Bridge From God

I was in a meeting this morning with five other individuals in which we were talking about the possibility of something pretty cool happening in our region. We began the meeting by introducing ourselves and explaining a bit of what led us each to this point.

One of the guys (Matt) said that he is continually on the lookout for "bridges from God." He said that what we were about to discuss fit that description. Most people might consider it coincidences that brought us together. In his mind it was clear that God was up to something.

In Experiencing God, Henry Blackaby says that God wants one primary thing from us and that is intimacy with Him. He wants to be close to us. Once that intimacy is established He asks us to join Him where He is already at work. When Matt said he is constantly looking for bridges from God, this is what he's saying. He is looking for areas where it is clear that God is at work...and then he looks to join Him!

When you see something that might be labeled as a "coincidence," perhaps it might be better labeled as a "God-incidence" or a bridge from God and maybe God is inviting you to join Him.

Patience

I have to admit it. I lack patience at times. I am pretty good when I am behind a slow truck or I'm stuck in the slowest line in the grocery store...well most of the time. Where I really struggle is waiting on God.

I have felt lately like I have been stuck in neutral and that nothing is happening. I know in my head this is not true as much is happening...good stuff is happening. However, I have this tremendous desire to see tangible progress every day. When I don't, this frustrates me. I feel like I am not doing all I can to "move the ball down the field." As if it were all up to me!

I read something last night that really rocked my world. It was in Henry Blackaby's book Experiencing God:

How long was it from the time that He spoke to Abram (later named Abraham) that Isaac, the child of promise, was born? Twenty-five years. Why did God wait twenty-five years? Because it took God twenty-five years? Because it took God twenty-five years to make a father suitable for Isaac. God was concerned, not so much about Abram, but about a nation. The quality of the father will affect the quality of all the generations that follow. As goes the father, so goes the next several generations. God took time to build Abram into a man of character. Abram had to begin to adjust his life to God's ways immediately. He could not wait until Isaac was born and then try to become the father God wanted him to be.

God speaks when He has purpose in mind for your life. We are so oriented to quick response that we abandon the word from God before He has a chance to develop our character.

I have to say that this passage hit me square between the eyes and the timing of it was perfect for me. I hope it is for you too.