As we enter autumn, many people begin to assess this past year and make plans for next year. But in such an uncertain world, how do we find our way? This month, we’ll be focusing on God’s will and decision-making. This fourth devotion helps us find assurance when God’s will doesn’t seem to align with our timeline:

IN WORD – What does a heart in pain do with an unfulfilled longing? Wallow in self-pity? Cry itself to sleep? There just aren’t many options. An unfulfilled desire is one of the deepest pains we can know. It can challenge our identity and destroy our hope.
Do Christians struggle with unfulfilled longings? Of course. We like to think God is the center of our lives at all times, and all desires pale in comparison to Him. But passionate hearts aren’t so easily tamed. In our best moments, God may reign supreme and all other desires pale. But we didn’t lose our humanity when we were redeemed. And our humanity still longs for what it can’t have. We can rebuke ourselves, of course, and tell ourselves that we’ve gotten our focus off of God. We may be entirely right, but a rebuke doesn’t usually satisfy us. If our dreams are still unfulfilled and our cravings are intense, right answers won’t help.
Even when they’re wrong cravings—and they often are—we can take them to God. There’s no need to flee. He understands how the human heart longs.
IN DEED – All our longings lie open before God, even when we don’t want them to. But it’s best to let them lie honestly before Him, regardless of whether they are good or bad, right or wrong, godly or painfully human. The God who created our hearts understands them. He knows how they hurt. And He wants us to open them up before Him. Do you long for the right spouse, a precious child, a meaningful career, a healed relationship, a different situation than what you now find yourself in? Welcome to life as a human being. God may or may not fulfill that specific desire, although you can rest assured that He fully intends to fulfill the needs behind it. In the meantime, lay yourself bare before Him. Don’t hide your sighs. Trust that the God who made you for Himself plans to fill you with Himself, with blessings beside. His timing isn’t yours, but His love is. Open yourself to it, even when it hurts. “Dry wells send us to the fountain.” – Samuel Rutherford (in “Worship the King” by Chris Tiegreen)

Do you feel unfulfilled? Are you in a situation where your desires seem not to align with God’s plans and timing? Job probably experienced the same feeling you are experiencing now. Take time to read and reflect on God’s response in Job 38 – 42 this week. Ask the Holy Spirit to assure you of God’s goodness and wisdom and to strengthen your trust in His blessed and perfect will. Have a blessed week! – from Singapore, Pastor Sam