Apr 08
Today’s Truth
When they heard that the Lord was concerned about them and had seen their misery, they bowed down and worshiped.
Exodus 4:31
Friend to Friend
Every time God makes a promise, the devil makes a plan. And when the enemy presses in, it’s tempting to grab for ourselves, gripe at God, and grind our gears in our own strength. Lord, help us to remember in 
the darkness what You told us in the light!
Most everyone, it seems, is walking through a storm right now. If that describes you, may I ask you a question? Amidst your current struggle, do you sense God’s nearness? Or does is feel like He’s forgotten about you? Are you starting to wonder if He is with you? Do you actually believe He treasures you even though He’s not giving you what you want at the moment?
He does! The One who set the starts in place—Almighty God—has set His affection upon you.
It’s hard to wait, and walk, and worship in the ‘not yet’ season. And yet. And yet, this is the time to remember that God moves on our prayers. If we will trust and obey Him right here in this season, we will watch and see how He turns the table on the enemy of our soul. We’ll marvel at how He leverages our hardships to actually work in our favor. And, we’ll rejoice over the way He makes all things beautiful in their proper time.
We’ve got to settle it in our hearts that God is good, His promises are true, and He will always make a way for us. Then, we trust His timing and we worship while we wait.
Trust His Timing: Do you remember the story of when David ended up in the same cave with a raging, jealous Saul (see 1 Samuel 24)? Clearly the Lord had delivered Saul into his hands, right? David was a God-fearing man and even though deliverance seemed to be at his fingertips, he would not take it until the Lord gave it.
I can think of a number of times when it seemed my breakthrough was at my fingertips, there for the taking.
And yet, I knew deep inside me that it wasn’t my time yet.
I would’ve had to drop the ball on something else to grab hold of what I believed God had promised me. My breakthrough seemed so close, but not close enough to be mine yet.
And when my time finally came, it was like plucking a ripe piece of fruit from a tree.
Are you in that place right now? This is what the Lord would say to you: My beloved one, I’ve got you! That dream in your heart? I put it there! Trust Me in this, and see if I won’t establish you beyond your wildest dreams. I intend to do a mighty work through you. But first, I must do a mighty work in you. Humble yourself before Me. Refuse jealousy or a competitive spirit. Embrace Me, embrace My timing, and I will establish you at the proper time. I promise.
Worship While You Wait: Read this beautiful verse: I bow before your holy Temple as I worship. I praise your name for your unfailing love and faithfulness; for your promises are backed by all the honor of your name (Psalm 138:2).
Trust in the Name of the Lord. It’s impossible for Him to fail you! Worship Him while you wait for your breakthrough. Turn a deaf ear to the enemy’s threats. Worship God because He’s always good, even when we can’t see what He is up to. And, in due time, He will surely break through.
What are you anxiously white knuckling? What’s in your hand right now? Can you offer it up to God, so your hands are free to praise Him today?
Dear Friend, to truly walk in places that are far beyond your qualifications, to make an impact that is bigger than you are, you need God. You need to remember that it’s in HIS hands to make great. And He truly wants to do great things through you.
These battles you face? God will use them to grow greatness in you!
Embrace Your Identity. Obey Him Fully. Humble Yourself before Him. Trust His Timing. Tune out the enemy. And face down your fears. So when it’s all said and done, you will stand in the place God has for you.
God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us (Ephesians 3:20, MSG).
Prayer
Father in Heaven, I’m starting to learn that You make me wait because You’re making me ready. Thank you for taking Your time with me. You are a protective, invested Father, and You know what’s best for me. Awaken fresh and bold faith in me! Help me to trust You in the meantime. When it’s all said and done, I know I’ll be glad I trusted You, so let me declare with my whole heart: I trust You now. My soul waits for You, O Lord.
In Jesus’ Name, I pray.
Amen.
Now It’s Your Turn
How does God want you to stand in battle while you wait for your breakthrough?
What are you anxiously white knuckling? What’s in your hand right now? Can you offer it up to God, so your hands are free to praise Him today?
