Navigating God’s call to more based on the trajectory of our past, is profitable and encouraging; but it is a limited perspective. To understand and follow God’s purpose for the next season, we must also look to the future.

You may be tempted to balk at this. The future is unknown. It can be an uncomfortable consideration for many; and our subconscious minds seem to always be playing tricks. Resist the temptation. Be suspicious of your mind. Embrace the mind of Christ; and the heart of God.

Here’s a good word: God’s call to more is an adventure. There’s just no getting around it. Adventures are a mix of excitement and fear. Deal with the fear, and it is all excitement. Behind every fear is a lie. Deal with the lie, and the fear will fly.

Welcome to the most exciting adventure of your life!!!

Now, back to the heart of God. That’s where we will find the light we need to discern the purpose God has for our next season, and the transition that will guide us into it.

You may recall that the primary desire of God’s heart is to restore what was lost in mankind’s rebellion. He desires intimacy with His children. He desires to reign over their hearts. He desires to inhabit them. This is all realized at the end of His story – particularly in Revelation 21:3.

And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God.”

This understanding helps us in two very practical ways. First, making the desires of God’s heart a personal priority in our lives establishes a heart connection that improves our communication with Him, and our understanding of the direction He provides. This connection is a conduit for the heart of God (and all that it contains) to flow into the spiritual organ that houses our faith (Romans 10:8-10).

Secondly, our giving attention to the desires of God’s heart draws us into the center of His will. This is the safest place to be during the challenges and fears of transition. Think about it this way: The will of God is a mighty river, flowing irrepressibly toward the incredible end of His story.

Most of us are standing ankle, knee, or perhaps waste deep near the bank of that river. We want to dive in, but something is holding us back. Perhaps we have unconsciously dug our heels in.

As we surrender our hearts to His desires, we find ourselves leaning toward the river’s deepest current. Eventually, we are swept away by the force of its love, power and beauty.

So, let me suggest you ask God these three powerful questions: How would You use me to restore intimacy with Your children? How would You use me to restore Your reign in the hearts of Your people? How would You use me, and those in my spheres of influence, to restore Your habitation?

My experience – and the experiences of many I know – assures me that God is waiting for every one of us to ask those questions. He will answer them. Our ability to hear and understand is dependent on our humility, trust and surrender. God bless you with the grace for all three.

Humbly yours and forever His,

Rob