Perceive God’s Sovereignty - Crosswalk Couples Devotional - July 8

Perceive God’s Sovereignty
By Michelle Lazurek

“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” Isaiah 43:19

My husband faced a sudden job change a year and a half ago. We felt the Lord was telling him to leave the church he was currently pastoring and enter a new phase of his ministry. By quitting his job and leaving the church, he would step down from his role as senior pastor after almost 25 years and enter transitional pastoral ministry. A transitional pastor is the person who fills the gap between the pastor who leaves and helps the church not only mediate conflict but also establish a vision and mission statement and help them choose the next pastor.

With this change came significant instability. Because it is contractual work, we never knew where the next job would come from. This also left gaps in churches, which he had to fill by doing secular jobs until he received a contract from an interested church.

We didn't know what God was doing when we first took the leap and stepped out in faith. Because it was months before he received his first church, we found ourselves scratching our heads. What was God doing during this time of transition? Had we done something wrong? Was God not remembering that he promised to provide for us?

God, in his sovereignty, always provides for his children. From that time until he found his first church, we never missed a dime of income, never had to use our credit cards to make up lost income, and never missed a payment on any bills. God's provision was evident during this time, and he was always faithful in providing for his children. Even if the provision doesn't mean getting excess, it always means you'll get exactly what you need at the right time every time.

Are you facing a significant job loss right now? Are you questioning God's presence as you look for a job day in and day out, without any answers? Do you question whether God will keep his promises to provide for you even when little to no income is coming in for the week or month?

The above verse reminds us that God is always aware of the bigger picture. When we are in the wasteland, not knowing if we'll live or die, God always sees the new things he's doing in our lives. Sometimes, transitions come with loss, including financial loss. But God wants us to trust that he always knows what he's doing.

As long as we are alive, God promises to do new things in our lives. When we make mistakes or don't deserve God's grace and mercy, God promises to walk alongside us even in times of great transition. He promises to provide for his children, but he wants us to ask for our provision each and every day.

It was interesting that the above verse says that if we perceive it. This goes beyond just seeing something. We all can take in stimuli and see the world around us. But with perception, we can discern God's presence amid our senses. God wants us to perceive the new things that he's doing.

For example, if we're going through tremendous loss and pain, we must perceive that God will use it to transform our character or make us more Christlike. When we understand the bigger picture of what's going on in our lives, it is easier to face each day with hope, anticipating all the great things God will do.

Watch and see what God's going to do. Take note of the new things he's doing in your life. Ask God to give you the gift of perception so that you may see the circumstance for what it is and perceive God's presence in all. When we see the world through God's eyes, it always looks a little brighter.

Father, let us be people who see you for who you are. Let us perceive our circumstances with wisdom, discernment, and hope. Let us trust your sovereignty and know you will provide for your children daily. Remember that you are with us even in times of great trial or darkness. Help us remember that, even if we feel like a desert, we can cry out to you, our living water. Amen.

Photo Credit: ©Thinkstock

Michelle S. Lazurek is a multi-genre award-winning author, speaker, pastor's wife, and mother. She is a literary agent for Wordwise Media Services and host of The Spritual Reset Podcast. Her new children’s book Hall of Faith encourages kids to understand God can be trusted. When not working, she enjoys sipping a Starbucks latte, collecting 80s memorabilia, and spending time with her family and her crazy dog. For more info, please visit her website www.michellelazurek.com.

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