Imagine a time where God has given you a message and you are choosing to be obedient to pursue it. Imagine the message aligning to Jacob’s message from God in Genesis 31 to get out and go back. Yesterday was the beginning of “get out” being complete. You’ve prepared and you started reaching out to accomplish the “go back” and now you are in the middle, the in between, waiting on God and His plan and His timing. So, what to do now, in between? Wait upon the Lord and meet with God!
Before we jump into today’s reading, let’s pause after a lot of searching, I found the song that was playing in my head, but I didn’t know what it was. Let’s pause and remember God’s good to His Word and wait upon Him.
Focus on Jesus to keep walking through the in between.
We can trust God and His timing! He knows what He has planned and purposed for you and me and so we need to lean in and trust Him over our own understanding, acknowledging Him in all we do so that He is able to show us the path to take, and make our path straight to where He wants us to go and be. “Here in the middle is where God promises to be” so be ok in the middle with God, you aren’t alone, God is with you. We need to learn from when Peter got out of the boat, we need to keep our eyes and focus on Jesus, not the waves or the wind but the Lord, so that we can walk out this in between time with Him.
Waiting Upon the Lord in the In Between
In the midst of the in-between moments of life, when we are neither here nor there, it’s crucial to remember the call to wait upon the Lord. Psalm 27:14 encourages us,
"Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord."
Just as Jacob waited upon God’s direction in Genesis 31, we too must trust in God’s timing and guidance. It’s in these times of waiting that our faith is refined and our trust in God deepens. Instead of fretting or rushing ahead, we are called to seek God’s presence and commune with Him. As Isaiah 40:31 declares,
"But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint."
The in-between moments are opportunities for spiritual growth and intimacy with God, as we patiently abide in His presence.
Key Takeaway:
Embrace the in-between moments as opportunities to deepen your trust in God and grow closer to Him through prayer, meditation on His Word, and worship. Instead of striving to control the situation or rushing to find a solution, surrender to God’s timing and purpose, knowing that He is faithful to fulfill His promises. Use this time to cultivate patience, perseverance, and spiritual strength, knowing that God is with you every step of the way.
Keeping Focus Amidst the In Between
As we navigate the in-between seasons of life, it’s easy to become distracted by the uncertainties and challenges that surround us. However, Scripture reminds us to keep our focus firmly fixed on Jesus Christ, the author, and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). Just as Peter walked on water as long as his eyes were fixed on Jesus (Matthew 14:29-31), we too can confidently navigate the in-between by keeping our gaze upon Him. When we maintain our focus on Christ, we are less likely to be overwhelmed by fear or doubt, for we trust in His sovereign control over every circumstance. Proverbs 3:5-6 advises,
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."
By prioritizing our relationship with Jesus and seeking His guidance, we can walk through the in-between seasons with confidence and peace, knowing that He is leading us forward.
Key Takeaway:
Amidst the uncertainties of the in-between, intentionally fix your eyes on Jesus and trust in His guidance. Resist the temptation to focus on the surrounding circumstances or uncertainties, and instead, anchor yourself in the unchanging truth of God’s Word. Cultivate a habit of prayer and meditation on Scripture to maintain spiritual focus and discern God’s leading. Remember that God’s plans are perfect, and His timing is always right. As you keep your focus on Him, He will sustain you and direct your paths, leading you safely through the in-between seasons of life.
Finding Strength in the In Between
In the midst of the in-between seasons of life, where the path ahead may be uncertain, and the destination unclear, we find strength in waiting upon the Lord and keeping our focus on Jesus Christ. These moments are not merely times of transition but opportunities for spiritual growth, as we learn to trust in God’s timing and guidance. By waiting patiently upon the Lord and seeking His presence, we renew our strength and find courage to persevere. As we fix our eyes on Jesus and trust in His sovereign control, we navigate the in-between with confidence and peace, knowing that He is with us every step of the way. So let us embrace the in-between seasons as opportunities to deepen our faith, draw closer to God, and walk in obedience, for He is faithful to lead us forward according to His perfect plan.
Today’s Reading:
My Notes:
Let’s meditate on what God has to tell us. Don’t limit what God has to tell you to my notes but use the links above and hear directly from God’s Word for yourself. Use the links above to read or have it read to you so that can personally hear what God has to tell you. Take your own notes from God’s Word which is active and alive and never returns void! Allow His Word to cut through the noise, the chaos, the confusion and cut to the core of the matter to help you gain wisdom and be able to move forward in and through Him.
Numbers 7 – Offerings of the Leaders
Trusting God’s Timing in Offering
We see the leaders of the twelve tribes of Israel presenting their offerings to the Lord for the dedication of the altar. Each leader brought identical offerings, demonstrating unity and devotion to God’s commands. This chapter illustrates the importance of obedience and patience in waiting upon the Lord’s timing. Just as the leaders waited for their turn to present their offerings according to God’s appointed order, we too are called to trust in God’s timing and submit to His plans. Rather than rushing ahead or growing impatient, we should wait upon the Lord with faith and humility, knowing that He is sovereign and faithful. By aligning our actions with God’s timing, we demonstrate our trust in His providence and invite His blessings into our lives.
Key Takeaway:
Like the leaders of Israel, let us patiently wait upon the Lord’s timing in all things, trusting in His sovereignty and faithfulness. Instead of striving to control outcomes or rushing to achieve our goals, let us surrender to God’s perfect timing and follow His guidance. Through obedience and patience, we can experience the fullness of God’s blessings and provision in our lives.
