I recently saw a famous Christian musician being interviewed on television. He said that he had always had a desire to be signed by a record label, so that he could reach more people with his anointed music, but he was determined not to let those desires be his focus or his motivation. He was surrounded by people who were constantly trying this and that, and going here and there, in search of the "right people" who would open doors for them. This young man had a completely different mindset. He put his wholehearted trust in God, and he told Him that he would wait upon Him to bring him the right opportunities at the right time. In the meantime, he would continue to pray, seek the Lord, and worship Him, and to reach out to others with the love and truth of God through his music. The Lord rewarded this man's faith and faithfulness with the recording contract that was the desire of his heart, and today he is a well-known, successful Christian artist.

I was reminded of my own experiences when I listened to this young man's story. Ever since I began ministering to others through my writing, I've had a desire to have my work published in book form. I prayed about it regularly, but since I wasn't even sure if it was the Lord's will for me, I didn't act on my desires. When I began receiving praise from large numbers of people whose lives were being touched and changed by my writing, a friend of mine suggested that I submit some of my work to publishing houses. My efforts proved unfruitful, and I told the Lord that if it was His will for me to be published, He was going to have to bring the right opportunities my way, but in the meantime, I wasn't going to worry about it. I still prayed about it sometimes, and I always had the desire in my heart, but I refused to let it be my focus or my motivation. Instead, I concentrated on doing what I felt the Lord had called me to do, and that was to live my life for Him, and to minister to all the people He put in my path. During this time, my husband got the idea that we should publish my work ourselves. He began doing research and collecting information that would help us to make this dream of ours a reality. But every time I sought the Lord about the matter, I sensed Him telling me, "Wait. I have something better for you." So I convinced my husband not to go ahead with his plans. Two years later, the Lord did open a door for my work to be published, and I was so thankful that I had waited on Him for what I was sure was His best for me.

The Bible says, "Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass." (Psalm 37:5 NKJV) This simple verse has some powerful lessons to teach us. First, we "commit" all of our dreams, desires, and intentions to the Lord. We put them in His hands, and we say, "God, I'm giving this to You. Work Your perfect will in it, and help me to receive Your best." Second, we "trust" in the Lord. We maintain an attitude that says, "God, I put my trust in You. You created me, and You love me with a perfect love. Work this out for my good and Your glory." Third, we expect the Lord to "bring it to pass." We say, "God, I'm waiting on You. Help me to be still when You want me to be still, and to move when You want me to move. Close all the wrong doors, and open all the right doors, so that I may walk in Your perfect will."

Too often, the Lord plants a dream or vision in our hearts, and we begin seeking that dream or vision, instead of seeking Him. We begin "doing our own thing," and then we get frustrated--and even mad at God--because things aren't working out the way we want them to. This is not what the Lord wants for us. He wants us to focus on cultivating an intensely personal relationship with Him, and as we do, He will open doors for us, and give us the divine connections we need to fulfill His call on our lives. When we live our lives this way, we'll have the peace, joy, fulfillment, and satisfaction that all of us desperately need and desire. Scripture says: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will direct your paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT) As we place our trust in God--and not in ourselves or others--and as we pray and earnestly seek Him and His perfect will for us, we can count on Him to lead us in the paths of victory, success, and purpose!

Prayer: Lord, forgive me for the times that I chose to "do my own thing," instead of seeking You for Your will and purpose for my life. Increase my faith in You, so that I'll believe with all my heart that You love me and want what's best for me. Thank You that as I earnestly seek You, You will open doors for me, and give me favor with others, so that I can experience the awesome plans You have for my life!