Do you realize there are things to learn and grow when you are in between? From the middle, let’s consider the perspective it provides us to be able to look at and reflect upon life. How can we grow while we are in the middle and between the steps God has set before us? I pause to reflect on the message from Genesis 31 of “get out and go back” and am reflecting on the perspective I find myself in being in the middle or in between.
Embracing Growth from the Middle: Lessons from Jacob’s Journey
In the midst of life’s transitions and uncertainties, it’s crucial to embrace the perspective we gain from being in between. Just as Jacob found himself in a state of transition in Genesis 31, torn between leaving Laban’s household and returning to his homeland, we too often find ourselves in similar situations. Yet, it is in these moments of liminality that we can grow the most. In Philippians 3:13-14, the apostle Paul encourages us to forget what lies behind and press on toward the goal. This mindset allows us to embrace the journey, recognizing that growth occurs not only at the destination but also along the way. Thus, from the middle, we can consider our perspective and grow by focusing on the lessons and growth opportunities presented to us in the present moment.
Trusting in God’s Plan and Perspective: Finding Strength in the In-Between
As we navigate through the middle stages of our journey, it’s essential to maintain faith and trust in God’s plan for our lives. Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us to trust in the Lord with all our hearts and lean not on our understanding. Even when we cannot see the full picture or comprehend the purpose of our current circumstances, we can find solace in knowing that God is orchestrating every step of our journey. Just as Joseph remained faithful to God’s plan despite being sold into slavery and imprisoned, we too can find strength in the midst of adversity. By surrendering our worries and uncertainties to God, we can cultivate a spirit of resilience and perseverance, allowing us to grow in faith and character.
Illuminating the Path: Seeking Wisdom and Perspective from God’s Word
In the middle of life’s transitions, let us not overlook the importance of seeking wisdom and guidance from God’s Word. Psalm 119:105 declares, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” The Bible serves as our ultimate source of wisdom and direction, providing us with timeless truths and principles to navigate through life’s uncertainties. By immersing ourselves in Scripture and meditating on its teachings, we can gain clarity and insight into our current circumstances. Moreover, by applying biblical principles to our lives, we can ensure that our decisions and actions align with God’s will, leading to spiritual growth and maturity. Therefore, let us embrace the perspective gained from the middle and allow God’s Word to illuminate our path forward, guiding us toward growth and fulfillment in Him.
With the perspective from the middle or in between phase, consider these lessons or takeaways:
- Embrace the perspective gained from being in between stages of life, recognizing it as an opportunity for growth and self-reflection.
- Maintain faith and trust in God’s plan, even when facing uncertainty, knowing that He is orchestrating every step of our journey.
- Seek wisdom and guidance from God’s Word to navigate through life’s transitions, allowing its teachings to illuminate our path forward.
Today’s Devotional:
This year, I am utilizing the 365 Daily Devotions book I received for Christmas, applying its teachings specifically in the context of fatherhood. It’s called WALKING WITH GOD by DAVID JEREMIAH. It’s exciting to learn from a new resource this year as we have tried different options the past two years and will keep working through this for 2024. For more information about the author and his ministry, visit DavidJeremiah.org.
Topic: A MATTER OF PERSPECTIVE
Verse: Hebrews 11:24 (NIV)
By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter.
Don’t worry about tomorrow for tomorrow will have enough things to worry about! Focus on today and trust God, casting your cares upon Him! Today’s Devotional calls out how “most of the anxiety we experience in life has to do with the future–the unknown.” Let’s not get stuck in such a place, wondering how long a struggle or challenge will last. It speaks to how we can get ourselves into a cycle of wondering the impact of how it will change our lives or if we can prevent it from reoccuring.
Perspective: Faith over Fear
Today’s Devotional shares how we tend to have one of two perspectives when it comes to the future. We can look at it with faith or with fear. Our verse shows how when Moses faced with making a decision of comfort and luxury as an Egyptian vs suffering as a Hebrew, he refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward. By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the king’s anger; he persevered because he saw him who is invisible. Today’s Devotional shows how Moses chose to face “his future with faith, not with fear, because his perspective was heavenly, not earthly.” He was willing to give “up the riches of Egypt to gain the rewards of eternity, knowing there was no comparison.”
God’s Perspective
Let’s be the dads who can look at the situation before us with a godly perspective! Today let’s choose to see thing from the perspective of eternity and step out in faith rather than being held back by fear. Be the dads who see life through God’s eyes in order to be able to walk by faith rather than by sight and overcoming fear with the overflow of faith.
“Expect great things from God; attempt great things for God.”
WILLIAM CARREY