More from the Girlfriends
Susie Larson is a talk radio host, national speaker, and author of twelve books and many articles. Susie has been married to her husband Kevin since 1985 and together they have three wonderful sons, two beautiful daughters-in-law, and one adorable pit bull named Memphis. Susie’s passion is to see women everywhere awakened to the value of their soul, the depth of God’s love, and the height of their calling in Christ Jesus.
Words can’t even describe how this devotional has blessed me. This is what I needed at this time, day and season! I’m over filled with joy!! This is a confirmation to what God had already told me. Go JESUS!!
Dear Candice, I’m SO grateful! He’s so good to give us what we need when we need it. Blessings to you!
So wonderful! I’ve been patiently awaiting a request since November when God gave me a “vision” of what could be. He has faithfully reassured me in many ways, keeping me humbled and faithful to him. Each time I ask for reassurances, he somehow proves it to me. I am honestly seeking him and fighting the devil when I have doubts. The Lord is so faithful to me in this quest and I am but a foolish woman when I have my momentary stumbles. When I stumble, I pray and speak to him from my heart. THIS devotional is further reassurance to me and my weak heart. Lord, I am sorry for my momentary lapse and continue to await your perfect timing. I so Love you and will wait on You.
Amen
My Lord! This devotional was so on time and I felt like tailored just for me. I am keeping this on a index card, “Dear Friend, to truly walk in places that are far beyond your qualifications, to make an impact that is bigger than you are, you need God.” Thank you Jesus for this message! I needed every single comfirming word of this message. Thank you Jesus for Your Word and for using Susie Larson! Be blessed all my girlfriends in Christ!
Dear Angela, May God continue to do wonders in and through you! Nothing is impossible with Him. Bless you!
Good Morning Ladies:
Thank you for your website. In 2012 my home was broken into and I was attacked, but I’m alive. I know that the Lord saved me from my attacker, I’m still here. During this time frame, I became scared and afraid, I lost myself and it has taken sometime for me to start on the path and believe that God still has me and is watching out for me. It’s hard for me to talk to people because of the negativity that you receive from people, just trying to keep yourself on the right path and not distance yourself from the Lord. I am trying to stay positive, keep the faith, stay focused, but most of all not forget that the Lord is the one that you trust. It’s a hard journey trying to get yourself together and stay on the right path. Thank you for the word and your uplifting stories. One of my friends sent one of your articles to me and I’ve been reading and it has sent me on a different positive journey. Thank you, I appreciate you ladies. Have a Blessed day.
Dear Vanessa, I am just speechless. I am SO very sorry that you endured such a trauma. I pray you’ve found a good counselor to help you walk through and sort through that wretched experience. When I was a young girl, I was jumped by a group of teenage boys and they beat me up pretty bad. I was so traumatized by that experience, it took me forever to believe that I’d ever be protected from further traumas. I still struggle with fear to some degree. But I do know that God is the great Redeemer and somehow, some way, He will tend to your broken heart and heal you in the deepest ways possible. May He surround you with exactly the kind of people you need in this season of your life. And may He assign extra angels to your care. Wish I could wrap you up in a hug. God bless you, dear one.
Thank you for this word in season Susie. As someone who has worked hard my entire life and climbed the ranks in my career fast, I’m struggling with applying this in business – the “waiting for breakthrough”.
For the past 4 years I have worked long hours and made many mistakes, yet have failed twice. On the one hand I feel driven by fear of financial failure and need to support to constantly push ahead and work hard, but on the other side I read word like this and I get messed up with letting it go and letting God take over.
I have run so fast after success the past 4 years and have had no luck. Do I stop running or what do I do?
Dear Tea,
My heart went out to you when I read your post, and I’m praying for you as I type these words. I pray that you will allow faith to replace fear, and that you will realize how deeply God loves you and cares for you. When we know that with all our hearts, then we begin to learn how trustworthy our Lord is.
He longs for you to turn to him and follow him, so that he can take the reins of your life to accomplish his wisest plans for you. He alone can see all and knows far better than we what is best for us.
My marriage ended in 2000, and since then I have seen God’s constant love in his consistent provisions for me as I live by faith. He never ceases to amaze me with his creative ways and tender care. I long for you, Tea, to know the joy and peace that comes from relying on our faithful Father and enjoying being his beloved child.
