In a previous post, Near Water's Edge, I shared a poem I wrote in July, 2000. In this post is a follow up verse I wrote about 4 months later.
I want to share this with you because God has used it as a source of encouragement for me many times over the years and I hope you will find encouragement also.
I've walked through Jordan's riverbed now dry by God's own hand.
By faith I've come this far with God, this is my promised land.
Obedient I move where God commands me now to go
But in the past I've done my will and to the Lord, said, "no."
Through many years of pain and grace my God has taught me well
To trust in Him with all my life—He'll save me without fail.
I try to move when He says go and wait when he says stop
And work the field, a harvester, in God's salvation crop.
Now in the land God promised me I offer thanks and praise
My life, a living sacrifice, to Him, my hands I raise.
I worship in His presence now and humbly seek His face.
He'll lead me to the next step in my journey by His grace.
-Tim Gray, 11/14/00
I have come to realize my promised land is not necessarily a physical place--it is being where God wants me to be.
Years ago, about two years after I accepted the call into the ministry, I was speaking with a pastor whom I respected a great deal. I was 22 and very impatient to be doing "my ministry." He told me I should grow where I am planted. I didn't want to hear that. I was ready to move and do bigger and better things. Now, 25 years and a lot of mistakes later I realize the wisdom in what he told me. God is able to put me where he wants me and he doesn't really need my impulsive and impatient help to get me there. I realize that God has been putting me where he wanted me all along. Sometimes, I have done well and sometimes not so well.
I have learned to patiently do what I know God wants me to do wherever I find myself. And while I am here do everything in my power to honor God in all parts of my life. This is my promised land.
May our Lord bless you real good.
Tim
