Beneath the SurfaceSample

One reason people get so excited about the idea of winning the lottery is that you only have to do it one time. If you win enough money and you're wise with it, you can probably make that money last for the rest of your life.

That doesn't sound so bad, but it's not really how knowing God's purpose for our lives goes. Obeying God isn't like winning the lottery, where you do it once and then never have to worry about it again. Instead, understanding it is an ongoing journey that takes time, wisdom, and obedience every day. Think of it like writing a book or practicing an instrument. It doesn't happen all at once.

In Colossians, Paul tells his friends that he prays for them every day. Look at the things he's praying for them about. He prays that they'll learn to be more patient. He prays that they'll grow in knowledge about God. Paul knows that none of these things happen overnight. That's why Paul prays for his friends continually. We become the people God intends us to be through time.

So as you seek to find God's will, don't think about it like a lottery ticket you cash in on all at once. Think of it as an investment, that might take more time, but is going to get you a lot further in the long run.