Thursday 4/16

Into the Wilderness (week 1) Day 4

Before you read God’s Word today, ask for His help by praying this short prayer:
Lord, quiet my heart and settle my mind. Help me set aside the distractions and busyness around me. Let Your Word do more than fill my mind with knowledge, let it change my heart. Show me what is true, correct me where I need it, and guide me in how I should live. Lord, help me not only to hear it, but to receive it and obey it. Draw me closer to You through this time and continue growing me to live like Jesus. Amen.

Ecclesiastes 11

Invest in Many Ventures
[1] Ship your grain across the sea;

after many days you may receive a return.

[2] Invest in seven ventures, yes, in eight;

you do not know what disaster may come upon the land.

[3] If clouds are full of water,

they pour rain on the earth.

Whether a tree falls to the south or to the north,

in the place where it falls, there it will lie.

[4] Whoever watches the wind will not plant;

whoever looks at the clouds will not reap.

[5] As you do not know the path of the wind,

or how the body is formed in a mother’s womb,

so you cannot understand the work of God,

the Maker of all things.

[6] Sow your seed in the morning,

and at evening let your hands not be idle,

for you do not know which will succeed,

whether this or that,

or whether both will do equally well.

Remember Your Creator While Young

[7]Light is sweet,

and it pleases the eyes to see the sun.

[8] However many years anyone may live,

let them enjoy them all.

But let them remember the days of darkness,

for there will be many.

Everything to come is meaningless.

[9] You who are young, be happy while you are young,

and let your heart give you joy in the days of your youth.

Follow the ways of your heart

and whatever your eyes see,

but know that for all these things

God will bring you into judgment.

[10] So then, banish anxiety from your heart

and cast off the troubles of your body,

for youth and vigor are meaningless.

Reflection:
The sermon asked this hard question: “Where have I clearly heard from God, but delayed because I did not like the timing?”

Reread (v. 4) Be honest when you answer this question: is my issue really confusion, or is it surrender?

Pray and surrender those priorities, desires, your lack of obedience to his calling. And thank Him for His grace and mercy and ask Him to help you trust in His plan and process more today.