the "roundabout" way.

Even though we may know and believe that God speaks to us through His Word- we are often still surprised when He actually does. This morning as I spent some time praying, I really felt like I needed to hear something from God. As I opened my Bible to Psalm 105 in The Message version (part of my daily reading for today), I read something new. I would encourage you to do so as well.

At times I wonder if I should continue my involvement with worship team and choir because of my time commitment to youth. As I read that God instructs me to give Him praise and tell everyone of His goodness, it said one of the ways is through song. Even when we feel like we aren't doing something of eternal impact or significance, we actually may be. When people see me singing on the stage, I pray that they will see how much I love God... and that every word I sing is telling of His goodness. What a neat opportunity!

God also commands us to keep our eyes open to see God at work and His miracles. He has been true to His Word for generations. This SO goes against the grain in our culture. We have become so "Me" centered that throughout the day- that may be all that we think about... leaving no room or "margin" in our day to see that God is in fact working on our behalf or a reminder of how near He is... because we simply keep blinders on our eyes.

No matter who we are, He can choose to use us for His purposes. When His hand is upon our lives, there is no limit to what He can do. God sent Joseph ahead to prepare the way for the Israelites. Humble and hard beginnings led him to a place of honor and ultimately being used to carry out God's greater plan. God then used Moses and Aaron to deliver the Israelites out of Egypt. He worked many miracles as they were on their way and provided for their every need: cool for the day, light for the night, food and water to sustain them- in ways that only He could provide.

In the end- God's people were singing for joy. Every single step of the journey was so that they could accomplish all that He had told them and promised. This goes to show that God's ways are not our ways. Sometimes it truly is the roundabout way. Yes, His people had moments of doubt, complaining, and frustration, but they continued to follow Him.

As long as I'm committed to following God, I can trust that He will provide for my every need, equip me regardless of my inadequacies, and use every step of my journey to accomplish His purpose. That's the most important thing. The tough part is when the steps of the journey seem so contrary to the direction we feel like we should be going... the "roundabout" way. But, I'm okay with that... makes for one great adventure. :) His ideas are definitely best.

{kinda vague- but how I felt God was speaking to me today}