Discovering the Power of God’s Promises: A 6-Day Devotional Plan for the New SeasonSample

DAY FIVE – EPOCH

The mantle of our calling rarely unfolds in the way we think it should; more often than not, it is unveiled through a side door, not the front. But remember . . . the side door still enters the house.

Not too long after David was anointed king his brothers went to war, and he had to stay home looking after the sheep, longing to see battle himself. After all, this was his kingdom! But instead of ruling he was forced into the fields to care for the sheep, until he was finally asked by his father to deliver bread and cheese to the front lines. Ignoring the fact that he was an anointed king currently living as a delivery boy, David seized the moment and ran towards the battle.

Here we can learn a lesson from David: that regardless of how the opportunity presented itself, and regardless of how he was perceived by others, he knew that fighting for the kingdom and royalty was his destiny.

You must never let the belief of others determine your level of belief. This is your race, not theirs, and God has given you a dream that only you can bring to pass. Nobody else has your gifts and unique abilities, therefore nobody else can do what God has called you to do.

Recently I heard about an elderly woman in another country who was housebound, but would pray through the phonebook and then phone the numbers she felt led to call. She led at least five or six people to the Lord every day . . . strangers to her, but known by God. Most people would write this woman off as not having purpose, but eternity will be filled with her obedience.

In our seasons of waiting when fear, confusion and disappointment are screaming for attention, we must choose to see beyond the pain towards future promise. It isn’t easy, but it is possible. Moses faced his fear in order to see a nation saved from slavery, the prostitute faced her shame in order to anoint the feet of Jesus, Nicodemus faced his accusers in order to walk in obedience . . . what do you need to face today because of who you will impact tomorrow.

Reflect: What experiences have prepared you to stand strong in your current season?

Have you ever experienced God moving you through a ‘side door’?

Who is on the other side of your current obedience?