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“For the Lord your God is bringing you into a good land – a land where you will lack nothing.”(Deuteronomy 8:7a&9a NIV)

The Lord had spoken. He had seen the misery experienced in Egypt and freedom was imminent in a land flowing with milk and honey. Pharaoh posed obstacle number one and the Israelites were quick to condemn the giver of the message. Relief was not immediate so the way things had always been, even if it was in slavery, must have been better than any possible future outcome. Thus commenced the cycle of impatience, pointing fingers, discontentment and ultimately worshipping other gods. Heart attitudes and behaviors that God could neither accept nor reward.

In a knowledge era that reinforces what we don’t know, in a time of fast everything that slows our ability to live in the here and now, have we lost the art of surrendered souls that trust God’s hand at work?

Too often, I find myself looking back. Sometimes, great achievement was realized that is pleasurable to replay. Most often, my cup half-empty self meditates on those encounters that failed or went off track. In the meantime, I am unable to hear God’s voice in the now that is calling me to prayer, presence and purpose. It’s difficult to move forward when every part of my being is looking back and analyzing the past. I reinforce my trust in the known, but faith comes up short as I take my eyes off what the Lord wants to do today. The path of the past does not meet the path of the now rendering my service ineffective for anyone. Excellence in today’s pursuits is not possible. Sensitivity to see the Lord at work unattainable. Peace in the circumstance an illusion.

As I let go of yesterday and focus on today, regardless if it seems to contain more or less glamor, I am more fully able to express all that God has called me to. What is behind filled a purpose for a time that has come to an end. With learnings in hand, may I then embrace today’s mission knowing that God has me in His perfect will, watches over me and is pleased.

“Lord, we are a people, obsessed with the past and future but resistant to view the truth in the present. May your children depend on you for daily sustenance, peace and protection. May we be an example to the world of your love, care and sacrifice.”

For His Glory

Kathryn Hayman
TRBC Women’s Life