“That’s Not What I Had In Mind” – Persevering in Your Faith
In the Book of Ezekiel, found in the Old Testament, we learn that Ezekiel was training to be a priest in the temple. However, he was taken captive during the Babylonian invasion. The plan changed, and he became a prophet in exile.
Plans change. Sometimes unexpected things happen in spite of our carefully planned dreams. We get rejected from the college we wanted to attend, or the relationship we thought was healthy and headed in the right direction suddenly ends. We say, that’s not what I had in mind. Still,plans are good. Plans are healthy. If we want to buy things or be able to pay the mortgage, we need a financial plan. If we want to lose weight or get healthier, we need a dietary and exercise plan. Plans are important, but do we include God in our plans when we make them? Do we only include Him in some and not others? Are we in His Word, seeking His direction and wisdom? Do we get advice from a trusted and sound believer?
Ezekiel’s plan of becoming a priest got derailed. Was he angry, frustrated, or disappointed? I would guess so. Did he have an option to disobey? I read that based on the biblical account, he did not have a choice. It was a forced removal. So he accepts his role as a prophet in exile. He speaks to the present and future plans God had for His people. Sadly, nobody would listen to him. Yet, he comes under the authority of God’s plan and stays the course.
What about us? Do we have a choice when our faith is tested? We can quit, give up on God, and simply refuse any growth. Or we can persevere. Perseverance develops our character and spiritual maturity, and if you call yourself a believer in Jesus Christ, you should want that! You’re not meant to stay as you are today. You’re meant to grow in His love, mercy, grace, and in the knowledge of His Word. Persevere in your faith because God is at work in you and all around you.
We live in a culture of instant gratification. We can order a meal and have it delivered when we want it, where we want it. If there’s information we need to find out, it is literally at our fingertips. But our faith doesn’t work that way. We are to work out our salvation. We are to persevere in the hardship. We would benefit from embracing delayed gratification. I read a quick line from Pastor Levi Lusko that said, we are “starving for God, but settling for Doordash.” We want the blessing now, but if it’s gonna take too long, then we’ll settle for less.
Patience and perseverance are critical in the things that matter – things like family, education, career, and faith. James 1:12 and 2 Peter 5:6 speak to the truth that God will bless our perseverance and that He will lift us up in due time. The blessing is not meant to be instant. We’re on God’s timetable, not ours. There are tests along the way, but having stood those tests, we will receive the crown of glory that He has promised to those who love Him. Be confident then that God will bless your perseverance.
While in exile, Ezekiel receives a report. The temple in Jerusalem has been destroyed and the city has fallen to Babylon. I read that Ezekiel spends approximately 22 years in exile, but it’s very important that we look at the big picture. The destruction of Jerusalem wasn’t the end of the story. The exile comes to an end. God continues to work in His people. And God is still at work in you.
What do you want for your life? What situation demands your perseverance and patience? Make your plans, have hopes and dreams, but always invite God into them. When plans change, don’t give up. Persevere in your faith because God is at work in you and all around you. Challenges will refine your faith. A refined faith will make you stronger and well-equipped to step into the future God has for you.
