MichelleBentham 
“My soul, wait only upon God and silently submit to Him; for my hope and expectation are from Him.” – Psalm 62:5 (AMP)
As this week has passed with reflection, thanksgiving and anticipation I have heard the Lord speaking to my heart that this year is a season for me to “Plan-T:” plan and plant. It’s a season of sowing to the future and to my destiny purpose. As I have rolled this word around in my head and heart for the last week – letting it settle into my bones and seep into the core of my being – I have felt a rising expectation. I am reminded that God has called us to live from a place of expectation, or hope, by faith in His power and ability to accomplish that which He has spoken.
I’ve spent the last few months beginning to research my book on forerunning in the prophetic gifting. As I have researched, I have also prayed that God would reveal to me the qualities of a forerunner. I sensed Him saying forerunners do not look backward – they look forward. They lead the way. However, this creates a weakness I identified as being “farsighted.”
Being farsighted means that you’re always busy looking to the future, moving forward toward the goal and you often fail to be present in and enjoy the moments as they take place. I’ve been known to say, “I don’t have any idea what God is doing right now but I can’t wait to get to the other side of it to see how it all comes out!”
Today, as I enter into a season of Planning, Planting and Expectation – I’m reminded of a number of truths that will serve to set me free if I will embrace them and pursue diligently what God has put before me without losing sight of the moments I am in as they occur. This year as I look to the future I plan to be more intentional about being in the moments as they happen. To savor each and every victory, and relish the presence of God in difficulty and struggle. I plan to live intentionally in 2016 that God might accomplish all He purposes to do in my life.
Here are a few things I’ve come to realize as a front runner choosing to embrace the moment in spiritual things:
- I walk by faith and not by sight. (2 Corinthians 5:7)
- Hoping is about pursuing the dreams of God’s heart for my life. (Proverbs 13:12, Jeremiah 29:11)
- Expectations that produces hope come from – are born out of – deep intimacy with God and learning to know His heart in every season. (Psalm 62:5)
As I close, I recognize that this will be a year of perseverance and pressing in – a season of hard work that will produce a harvest. As I enter into this season of planning and planting toward the future, I rest on God’s promise in Proverbs 3:21-26 (Voice) :
My son, let them not escape from your sight,
But keep sound wisdom and discretion,
And they will be life to your soul (your inner self)
And a gracious adornment to your neck (your outer self).
Then you will walk on your way [of life] securely
And your foot will not stumble.
When you lie down, you will not be afraid;
When you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.
Do not be afraid of sudden fear
Nor of the storm of the wicked when it comes [since you will be blameless];
For the Lord will be your confidence, firm and strong,
And will keep your foot from being caught [in a trap].
What is the Holy Spirit saying to you about this new season and new year?
Scripture quotations taken from the Amplified® Bible, Copyright © 2015 by The Lockman Foundation Used by permission.
Scripture taken from The Voice™. Copyright © 2008 by Ecclesia Bible Society. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
2016 Avatar graphic created through the Bitmoji Application for iPhone. © 2015 Bitstrips Inc.
All other written or digital images shared in this post are (c) Michelle Bentham 2007-2016. All Rights Reserved. CONTACT Michelle for use permission.
