"I've Already Been Thinking Ahead for You"
This verse in Leviticus JUMPED out at me today! I rarely read that book of the Bible. I'm not sure why, but I'm so glad I did.
Lately, He's been gently reminding me, "Look again. I've already been thinking ahead for you." And that's exactly what I found in Leviticus.
Picture this: The Israelites have just come out of Egypt. They don't own land yet. They haven't planted a single field. They've only ever known slavery. And yet God starts sharing His plans. I can almost hear the excitement in His voice as He speaks through Moses, "You're going to work the land with Me for six years... and then? I'm going to blow your socks off! I'll pour out so much blessing in the sixth year that you'll have enough for year seven when you aren't going to work; we'll dream together, enjoy the provision I've supplied, rest and be revived—and year eight, even into year nine" (see Leviticus 25:21).
What? Why tell them that? It wasn't just about instruction or rest. He was thinking ahead.
He was revealing His heart and His character. He was revealing what a kind, thoughtful Dad He is. He is a Father who says, "I've already written your provision on the calendar." He was saying, "I'm planning good things for you: hope, restoration, peace. It's already in motion."
Knowing a God like That
But the Israelites couldn't grasp it. They had never known a God like that: a God who thinks ahead, a God who blesses just because He loves, a God who enjoys taking care of His kids.
So instead of trusting, they took control. I always wondered why God would send the spies into the Promised Land, knowing they'd get discouraged. But Deuteronomy 1:22 says it wasn't God who sent the spies—it was them. And He let them go. (He must have rolled His eyes knowing what was about to happen.)
They wanted to scout the land. Make a plan. Take a vote. I get that. Sometimes it feels safer to strategize than to surrender and trust, easier to work hard than to wait with hope, to take control because that feels certain. (But I'm sure, if you're like me, I don't want God to "let" me do that. I don't want to be in control, because then it's dependent on me.) (Photo via Unsplash)
He's Got It All Planned on His Calendar
So today God is reminding me, He's a calendar-writing kind of God. He doesn't only drop in with miracles when we're desperate. He builds provision and hope-filled plans into the rhythm of our everyday lives. Just like He planned what year six, seven, eight, and nine would look like for the Israelites, He's making plans for us.
He plans restoration in advance. He writes hope into our timeline—on purpose. And He's stirring this in me to keep going! He's reminding me to expect and to look forward to today, tomorrow, and the next, and to not give up—to stop rushing through the days and start counting the days like something's already been scheduled by HIM.
He's saying to me, "Lori, I've got exciting plans for you too—not just for when you're in need, but while you're working, while you're sowing, while you're walking through what feels ordinary."
I know when HE highlights something to me, He's about to act on it! He knows the seasons we are in. He knows what's on our calendar!
And maybe He's saying it to you too. Maybe your heart's felt weary. Maybe your hope's gone quiet. Maybe you've stopped looking ahead because it felt safer not to, or you're just keeping your head above water with so much to do. Or maybe you are contending for your healing, and you are just worn out.
But I'm here to tell you, He's not done planning good things for me or for YOU. He's written the story; He's marked our days with purpose, intentionality, and hope. He's still circling dates on Heaven's calendar.
Can you see it? Restoration is coming. Provision is on its way. Healing is about to breakthrough.
And hope? Hope is rising again. Romans 8:28 reminds us, "God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God..." (NASB). (Photo via Unsplash)
Where Are You on God's Calendar?
So maybe—just maybe—you're in year five right now. You've been faithful. You've sown seeds in silence. You've kept showing up. And your year six? The year where God commands the blessing? The one where He pours out more than enough? It might be closer than you think.
So don't let hope deferred steal your wonder. Don't let the giants distract you from the grapes. And don't stop believing in the God who still writes beautiful things on the calendar, on YOUR calendar.
He's renewing my mind with all of this, and I pray He's renewing yours too, because He's just that good. And He hasn't forgotten a single thing He's promised or planned.
Lord, open the eyes of our heart so that we can see YOUR calendar, Your plans!
If this speaks to you, share it. Someone else might need the reminder that their season isn't random. God isn't winging it. He's already scheduled some incredible breakthroughs, provisions, healings, hope, new relationships, etc.
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Lori Salley
Show Mercy International
Website: www.showmercy.org
Email:Â info@showmercy.org
About Mike and Lori Salley: Mike and Lori Salley are the founders of Show Mercy International. They reside in Hermanville, Mississippi. Mike and Lori were married in 1995 after meeting while attending Louisiana State University. They have a passion to assist the poor and hurting, specifically focusing on the orphaned and abandoned children in third world countries such as Uganda. They also have a desire to encourage people right here in the United States to pursue the dreams that God has placed in their hearts and to know that with God everything is possible. For more information on Show Mercy, go to www.showmercy.org.
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