Is It Time to Change Your Strategy?

You are not stuck – not when you are following God’s plan for your life. If you feel stuck, either you are trying to do something that God is not doing, your timing is different from God’s or He is engaging you in a process that is not what you expected. Either way, if you are on a path that feels stuck, ask yourself, “Is it time to change your strategy?”

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:8-9)

All three of the possibilities create and interruption in your plans and require a change in your strategy.

If you are trying to do something that God is not doing, your strategy change means seeking what He is doing and aligning your will with His will.

If your timing differs from God’s timing, then your strategy change means finding your peace during the delay. Instead of feeling anxious, trust God’s timing and His plan.

Finally, if God is engaging you in a process that is different from your expectation (which often happens in Marketplace Ministry), then your strategy change involves prayerfully discerning what growth God is pursuing in you. Then, getting on board with the process that He is walking you through.                                      

The path to destiny and purpose is rarely what we expect. God always thinks wider and deeper than us. Read my article called 19 REASONS TO CONSIDER A “FOR-PROFIT” STATUS FOR YOUR MINISTRY. To charge forward in your purpose and destiny means being strategic about your pursuits and knowing when change is necessary.

We think of the end goal, getting a new job, meeting the right person, getting out of debt or winning a competition. God makes it a process which includes matters of the heart, spiritual growth, purpose, calling, influencing others and making tough decisions. He has a Kingdom agenda while we often think of immediate satisfaction.

In Exodus 14:21, Moses held up a staff when they needed to cross the Red Sea. However, when Joshua needed to cross the Jordan River in Joshua 3:13, he didn’t run to get Moses’ staff. He followed God and moved forward in a totally different way. He had different resources and a totally different group of people. He was mentored by Moses but a different leader in style and approach.

A more recent example . . .

An elderly couple sat on a bench at a party. They were laughing, holding hands and looking fabulous. I couldn’t help but ask, “What’s your secret? You both seem so happy.” They just celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary, still in love, still having fun. “We’ve seen a lot of change over the years. Some people bounce back and move forward. Others don’t recover and are never the same. We bounce back and never stop having fun. We never stopped changing.” 

There are battles to win with every worthwhile goal. Having the right strategy puts you in the right place to enjoy God’s hand on your goals pursuits.

Changing strategies is a part of the process. Yes, God’s Word doesn’t change, but how we live out his Word varies at different times as we adapt to what’s needed to be salt in the world (Matthew 5:13). For example, fifty years ago, this online ministry would not be here, because the internet was not here. Now, we are reaching more people (with some challenges) at many times and places. God is moving in all kinds of ways. You think the world is busy doing new things? God has seen it all before. He always has an answer. 

So, think about what you are pursuing. If you have delays, stay on your knees and ask God, 

• How can I get on your page?
• Where should I focus?
• What is your goal for me?
• Where should I focus?
• What can I do better?
• Is there anything you want me to stop doing?
• Is there anything you want me to start doing? 
• I am in the right place? Is this the right time?

God is not trying to keep his will a secret from you. He is talking – either through the Scripture, through wise counsel, a message from other sources or in your heart. The challenge is hearing His voice louder than your own desires, fear, expectations and others’ opinion. 

Here’s a better strategy.

God is eager for you to move swiftly to serve Him. He loves to see His will fulfilled. So, He is not just slowing around to keep you waiting. Instead, He is working to bring you closer to Him – to fulfill your destiny and complete your life’s purpose.

“For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work among you will complete it by the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:6)

He is making sure you can handle the responsibility that you’ll need when you get what you want. He makes sure you are ready.

So be encouraged if you feel like you’re stuck. Take a step back and consider the possibility that it’s time to change your strategy. Instead of allowing frustration to get the best of you, find out what God wants on the road to your goal. Then focus your energy on Him and fulfilling what He desires.

Pray. Submit. Then humble yourself. He will get you where He wants you and in the end, it will be much better than you thought.

Changing your strategy is not giving up, it’s opening up and broadening your vision. The goal stays the same but the endgame multiplies. Doing it God’s way positions you to multiply your reach and end up deeper, wider and longer.

You may not have all of the answers but God does.

You got this!

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