Chasing Donkeys: What to Do When God Redirects Your StepsSample

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In many processes of life, there is a sound structure of “Ready…Set…Go!” It’s sound because it follows a pattern of preparing for something, committing to it, and then heading into action. Yet, there are some in life who are a little on the eager side and they tend to be “Ready…GO!...Set” people. They are so driven by results, they will launch into something even if they don’t have all the answers or resources. Then, there’s a third group who subscribe to “Ready…Set….Set….Set…”. These folks are so cautious they have a hard time getting past “Set…” because of their uncertainty of the outcome.

When it comes to God redirecting our steps and the notion in our souls that He is up to something, we have to be aware of any reluctance to take action just because we don’t have all the answers to our questions. Every person we read about in the Bible who was used by God to do something outrageous, was faithful to take the next step, trusting God to reveal more as they responded with obedience.

Noah had to cut down the first tree. Abraham had to pack the first camel. Joseph had to interpret the first dream. Moses had to make an appointment with Pharoah. David had to pick the first stone. We could go on and on.

None of the people we read about in Scripture knew with certainty where God was taking them. They just knew they had to take the first step of faith, regardless of how small it might be. This is the “mustard-seed faith” that Jesus emphasized to his disciples.

“You don’t have enough faith,” Jesus told them. “I tell you the truth, if you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it would move. Nothing would be impossible.” Matthew 17:20

What does faith the size of a mustard seed look like? All we have to do is look at our mustard-seed acts of faith. What small things are we doing by faith that display our confidence in the Lord? What figurative tree are we cutting down or what appointments are we making?

When Saul could not find the donkeys, he wanted to give up and go home. He had no faith. The servant that was with him offered a different strategy…one that leaned more on faith than on human limitations. He just wanted to ask the “man of God.” That’s it. It can be the same for you. By taking just one small step, God can give you the clarity and confidence you need to keep moving forward.

Reflect:

Which kind of person are you: “Ready…Set…Go!”, “Ready…Go!...Set”, or “Ready…Set…Set…Set…”? What is the next natural step you can take in pursuing the vision God may be calling you to? What mustard-sized act of faith are you practicing?

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, You made me who I am today. You know my tendencies and how they help me serve You best. As I seek to follow You and know You more, please help me see the next steps to take in pursuing the vision You are leading me towards. Show me the mustard-size faith steps that I can take today.