We tend to think that if Jesus Christ compels us to do something and we are obedient to Him, He will lead us to great success. We should never have the thought that our dreams of success are God’s purpose for us. In fact, His purpose may be exactly the opposite. We have the idea that God is leading us toward a particular end or a desired goal, but He is not. The question of whether or not we arrive at a particular goal is of little importance, and reaching it becomes merely an episode along the way. What we see as only the process of reaching a particular end, God sees as the goal itself.

What is my vision of God’s purpose for me? Whatever it may be, His purpose is for me to depend on Him and on His power now. If I can stay calm, faithful, and unconfused while in the middle of the turmoil of life, the goal of the purpose of God is being accomplished in me. God is not working toward a particular finish— His purpose is the process itself. What He desires for me is that I see “Him walking on the sea” with no shore, no success, nor goal in sight, but simply having the absolute certainty that everything is all right because I see “Him walking on the sea” ( Mark 6:49  ). It is the process, not the outcome, that is glorifying to God.

God’s training is for now, not later. His purpose is for this very minute, not for sometime in the future. We have nothing to do with what will follow our obedience, and we are wrong to concern ourselves with it. What people call preparation, God sees as the goal itself.

God’s purpose is to enable me to see that He can walk on the storms of my life right now. If we have a further goal in mind, we are not paying enough attention to the present time. However, if we realize that moment-by-moment obedience is the goal, then each moment as it comes is precious.

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July 28, 2010

I often think of the outcome instead of the process. In the past I might determine God in an effort or project by the outcome. If someone was converted, or if the mission or project or problem had a good outcome then God was in it. I am starting to understand that the outcome does not determine God’s involvement. Success or failure, it makes no difference; He simply wants me to trust and obey.

And God says…”Take the yolk and pressure of outcomes off of your shoulders. I am in control and it is My will that you simply trust Me. Let Jesus live through you, and trust Me to provide the outcome that is best for you and yours. Sometimes you will not understand the outcomes. Sometimes you will. It is not for you to understand always, it is simply for you to trust and obey. To know that if I would give My Son I will not withhold any good thing.

Wait on Me, trust in Me and believe. And when it seems difficult to believe, trust Me for the strength to believe. Be at peace and know I love you.”