HOW MUCH OF the time do you concentrate on the “here”—on what is happening in your life right now? Or do you always think about the “there,” the future? When we’re not happy in the “here,” our thoughts tend to focus on what will happen next, because we believe it will be so much better when we get “there.”
You’ve probably heard the saying, “The grass always looks greener on the other side of the fence.” But so often when we get there, it’s not nearly as green as we thought it would be.
I heard a story about an airline pilot who was flying over the Tennessee mountains. He pointed out a lake to his copilot and said, “When I was a kid, I used to fish in that lake. Every time I saw a plane flying overhead, I wished I were flying the plane. Now when I look down at the lake, I wish I was down
there fishing.”
People go after what they think will make them happy, but they often find out that it doesn’t. Contentment is never achieved by increasing our possessions or our status. Nothing will ever be enough.
In the natural, we have four seasons. Two are winter and summer. When it’s freezing in the winter, how often do we wish for summer? But when summer arrives and it’s super hot, we’re looking forward to winter.
Thinking about or wishing for the next season doesn’t cause it to come quicker. We must learn to enjoy our season of “here.”
Know that in our place of “here,” God is preparing us for our “there.”
The Apostle Paul learned that secret. He said in Philippians 4:11 (NLT), “I have learned how to be content with whatever I have.” Paul learned to be content regardless of the situation.
What does contentment mean? It is an inner sense of peace from knowing that God is in control of our lives.
Learning to be content is not an instant transformation. It’s a process. We learn to be content by walking and talking with God.
God is taking all of us on a journey. He says in Jeremiah 1:5 (MSG), “Before I shaped you in the womb, I knew all about you. Before you saw the light of day, I had holy plans for you.” Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT) says those “are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”
KNOW THAT IN OUR PLACE OF “HERE,” GOD IS PREPARING US FOR OUR “THERE.” BUT IF WE DON’T LEARN WHAT WE NEED TO “HERE,” WE WON’T BE SUCCESSFUL “THERE.”
As I look back at how the Lord brought me through different seasons, I see how each one prepared me for a “there” season. Did I enjoy some of those “here” seasons? No. Absolutely not. I had to learn to be content in every season, knowing that Jesus was the answer.
God taught me to rely on Him and let Him bring things to pass in His timing. Waiting is not something we enjoy. Many people are impatient and want to take shortcuts. But God has a purpose and plan for each step of the journey.
I have no idea what “here” season you are in right now. But if you will follow the voice of the Holy Spirit, He will lead you and prepare you for your next season. So often, if you knew the future He has for you, it would amaze you.
As you trust in the Lord, learn to be content in the hard seasons, and pass the test “here,” He will bring you to the other side. But if you choose not to be faithful with what He has for you in this present time, you’ll never reach the ultimate of what He has for you to be and to do.
I encourage you to be content in your “here.” Allow your Heavenly Father to take you on a journey—to prepare you and train you for your future. Such joy awaits you! He has such satisfaction for you if you will just trust in Him.
Author
Lynette Hagin
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