So, I’m just wondering whether any of you have been in a position similar to this before; you have this big picture that you’re sure has come from God, and this could be anything, a big idea you feel he may want you to go for, a career aspiration, a new place to move to, a university to apply for, a relationship to pursue – we’re talking anything at all.
So, we have this big idea, we’ve prayed it through and we’re pretty sure it’s from God, so we’ve got the go-ahead from Him *tick*
Then we maybe even run it past a few people close to us, and they agree that this idea could really be something – yay, *another tick*
So far it’s all looking good, we’re pumped, we’re ready… And then… nothing…..
And some more nothing…. Then maybe a little something… followed by more nothing….
Wait, what?!
God, what are you up to?! We were gonna go ahead and do this thing, remember?
Seriously, anytime now would be just great.
Uhhh, God you’re still not doing anything?!
OK, so I don’t get this- are we cool God?! Have I done something wrong?
Hellllooooooooooooo?!
Does this feel a little familiar to anyone else? Yes? Phew, me too.
As I’ve got to know God more and more, and as we’ve done more stuff together, I’ve noticed that this is almost ALWAYS his way of working. He gives us this big picture, like a little glimpse of the end-game. And this is such an exciting time, God’s letting us in on what’s on his heart and he’s inviting us to be a part of it – is there anything more exciting?
We get to be on his team, we get a front row seat, we get to watch him do what he does best in the world.
If you get a big idea or vision that seems in keeping with the kind of big ideas that God dreams up, never assume they’re all of you and not of him. Pray them over, this could be the start of something mega. And you may be just the person God is looking for to help make it happen.
Be excited, big things are ahead for you.
So, we have our big picture, our idea, our dream that has come straight from God’s heart and has landed into ours with a forceful thud. Here’s the secret I’ve learnt: God often shows us the big picture and then he hands it to us, slowly and in pieces.
Why? Because he wants to build it up with us.
As much as we would all love it, he doesn’t just give us this big idea and then hand us the whole thing at once, like an Amazon Prime parcel delivered straight to our door the very next day, fully intact and ready to go. (What did our lives even look like before the wonder of Amazon?)
Nope, he’s probably going to hand this big picture to you piece by sweet piece. You’ll build it together over time, you’ll grow and experience things you never could have imagined, and the very best thing is that you’ll grow increasingly closer to God’s heart in the process.
That’s just his way. And although it may not feel like it at the time, it’s the best way.
So think about that big picture, got it? Ok, now what’s your first piece? What’s your first step? It’s probably right in front of you. Once you’ve figured out what it is, give it everything you’ve got!
Don’t worry about the next piece, or the one after that, God’s got those and they will come to you right on time, you just have to give everything to the piece in front of you.
Take a moment to think about all of the things that God has his eye on that you have no idea about; think about all of the people who may need to be involved in whatever dream you’ve got bursting within you, think about all of the circumstances that need to be perfect for it to take off. Well, God has his hand on it all. Wait. Don’t rush. Just trust him.
There’s a Bible verse that puts it this way:
“Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin” – Zechariah 4:10
Every piece has God excited for what is being built, He’s not anxious and He’s not in a rush. He’s got this, and so do you. Don’t let yourself be disheartened, impatient or frustrated, get excited along with Him, enjoy the process of promise!
