From Acceptance to Approval: Living a Life That Pleases the FatherSample

UNDERSTANDING THE DIFFERENT EXPERIENCES OF BELIEVERS

Every believer’s journey with God is unique, shaped by the types of experiences that the Father allows. There are three major categories of experiences that define our testimony: ideal experiences, exceptional experiences, and normal experiences. Jesus alone had the ideal experience, pleasing the Father perfectly in every way. His walk, His obedience, His interaction with men and with the Spirit was without blemish. In Mark 7:37 (KJV), His enemies had to confess, "He hath done all things well." Jesus is our standard and the model we must press toward, but we must also understand that not every believer will have an ideal journey like His.

Exceptional experiences are those uncommon seasons where God sovereignly chooses to intervene in extraordinary ways. John the Baptist had such an experience when the Spirit descended upon Jesus and rested visibly, marking Him as the Lamb of God. This was a divine revelation that set John apart for his assignment. Exceptional experiences are powerful but rare, often connected to divine destiny and specific callings. You must not be discouraged if your life is not filled with spectacular moments. God grants exceptional manifestations as He wills, but they are not a measure of His love or approval. Some believers face exceptional trials, not because of sin, but because God's glory is being crafted in their story.

The majority of us will walk the path of normal experiences—trusting God daily, using faith to meet needs, growing steadily through the Word and prayer. These normal experiences are not inferior; they are the crucible where mature sons and daughters are formed. It is in the daily, ordinary faithfulness that the Father finds great pleasure. I want you to learn that whether your path is filled with visible wonders or quiet growth, your pursuit must be to please the Father. God is not impressed by the extraordinary as men are; He is pleased by faith, obedience, and a surrendered heart. Wherever you are today, know that your consistency in the normal walk is just as precious to the Father as the exceptional exploits of others.

THOUGHT TO PONDER: Do you judge God’s love for you based on how spectacular or ordinary your experiences are? Are you willing to value your daily, faithful walk as much as an extraordinary breakthrough?

PRAYER: Dear Father, thank You for ordering my steps and using every experience to shape my journey with You. Whether in ordinary or extraordinary moments, help me walk faithfully in love and obedience. Teach me to value growth and trust You in every season. Amen.