Application/Practice:
Take time to reflect on areas of your life where you may be tempted to rush ahead or grow impatient. Surrender those areas to God in prayer, asking Him to help you trust in His timing and submit to His plans. Seek His guidance and direction in making decisions, allowing Him to lead you step by step according to His perfect timing.
- Offerings of Dedication
Numbers 8 – The Menorah
Keeping Focus on God’s Light
God instructs Moses regarding the preparation and lighting of the menorah, the golden lampstand, in the tabernacle. The menorah symbolizes the light of God’s presence and serves as a reminder of His guidance and provision. Just as the Israelites were called to keep the lamp burning continually, we too are called to keep our focus on God’s light amidst the uncertainties of life. In the midst of the in-between seasons, when we may be tempted to grow anxious or lose sight of God’s presence, we are reminded to fix our eyes on Him and trust in His guidance. By prioritizing our relationship with God and seeking His light, we can navigate the in-between with confidence and peace, knowing that He is with us every step of the way.
Key Takeaway:
Like the lampstand in the tabernacle, let us keep our focus on God’s light and guidance in the midst of the in-between seasons of life. Instead of being consumed by fear or doubt, let us trust in God’s presence and provision, allowing His light to illuminate our path and guide our steps. Through prayer, meditation on Scripture, and worship, let us cultivate a deeper intimacy with God and draw strength from His presence, knowing that He is leading us forward according to His perfect plan.
Application/Practice:
Take time each day to prioritize your relationship with God through prayer, meditation on Scripture, and worship. Cultivate a habit of seeking His guidance and presence in the midst of the in-between seasons of life, trusting in His light to illuminate your path and guide your steps. Let His peace fill your heart as you fix your eyes on Him and journey forward in faith.
- Preparing the Lamps
- The Levites Dedicated
Numbers 9 – The Passover
Embracing God’s Timing in Celebration
God instructs Moses regarding the celebration of the Passover festival, a commemoration of the Israelites’ deliverance from slavery in Egypt. The timing of the Passover was crucial, as it coincided with the anniversary of their liberation and served as a reminder of God’s faithfulness and provision. However, there were provisions made for those who were ceremonially unclean or unable to observe the Passover at the appointed time. This chapter highlights the importance of honoring God’s timing while also extending grace and accommodation to those in need. Just as the Israelites were called to celebrate the Passover according to God’s timing, we too are called to embrace His timing in our lives. However, we must also recognize that life circumstances may sometimes prevent us from fully participating in God’s appointed times. In such instances, we are called to extend grace to ourselves and others, trusting in God’s understanding and compassion.
Key Takeaway:
Like the Israelites, let us honor God’s timing in our celebrations and observances, recognizing His faithfulness and provision in our lives. Let us also extend grace and understanding to ourselves and others when circumstances prevent us from fully participating in God’s appointed times. Through obedience and flexibility, we can embrace God’s timing and experience the fullness of His blessings and provision.
Application/Practice:
Reflect on the significance of God’s timing in your life and how you can honor it in your celebrations and observances. Consider areas where you may need to extend grace and understanding to yourself or others when circumstances prevent full participation. Trust in God’s faithfulness and provision, knowing that He understands our limitations and desires our hearts more than ritualistic observance. Walk in obedience and flexibility, embracing God’s timing with gratitude and joy.
- The Second Passover
- The Fiery Cloud
Navigating the In Between with Faith and Trust
In the journey of life, we often find ourselves in the in-between moments, where we are neither where we used to be nor where we are heading. These seasons can be marked by uncertainty, waiting, and transition. However, as we’ve explored through the readings in Numbers 7-9 and reflected upon the overarching theme of waiting upon the Lord, keeping focus on His guidance, and embracing His timing, we glean valuable insights for navigating the in-between with faith and trust.
Just as the leaders of Israel patiently waited to present their offerings according to God’s timing, we are called to trust in God’s sovereignty and faithfulness, surrendering our desires and agendas to His perfect plan (Numbers 7). Similarly, the symbolism of the menorah reminds us to keep our focus on God’s light amidst the uncertainties of life, trusting in His guidance and provision (Numbers 8). Furthermore, the observance of the Passover in Numbers 9 underscores the importance of honoring God’s timing in our celebrations and extending grace to ourselves and others when circumstances intervene.
As we apply these principles to our lives, let us embrace the in-between moments as opportunities for spiritual growth, intimacy with God, and deeper trust in His faithfulness. Instead of being consumed by fear or doubt, let us fix our eyes on Jesus, seeking His guidance and presence in every season of transition and waiting. Through prayer, meditation on Scripture, and obedience to God’s Word, may we navigate the in-between with confidence and peace, knowing that He is with us every step of the way.
So, as we journey through the in-between, let us wait upon the Lord with patience and faith, keeping our focus on His light and embracing His timing in all things. For in Him, we find strength, guidance, and the assurance that He will lead us safely to our destination.
Today is a day that thanks to Jesus is filled with inspiration. So let us make sure we receive the gift of grace through Jesus by faith in Him and step up and out to accomplish all the good works He has prepared in advance for us to accomplish. If you haven’t received Jesus as your Lord and Savior, why not choose today to be the day your life is transformed and you become a new creation and start the journey of becoming everything God created, purposed, and planned for you to be?
Let’s pray:
God's story through my life from 2005 to eternity... 