Can I ask you a question? Do you want God’s best? I would think that it didn’t take long at all for you to answer that question. I mean, who wouldn’t want God’s best, right? Right. Yet, I’ve discovered over the years, that in order to receive God’s best it does entail…a sign of surrender with a heart of contentment.

Many of us know that being content is not easy, especially when we have a desire for more. For example, there’s a desire for more clothes, money, a nicer house or car, a better job, a ministry, business, to be married, or a brand new door of opportunity to open. Yet, over the years, I’ve learned that contentment (which means being happy enough with what you have or who you are and satisfied) is a great place to be when you’re looking for God to move in your favor and His perfect timing. It’s a bit of a waiting place.

I’ll never forget the day when I met an amazing angel, who was in the form of an older wise woman at a Christian women’s event that I attended. The Bible tells us that sometimes we can be entertaining angels unaware (see Hebrews 13:2). So anyway, as we were both sipping coffee and snacking on some treats, she leaned over to me and said, “You know, sometimes we settle for good, when God wants to give us His best.”

That hit me like a ton of bricks! I had never met this woman before. I immediately began searching my heart and surveying my life for a brief moment to see if I was settling for less in some way. To see if I was NOT receiving God’s best, because I was  trying to make something happen that wasn’t in His perfect timing or His way. NOTE: I never saw that woman again.

I have to say, that statement struck me so hard, because at the time I was in the process of starting my ministry (several years ago). Yet, in so many words, I felt like God was whispering to me, “Wait for Me…I’ve got better things in store for you, but you’ll have to surrender this to Me now, and be content right where you are.” At the time, I was conducting a community-wide monthly women's gathering, and I knew that it would be tough for me to let it go. Nevertheless, I heeded His instruction and I shut it down.

Why? Because I wanted God's best. And when I let my way die, the Lord opened the door to start a blog (which I'd never done before, and I'm loving it!). Five years after starting my blog, He led me to write a book, which has opened doors for magazine articles and more speaking opportunities, all for His purpose and glory.

And now I have a new Bible Study that's coming out super soon to present to women all across the globe! Let's just say, I listened to the Lord's instruction to be content and at just the right time, He blessed me to do the very thing that He called me to do! The ministry that He placed on my heart years ago, has begun! Hallelujah!!!

This is God's way...This is His perfect timing.

I’m reminded of John 12:24, “The truth is, a kernel of wheat must be planted in the soil. Unless it dies, it will be alone-a single seed. But its death will produce many new kernels.” This is a Selah moment (pause and consider). The truth is, sometimes we have to let some dreams or goals die before it can be resurrected to do greater works.

I totally know that from experience. God said through Isaiah 55:8, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord." And 1 Peter 5:6 says, "Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time." This is His word. We just have to trust that our Father knows best, and that He's working it all out for our good and in His perfect timing!

I want to stop here and ask you this question, “Are there some things in your life that you know in your heart that you need to surrender or be more content?” Or do you know someone who needs to take this step? Either way, it is a choice - a choice to be content right where the Lord has you… until He opens the door that no man can shut.

Also, whatever you need more of in your life, just trust Him to take care of that, too. He’s so faithful. Because on the other side of your contentment, are greater blessings, my sister. Hold onto this life-changing quote, "The key to success is following God's guidance." And grab ahold of this verse found in 1 Timothy 6:6, "Godliness with contentment is great gain.” #begodly #becontent #success

Remember, Jesus is coming back soon! And those who endure unto the end shall be saved. So let’s be ready from the Inside Out!

QUESTION: Are you struggling with being content right now? What are you waiting on God for? Let me know here in the comments or you can email me directly to answer or for prayer at insideoutwithcourtnaye@gmail.com. I look forward to hearing from you soon. God bless!

ALSO, my NEW 8-Week Study Guide and Video Teaching Series from my book, "IDENTIFIED: Knowing Who You Are in Christ & Moving Forward in Your Purpose” is coming soon!!! Stay Tuned! 

*Tune in every Monday at 7:30am for new posts, “Like” my Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/InsideOutWCourtnaye), and follow me on Twitter at https://twitter.com/InOutwCourtnaye. Also, share this blog with friends, family, co-workers, or your women’s group or ministry. I’d love to stay connected and help more women grow in the Lord! Thanks again and may God be with you!