“Haven’t we all had those days when we wish we could have one phone call with God so He could tell us what to do? We don’t want options . . . to figure this out. We just want to know, God, what are you doing?“- Nicki Koziarz (emphasis author’s)
“But the dove found no place to set her foot, and she returned to [Noah] in the ark. . . . So he put out his hand and took her an brought her into the ark with him. He waited another seven days and again he sent forth the dove out of the ark.”- Genesis 8:9-10 (ESV)
Nicki Koziarz concludes Chapter 10 of Flooded as she observes that doubt often brings the restless knock of impatience to our doors. Because we think there must be a better, faster way. Yet, most deep, holy, soul-changing things transpire via a slow process. Not from big, huge, fast moments.
Therefore, each bird Noah sent out the window represented a sign of his faith in God’s plan. Hence, while God’s in charge of the plan, you’re in control of your obedience. Consequently, Nicki offers three practical ways to bring our process into His presence on a daily basis.
1. Call out the things that feel out of control. Coming from a place of fear brings out most controlling behavior. The solution? Simply admit things feel out of control. In that way you resettle into a place of faith.
2. Challenge your reactions. As creatures of habit, doubt is a habit that leads to our need for control. So, challenge those past reactions with new, healthier ones.
3. Change your language. Repent from words you’ve spoken out of fear and not faith. Because faith-filled words are holy, not fake.
Finally, Nicki stresses, the more you remind yourself that you’re in control of your obedience and God’s in charge of the plan, the stronger you’ll become.
Today’s question: When have you wished you could have one phone call with God? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Doubt tries to swallow us whole”
