I LOVE the scriptures because they make you understand the mind of God.
And when things are challenging, they help you translate a tragedy into an advantage―so you can lay hold of the future.
WHEN HANNAH married, her desire to conceive did not go as planned―and her wait turned into years.
So she prayed: "Lord of Armies, if you will look at my misery, remember me, and give me a boy, then I will give him to you for as long as he lives. A razor will never be used on his head." (1 Sam. 1:11)
You need Speed
STEPHEN was just matyred when the enemies of the cross arrested Peter and threw him in jail.
The apostles could not let any harm come to him. So they prayed without ceasing. (Acts 12:5-6)
When time is of the essence, pray.
Trust God
RUTH needed encouragement when her husband passed.
Her trust in God helped her look at things differently.
"Don't urge me to leave or return from you," she said. Where you go, I will go, and where you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people, and your God my God." (Ruth 1:16)
She spoke like one who knew that God had a plan―and that plan was good.
Know God's Plan
MORDECAI knew that God had a plan. So when Haman threatened the Jews, Mordecai made a desperate plea.
"If you stay silent during this time, deliverance for the Jews will come from somewhere, but you, my child, and your father's family will die. And who knows? Perhaps you have been made queen for such a time as this." (Esther 4:14)
Esther recognized her purpose.
She had a heightened expectation of what the Lord would do.
Take a Stand
WHEN ESTHER called for a fast, she took a stand―and where you stand will determine what you see.
She trusted God to strategically position her and ensured that her endeavour was God's work.
JESUS endured the cross despising the shame because he saw the joy before him. (Heb. 12:2)
WHEN JOHN stood with God on the Isle of Patmos, God opened his eyes. (Rev. 1:9)
Taking a stand for God makes you encounter Him.
Ask questions
THE MIND of God is a good place to go when you need clarity.
At Ziklag, David knew he had to rescue the families of his men. So, he asked God if he could pursue his enemies.
And God said: Pursue, you will surely overtake them and recover all. (1 Sam. 30:8)
When you ask the Lord questions, you open up yourself to know Him.
Know you're Unstoppable
SOMEONE said: If God wants something to succeed, you can't mess it up. If he wants a thing to fail, you can't save it. So rest and just be faithful.
The secret to success is hating what God hates and loving what he loves.
Joseph had the mind of God.
His brothers hated him. But he laid hold of his future because God authored his story. (Gen. 37:20; 50:20)
Know your Worth
SOMETIMES, your worth will only be appreciated once you find yourself among strangers.
Joseph experienced the same.
JESUS could only do a little because a prophet is not without honour except in his town and home. (Matt. 13:57)
When people do not appreciate you, it's a signal to go where they know your worth.
Value the Spirit of God
THE DISCIPLES of Jesus understood their success in ministry depended on the Spirit of Jesus.
So they tarried at Jerusalem for the baptism of the Holy Spirit. (Acts 1:8)
They waited on God as instructed.
SIMEON took comfort in God's promise and waited for the consolation of Israel.
And the Holy Spirit led him to the temple the day Jesus was presented there. (Luke 2:25-26)
The Holy Spirit is your All. (John 14:26)
Wait for it
WHEN YOU desire a thing, you ask for it―and when you appreciate it, you wait for it.
Every patron in a restaurant waits to be served because the food is important to them.
I've seen lines of people in front of a bakery waiting to buy fresh bread as early as 6:30 am.
To all the single sisters, if a man cannot wait till he marries you to have you, he does not deserve you.
Recognize the defining moments
ONE OF JOSEPH's defining moments was when he interpreted the dreams of the baker and butler.
He could have chosen not to intrude, but his love to help came to the fore.
He understood that service would bring about the solution he desired.
To lay hold of the future, you need to recognize those moments and do the needful.
Understand the Times
JOSEPH understood the times and what to do like the sons of Issachar. (1 Chron. 12:32).
He felt his season of life was about to change, so he asked the baker to put in a word for him.
He understood the times and did what was right.
And God sent someone to invest in his life.
Ruth's selflessness caused Boaz to invest in her life. (Ruth 4:13-17)
Bringing it Together
YOUR FUTURE is certain but there are things you must do to lay hold of it.
And never forget that you can only lay hold when the time is right.