’ throughout generations, I believe the phrase has never been more real than today. As we clearly see the acceleration of the enemy’s efforts to disrupt and counterfeit the plans, intent, and message of God, be keenly aware, Team, that time is at a premium, in limited supply.
God owns time; we do not. As such, when we are compelled to move, do, or go after something, and it aligns with the Spirit of the Word of God, angels are already either in motion or standing by to support our obedience to go.
Know that every endeavor has a shelf life, a window of divine effectiveness in which God’s intended results will be fulfilled.
2. Silence Interpreted as “No” vs. “Go”
As a child, my mother rarely had to say a ton of words to get her point across. With a mere look, nod, or raised eyebrow, I knew exactly when to move, and when to be still. I had a clear understanding of when to speak, and when to keep my mouth closed – including when and when not to ask questions.
You too? So, how was this possible?
Through relationship.
See, Team, when you spend time with God in prayer and meditate on His words in scripture, you get to know what He likes and dislikes, what His will is and is not.
With relationship comes trust, trust that flows both ways between you and God.
And, with a trusting relationship, one that matures with time and consistency, you depend on the permission of God less and confidently move in works that honor the will and intent of God as you know Him.
The silence of God will never trip you up because you have spent time communicating with God, seeking His face – and you know that your actions will make Him smile, even if He doesn’t say a word.
3. Undeveloped or Under-Developed Power
Where would you be if your Mommy still fed you? Or, if your Daddy still carried you around on his neck, everywhere…and you’re an adult?
The only way for us to exercise our power is for US to exercise OUR power. God can’t and won’t do everything for us when He desires to do good works through us (Phil 4:13).
Like our parents, the one thing God is very clear on is that we cannot remain babes in Christ forever, and expect to fight the good fight of faith (1 Timothy 6:12, 1 Cor 13:11). Yes, Christ has overcome the world, our fight is fixed, and we are already winners. But, the fight is still in progress and we are expected to show up fully dressed in our armour (1 Peter 5:8).
The ‘whole armour of God’ does not come in infant or toddler sizes! {Click to tweet}
We are endowed with the power of the Holy Spirit to be witnesses of our Savior and do greater works than Jesus. We have the power of life in the words we speak to create successful endeavors that progress the Kingdom of God.
Where is the demonstration of our greater works, Team?
Perhaps it’s buried in fearfully waiting on God’s permission when He’s already given us authority, the play calls, and blown the whistle…
So, what’s the play call?
Go…with faith in God!
Exercise your faith. Make it strong by putting it to God’s (good) use with good works. James 2:26
Go…scared and without knowing how!
Trust that God has richly provided every resource you need to accomplish the goal and dream He planted in your heart – wherever it takes you. Joshua 1:9
Begin the shift today from permission-based Christian living to using the power of the Holy Spirit and the life in your words to command your destiny.
You already have permission to be more than a conqueror.