With loving prayers from a sister in Christ,
Judy
Dear Judy, Thank you for being such a beautiful reflection of God’s love to someone in need! Bless you for your kind words to Tea.
Dear Tea, The first thought that comes to me is Psalm 46:10 – Cease striving and KNOW that He is God. I once studied that passage and learned that the word ‘know’ speaks to a divine intimacy that’s deeper than the physical intimacy between a husband and a wife. It’s an intimate connection with God that puts your heart at ease and your soul at rest. So if you think about the places in your life where you have soul-unrest (identity, accomplishments, etc.), stop grinding your gears, pull your foot off of the gas (of that inner drive to strive), and look up; ask God to show you how He’s more than sufficient to fill you up in a way that heals you. That doesn’t mean you stop working but that you experience a paradigm shift about what drives you. Someone once said, ‘The devil drives, the shepherd leads.” May you feel preciously led by the Shepherd who absolutely loves you; and may you stay in step with Him! He will not fail you.
Susie! Every time you speak, it’s as if your talking straight to me girlfriend! Thank you for today’s devotion, you really hit home. I’ve been struggling to be at the top in something, but I’m not ready and that is ok.
I’ll get there in Gods time. I’ll Trust.
Love you lady!
~Mina
Dear Mina, your post made me smile! And I’ve felt that same way plenty of times. But I must say, as I read your post, I SO sensed God’s love and heart for you. Can I say? He’s proud of you! And He intends to use you in ways that will so encourage and bless you! I often say, “He makes me wait because He’s making me ready.” You can trust Him, and I can tell you do! Blessings to you, dear sister!
I loved today’s devotion. I was just sharing with a dear friend how I used to long for a home to call my own and for God to bless my first husband. It took 18 painful years and it ended badly but by the free will of my ex-husband. However, the Lord heard my cries and prayers and blessed with me with a 5 level beautiful home, a hard-working, Christian husband and two step sons to replace the 2 miscarriages I had. And he got a step daughter from me. What I didn’t have in possessions he had, what he didn’t have I had. God had me wait all those years for the perfect match in His perfect timing. We each had to endure our own pain to grow and get to where God has us now. And oh what a beautiful place it is!
Wow, Tonya, what a story! Thank you for sharing! It’s hard to keep the faith during those ‘not-yet’ seasons, and yet, I’m always so glad when I do hang on to faith. Happy for you! Blessings. 🙂
Thank you……. soo needed that encouragement today!! Spoke right at me, God Bless you and your family and you all on the GiG’s team 🙂
Karen, So glad to be an encouragement to you! Bless you, honey!
Thank you for this today..I needed it. Blessings to you.
Shauna, Thank you for your note! I’m grateful the post encouraged you! Blessings, Susie
Thank you so very much for your message today. I really really need it today. (. And always) Thank you and God Bless!
Dear Sherone, You are SO welcome! God bless you! 😉
Thank you for your words of encouragement. It was timely and addresses my present suitation.
Dear Vanessa, May Jesus continue to make Himself especially real to you in the days ahead. He’s got you!
We all face the not yet season. It is hard to wait but God has a plan for each of us and it will happen in His perfect time. Thanks for the encouragement and reminder of how great God is!
Hi Connie, That’s so true! God bless you!
Such a timely word of encouragement.. thank you for sharing!!
Dear Frances, you are SO welcome! Bless you!
Recently during worship we had a time of silent prayer in which our pastor encouraged us to ask God if there was something going on that we needed to give to Him in trusting surrender. God spoke to me about an issue which has been weighing heavy on my heart for about 11 months, and the comfort of that response is amazing in that I no longer am emotionally invested in if God’s answer is “yes” or “no.” I am convinced that God is taking care of the situation, that in His perfect timing it will work out in a way that will bring Him the glory and that He is working out all things for my good. I have no reassurance that I will get what I have been wanting as a resolution, but that I will get what is best. Today’s devotional reminds me of that encounter with God and I rejoice again in His care.
Wow, Sue, I can’t express how your story inspired and blessed me! I too have something that weighs heavy on my heart, and your experience is such a reminder of what happens when we release our cares and trust Him. Thank you for sharing such a beautiful faith-testimony!
