Look to What Is Meant for You!

Part of our morning routine with the dogs includes giving vitamins and dental chew sticks. Beamer and Kari really enjoy the chewable vitamin tablets and sticks. To them, these nutritional items are simply treats that they receive after breakfast.

Because of prior broken bones in his front, left leg, Beamer receives a daily glucosamine tablet with his morning vitamin. Simultaneously, we toss Kari a regular dog treat. Because Kari is afraid of loud noises, especially thunder, she receives a calming tablet when circumstances warrant. At these times we toss Beamer a regular dog treat. At still other times we simply toss the dogs a carrot stick, doggie cookie or some other tasty treat. Each dog receives what he/she needs at the time it is needed.

Recently, when I was tossing treats, Beamer was so focused on the treat that I was going to toss to Kari that his treat actually hit him in the head. Because he was looking for and desiring what belonged to her, he totally missed what was meant for him. His eyes were fixated on the hand that held Kari’s treat and he did not even notice the treat in my other hand that was intended for him.

How often do we act just like Beamer? We can become consumed with looking at what our Christian brothers and sisters have or are doing. Becoming so focused on what God is doing in the life of another, we can be distracted and completely miss what is in His hand for our own lives. We begin to look for and seek after what others have. “You are jealous and covet [what others have] and your desires go unfulfilled; [so] you become murderers. [To hate is to murder as far as your hearts are concerned.] You burn with envy and anger and are not able to obtain [the gratification, the contentment, and the happiness that you seek], so you fight and war. You do not have, because you do not ask.” (James 4:2 AMP) God has expressly called this sin and it never has a good outcome. “You shall not covet your neighbor's house, your neighbor's wife, or his manservant, or his maidservant, or his ox, or his donkey, or anything that is your neighbor's.” (Exodus 20:17 AMP)

God has a plan for each one of us. He has many gifts and callings that He gives out to His children. All are valuable and necessary to the kingdom of God. “All these [gifts, achievements, abilities] are inspired and brought to pass by one and the same [Holy] Spirit, Who apportions to each person individually [exactly] as He chooses.” (1 Corinthians 12:11 AMP) Seeking what others have been given is not only sin, it causes us to miss what God has waiting in His hand for us. Missing the gift and call that God has especially planned for each of us, we are unable to fulfill the purpose for which He has called us. “As each of you has received a gift (a particular spiritual talent, a gracious divine endowment), employ it for one another as [befits] good trustees of God's many-sided grace [faithful stewards of the extremely diverse powers and gifts granted to Christians by unmerited favor].” (1 Peter 4:10 AMP)

 It is important that we are happy and content with what the Lord has chosen to give us. He knows exactly what is right for each person. “As for God, His way is perfect! The word of the Lord is tested and tried; He is a shield to all those who take refuge and put their trust in Him.” (Psalm 18:30 AMP) When we acknowledge that His way for us is flawless, we can then joyfully seek the leading of the Holy Spirit to receive and walk in that perfect plan. It is only then that we will ever find true peace and fulfillment.

 Sometimes we may, like Beamer, need to be hit in the head to become aware of what God is sending our way. He is prepared to supply us with everything we need to walk in His plan. He is also ready to forgive us for desiring the gifts and plan He has for a brother or sister. His plan for us remains. “For God's gifts and His call are irrevocable. [He never withdraws them when once they are given, and He does not change His mind about those to whom He gives His grace or to whom He sends His call.]” (Romans 11:29 AMP) He is truly a forgiving and grace filled God.

As you seek the Lord, do not dwell on what He has done in the lives of your brothers and sisters. Rather seek all that God desires to do uniquely in you and through you today.