Subtitle: You're Not Finished Yet!

Excerpt: You're Not Finished Yet!

Author: Dr. LaKeesha Easterling

Sometimes we feel as if we are not moving forward because we took time to rest. Rest is a necessity. It allows for a clearer mind in order to regroup and to understand the direction God wants to take you. We should always consider where we are mentally, physically, and spiritually. So, you find many believers celebrating the Sabbath day. Biblically, “Sabbath Day” was originally a covenant between God and the Israelites (Deuteronomy 5:15). It represents their deliverance from slavery in Egypt. It was also a day for them to rest and worship. Of course, this differed from the rest God took.

On the seventh day…

In Genesis 2:2–3, we learn God rested on the 7th day. I have heard so many believers refer to this verse, not truly understanding what it means. Sometimes, I realize we use it to indicate that God needed replenishment. In Psalms 121:4–5, it states, “He who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.” In Isaiah 40:28 states, “The Lord is the everlasting God, the creator of the end of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary.” Those passages prove God does not get tired. Of course, we are not God. But as always, we can learn from Him.

The rest that God took was Him providing Himself an opportunity to appreciate all that He had created. We have already established that God doesn’t get weary nor sleeps. What else could He have been doing? Exactly … We should all take a moment to give ourselves permission to do what God did. Let’s take time to appreciate all that God has allowed and equipped us to do. I am going to call it “the pause.” Why? Because you are still here. The pause is a moment where you celebrate all that you have done while preparing for the next thing God would have for you to do.

Does it have a purpose?

Many times, we mistake being busy for being productive. It is not the same thing. When you are productive, you can see the results. Being busy is having motion without producing results. We all have things planned each day that keep us busy, but do those things serve a purpose? I am not speaking about leaving work early for the purpose of picking up your dry cleaning. Stating that makes me chuckle because that would be the answer I would have given if asked.

This is more about our purpose as believers. Those who believe in God are called to do things that honor Him (Ephesians 2:10). I realize that many of you feel as if you are honoring God by doing His will every day within your current career. For many of you, that could be the case. If you are aligned with Him, you likely already do what He desires. You may be in your purpose. The Bible states that “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord” (Psalms 37:23). This means God still directs the decisions we feel are ours alone. As I become older and look back at all the wonderful things I have completed, I have to give God the glory. I would not have made it through those things without him. God knew exactly what and who I needed in those various moments within my life. Why wouldn’t He, if He already knew the path I was going to take?

Transitioning to a new season …

At this moment, I want to focus on those individuals who feel that they are called to do something different. A new season can feel uncomfortable. Sometimes we get used to one season in our lives and develop a desire to stay put. I can’t blame you for wanting to do what is comfortable, but I would not advise it. What choice do we have when God is calling us to do something new? Hopefully, you silently said to yourself, “Obey Him.” What other choice would we have? This brings me to the story of Jonah in the Bible. Many of you know this story, so I will not go into detail. But I will point out the highlights.

Jonah found himself in a storm due to not doing what God instructed of him (Jonah 1:1–7). Not only did his disobedience impact him, but it affected those around him. Jonah had to cry out to the Lord for help after being disobedient to what God told him to do (Jonah 2:1). God heard Jonah and saved him (Jonah 2:10) so that he could do what God had instructed of him (Jonah 3:1–4). What I am saying is, “We cannot get away from what God would have us do.” His will is the reason we are here. So many people run themselves into the ground, not understanding that we can only go as far and do only what God will allow.

Are you ready for the next phase?

You have already made a mark! Yes … I am talking to you. Many of you have created a change in areas where people felt there would be no change. You have successfully led in positions that others find hard to navigate, among other things. You have built others up and managed your families. Now, it is time for your next mark. It could be another level of what you are already doing, what you have desired to do, or something entirely new. You may have deemed where you were in life as your final platform, not knowing that it was only a prelude to all He was going to have you do within your lifetime. Ephesians 2:10 states, “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” The verses show we are to do God’s work, but it does not address salvation. I wanted to point this out because doing God’s work does not mean that you can skip asking for salvation if you want to go to Heaven.

Either way, if you are in transition, listen out for God’s directions. We are destined to fulfill God’s purpose in this world. Like Jonah, we have to accept our destiny. You have everything you need to do what is required by God. He would not have called you if He hadn’t planned to equip you. So, while you are sitting waiting for God’s instructions on what to do next, consider this moment as a pause and not permanent. You are not done yet!

Please be sure to follow me if you would like to continue to walk with me as I trace my journey throughout God’s Word. I would appreciate a clap or two if you enjoyed this article. Thank you in advance for your support. 

Blessings…

Dr. E.