How devastating it must have been as Moses stood on Mount Nebo overlooking the beautiful, rich land of Canaan. How awful he must have felt, knowing that he had led the Children of Israel out of bondage and dealt with that complaining generation for 40 years, only to die on the very mountain he stood upon; never to enter, never to experience the joys of the vision God placed in his heart.
Is it actually possible to miss out on God? Are we, as mere humans, capable of not fulfilling what the Sovereign God desires for our lives? We know that God’s will is that all men be saved. But, are they? Not so. So then, what can cause us to miss the blessings that God has for us? The same thing that caused Moses to not enter the Promise Land… disobedience.
I remember attending a sermon where the preacher asked how many people had been following God for a year or more. Almost everyone raised their hands. Then he asked about 5 years and 10. There were at least 100. But then he asked how many were living the abundant life God said we should live. Sadly, only 3 were walking in abundance. He then pointed out that the doers of the Word are the ones who experience abundance.
Being a doer of the Word is being obedient to both what the Word says and what the Holy Spirit leads us to do. Many of us are forever praying. Yet, do we fail to “listen” to God’s response, which is almost always a set of instructions? If we do listen, what priority do we place on doing those things? When I was growing up, if Mama told us to do something, we better do it right then and there. She didn’t have to explain anything. We knew better. Likewise, what sense of urgency do you place on what God says to do? I’m not just talking about the big things. Sometimes, we can overlook the seemingly minor tasks, like meditating on a Scripture or calling someone you “don’t feel like” talking to. Unknowing that the Scripture we read would give us the answer we’ve been seeking. Calling that person might open some doors to place us at the precise location where our blessing resides. God has an appointed place and time for everything, and it’s not all about us as individuals. So, if we don’t show up for whatever reason, the show must go on… with or without us.
Have you ever made a wrong turn and when you finally reached your destination, it was too late to proceed? Maybe the door was shut, like the five foolish virgins. Or, perhaps someone got the last spot or bought the last one. Urgh! I’ve been there before. If only I had left a little earlier. If only I had paid more attention to directions.
Only the Father knows when Jesus will return. Likewise, God may reveal His will to us, but seldom do we know when our time is coming. People of God, listen for the Holy Spirit and respond promptly. Don’t wait until it’s convenient or when you feel like doing it. I am definitely guilty of putting too much thought into things and taking forever to make decisions. Forever is wayyyy too long. When God says “Go” you’ve got to move with His flow! Your vision will surely come to pass. His Word doesn’t return to Him void. Will you be in position when the time arises? Will you be ready to go with the flow?
