Being open to God’s leading and God’s timing in your life

13 Look here, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we are going to a certain town and will stay there a year. We will do business there and make a profit.” 14 How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone. 15 What you ought to say is, “If the Lord wants us to, we will live and do this or that.” 16 Otherwise you are boasting about your own plans, and all such boasting is evil. 17 Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it (James 4:13-17).

What is my purpose in life? This is a question many people ask themselves. Especially, after they have tried to accomplish something, they thought was good for God; just to find they have failed miserably?

If you are like many other born again Christian believers, at one time or another in life, you have. So what is one to done in such circumstances? Do you turn and run off in a huff? Do you find a corner and sit, soak, and sour because things didn’t work out you’re way. If not what is the next step?

To quote a modern day female evangelist, the answer to this question is very simple, according to her you should “Set down be quiet and wait on God”. Sounds rather simple doesn’t it?

Yet, waiting for most of us is the hardest tasks in life. If you are like me, your desire is to have your hands in the mix. You want to get things done. However, all too often we discover that God can not be hurried. We find ourselves bombarded with discouragement, frustration, impatience, irritability, and at the same time questioning God’s will, and God’s timing.

   What does waiting on God entail? Do we bury our heads in the sand, shut out the world and hope God taps us on the back, when he has a use for us? Of course not! Waiting on God involves living. It involves obeying God’s laws, His commands and precepts; while at the same time watching and listening, in order that you may keep apprised as to where God is working around you.

Timing is everything. The talents you possess are God given, and each person has at least one. God expects his people to develop and use them. Nevertheless, these talents are given for His glory and must be used in His timing. So be patient and wait for Him. But be watching and listening, making yourself available when opportunities to share your talents present themselves.

(Ecclesiastes 12:13 NIV)states, “Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man”. The conclusion of the matter in layman’s terms is, “God’s word is the final word” and no good work will come to fruition before it's time.

The famous composer, and song writer Irving Berlin, is a prime example of God working behind the scene in a person’s life, and saying to that person, “No, this is not yet in my timing”.

Berlin was an immigrant, he wasn’t born in this country, and yet looking back, his life is still having a profound impact on the lives of people not only in this country, but all around the world.

The unofficial national anthem of the United States was composed by this immigrant who left his home in Siberia for the USA when he was only five years old. The original version of "God Bless America" was written by Irving Berlin some time around 1888-1889). However, it was not until the summer of 1918 that Irving took the words and music to, [God Bless America] along with him to Camp Upton, located in Yaphank, Long Island, for his Ziegfeld-style revue, dubbed "Yip, Yip, Yaphank".

However, after arriving at the revue Irving realized that the solemn tone of "God Bless America" was somewhat out of keeping with the more comedic elements of the show. So, the song was laid aside once again.

Finally in the fall of 1938, as war was again threatening the European theater, Erving’s heart was moved to write a "peace" song. He again recalled the lyrics of "God Bless America"; words written some forty years earlier. Berlin made a few small alterations to the song, changing it just enough to reflect the different state of world affairs.

Singer Kate Smith was given the honor of introducing the revised version of "God Bless America" to the public during her radio broadcast on Armistice Day, 1938. The song was an immediate sensation; and Berlin’s sheet music was in great demand all over the world.

 For nearly forty years this song that has touched the hearts of millions of Americans, lay in waiting for God to say, “Ok, Irving it is time, release your song”.

I have no doubt Irving Berlin was a Christian, this song was written as a solemn prayer. The United States of America was founded on the precepts found in Gods word. It was founded and lead by men who believed in the God of the Bible. 

But something has gone terribly wrong. God is no longer given precedence in the hearts and minds of many Americans. Many of the men and women afforded the great pleasure and responsibility of governing a land blessed by God, are now trying to appease those who have turned their backs on that God.

If by chance you're wondering, “What is my purpose in life”, God is waiting to enlighten you, to reveal that purpose to you. Here is a hint of what God wants you to understand.

[Ephesians 2:10 NIV] We are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

[Romans 8:28 NIV] We know in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

[Romans 12:2 NIV] Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.

In that period between 1888-1889 Irving Berlin wrote a song from his heart, God Bless America, a song I believe to have been God inspired.

God chose not to reveal what Berlin had written until forty years later. What master piece is God creating in and through you?

God's will, is done through people like you and I. He reveals His will to the world according to His own great plan. What is you’re purpose in life? Live for God, be watching, be ready , and be listening for God to say, it is time to release that talent I gave you.