Thank you for this devotional! It is SO awesome how God is always on time! This is just what I needed right now in my life. So blessed! Thank you for your encouragement! God bless you!
Dear Donna, So happy to be able to encourage you! Blessings!
thanks for todays devotional am so happy everytime i open mail from you guys i learn alot and most of the times the Holy spirit is speaking to me through the messges.May God bless you for the lives u touch everyday.
Dear Naomi, God bless you! So grateful the post encouraged you! 🙂
For some time now I have been praying for the Lord to reveal to me a work that I can become involved in for the Kingdom.
After reading this I know that I should wait on the Lord. Thank you.
Dear Alice, Thank you for your post. I love the wisdom in waiting on Him. He promises NEW strength, NEW power, and that He’ll work for us in ways that only He can. May you have such a sense of His timing and direction that you are ready when He says it’s time to rise up and step out! Bless you!
Beautiful. Thank you for posting that, Susan. I’m sure we will all find ourselves in that place more than once in life as we move through the seasons of what God has for us. So good to be reminded that there is purpose, even in the in-betweens!
Hi Christine, Indeed! We need each other on this journey! God bless you!
Thank you for this lesson. I drank every word. It is very true what God can do for you. He is amazing! The place in my life where I have not seen breakthrough however is finances and family. Please continue to pray with me in this. Blessings to everyone and your loved ones. <3 -Mj
Dear MaJunta, I’m SO grateful the post encouraged you! May God break through for you in ways you never see coming! May He surprise and bless you with provision that overwhelms you and encourages you!
Thank you Suzie for this message, i don,t want pity or advice when i hurt or have been severely wronged, i want love, encouragement, comfort and reassurance, seek ye first the Kingdom of God, taught me to go to God first, then he would be my help, but the love and compassion of others is often how that healing comes, thankyou for your words today that have blessed me and many others ps 46v10 is truly a life saver for me and psalm 62 pour your heart out to me, when i was heartbroken and numb bless you love Jacqueline
Dear Jacqueline, Thanks for your note. God bless you! May you sense God’s nearness and comfort in tangible ways in the days ahead.
Susie,
What a blessing your message is. I continually marvel at His words through the girlfriends. So glad you are a friend of the girlfriends! This timely message, coupled with my pastors sermon on Sunday on the Beatitudes, has really helped me through the current darkness of my life. God is speaking to Me! May God bless you, as you have me.
Dear Lisa, forgive me! I thought I replied to this already. Thank you! I’m so grateful the post encouraged you and served as a confirmation to something He’s been speaking to you. Bless you, dear girl!
Susie,
Thank you so much for listening to God’s calling for your life and ESPECIALLY for posting this message. It’s anointed messages like this that gives readers renewed hope and assurance that we aren’t in this alone. A month before my husband and I got married, he lost his job due to the recession in the South. Both of our ideas of how we thought our life would start out as a new family was flipped on it’s head and honestly, on those weary days, it felt like God just left us to clean up the mess. There was so much that we had envisioned and then suddenly it felt like plans were ripped from us. Worry crept in, and the storm of uncertainty still rage at times deep within my spirit. Trusting God when life is a breeze is as easy as breathing. But it’s when storms are raging and I feel like I’m barely keeping my head above all the waves of trouble that my life brings sometimes…that is when trusting in my good, good Father really matters. I have learned throughout this season that God comes through for his children. He stands by his Word and it really is unfailing. He is teaching me what it truly looks like to trust him in all things. Even the things I don’t understand. God has come through for us in bigger ways than I could have ever pictured. He is constantly showing me his hands in this situation and how He is continually using it to grow my husband and me spiritually. One thing I have learned is that when I feel my feet become unsteady in this life and my heart becoming restless, all I need to do is lean into Him. Rest my weary head onto his chest and just breathe until my heartbeat matches his and I am at peace.
Dear Sweet Erin, I can’t add a word to what you’d already shared! So well put! May you see Jesus break through on your behalf in ways that overwhelm you and make your knees weak. 🙂 Bless you, honey!