The Grass is Greener on God's Side

You attend church, even become active in the church. You are willing to volunteer and sign up where help is needed. You encourage others, when things are working out for ya. You go to others for advice when things are not working out for ya. You walk in this pattern diligently and you make sure that it becomes a routine; to serve, be there, and become acquainted with those who are Christians.

So why aren't things changing, getting better? Why are you not feeling closer to God?

Ya ready for the answer?
Here it is...
You are not growing!!!
That's it! You are content with the routine and not looking beyond that to find out how God wants you to grow. We become so comfortable with the routine and at times we don't even realize we are in the routine. It is our lives. It is just what we do. The problem with that is you are not open to growth. You go through the motions but don't let the outcome of those motions change you, grow you closer to God. You cannot move forward if you are chained to a pole.

Ephesians 4:15 (ESV)

"Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up

in every way into him who is the head, into Christ,"

We are to walk the walk folks! Not just talk the talk!

God cannot work in us if we are not growing in Him! It is that simple! You walk along this routine you have built up and wonder "why?" Why are things not getting better? Why hasn't anything changed in your life? STOP WALKING THE SAME PATH!

You ever see what the area around a chained up dog looks like? The path is worn around where the dog has paced back and forth. Beyond where the chain will let him go is beautiful, unchartered grass. It is the same with us folks! Beyond that path of routine you keep walking is unchartered ground! God is waiting for you beyond the chain! He cannot release you if you do not run to Him!

Stop walking the same paths

Stop following the same routine

Start running after the unknown

Start running after what God has in store for you

 "You will be surprised to see that the grass IS greener on God's side"

"Surely then you will find delight in the Almighty and will lift up your face to God" Job 22:26

I pulled this verse from a story of Job who went through so much loss and he had his friends and his own wife blaming him and they were convinced he had done something to deserve the awful things that were happening to him and his family. Yet, Job stood firm and knew that God had a reason, even though he didn't know what that reason was. Job never stopped believing and having faith!

The story of Job is so powerful in so many ways! I feel uplifted encouraged, and humiliation.
Yes humiliation...
When I complain about what little I have lost or what little I have had done to me, I am reminded each time of Job and it humbles me to silence! While I murmur and complain, God is trying to show me a new way, a different way. He is trying to give me a challenge to overcome to make me stronger. He is protecting me from something worse that Satan could do to me!
Our trials are temporary. Our troubles are short. Our pain will not last forever.
Does all this make what we are going through less meaningful, NO. We can wish we weren't going through it or it hadn't happened. We can not be happy about what is happening. But we should NOT find ourselves lost in the pit of Satan's lies that have us asking, "Why me?" Because God chose you, that's why! God noticed you needed a change, a challenge, a renewing of faith, an eye-opener, whatever it may be; He noticed and done something about it! Be thankful for that!

"Surely then"....
Even through the pain and the troubles and the trials... Surely then you will find delight in the Almighty and lift up your face to God!!

When the road you are on suddenly takes you nowhere. When you feel as though your back is against the wall an you have no choice. When you know what you have done has hurt others. When you think no one cares. When it seems as though all is against you. Even then...Surely then....Praise Him!

What's in it for you?
Other than eternity.... peace, calmness, joy, and so many other wonderful feelings when you know that God has you. When you trust in His steps and not your own! In the moment, you feel uncertainty and you are unsure of what is happening or how it will turn out. Don't focus on that moment! Focus instead on the moment when God said, "That's enough Satan! She/he is belongs to me."

Even then, Surely then... Find delight and lift your head high!!