God's guidance

Why do we go in circles?

"And the Lord spoke to me, saying, you have circled this mountain long enough. Now turn north . . ."   ~Deuteronomy 2:2-3 NASB

This verse is referring to the Israelites refusing to follow the direction of Almighty God through the voice of Moses. God performed a multitude of miracles, He more than proved Himself to these people, and yet they still wanted to go their own way leading them to continually go in circles. They literally circled the same mountain for forty years to make a journey that should have taken a few weeks.

So, why do we still continue to go in these same circles? Why, because we don’t really know where we’re going, we just think we do! If we continually do the same things over and over and keep getting the same results, we will continue to go in circles. This is all due to a three pronged mistake; we think we know better than God, we don’t always go to Him for guidance, and then when we do, we don’t always listen and obey.

God gave the children of Israel guidance, but they chose to walk in circles around the mountain in a state of apprehension rather than having faith in God. Don’t we do the very same thing time and time again? We ask for guidance, doors close and new ones open, but we are so afraid of change or failure that we continue going nowhere out of fear.

I’m so tired of making the same mistakes, repeatedly doing the same stupid things over and over. Not until I completely surrender, in total faith, and stop trying to control everything, can God then be free to lead me onto a new path. Logically I know this, I clearly see the error of my ways, but can’t seem to let go, let God, and stop trying to regain control!

God's guidance

Why am I so determined to run my own show? Why is control such a driving force behind everything I do? Intellectually I know that I have very little  control over pretty much everything . . . and yet I continually try to force this course of events, better known as my life, in the direction I want it to go. And then, once again, I get stuck, crash, and burn!

Prayer is the only answer; it’s the only way out of this control life-loop. I need to run to God every time I feel that desire to grab the steering wheel. I need to stop, drop and pray. Pray for God to remove this desire from me; pray for Him to mend this character defect in me and help me trust His plan over mine. I need to surrender totally!

​It’s hard for anyone to trust, it’s just human nature. But Jesus tells us to become like little children and trust Him so we can learn His ways.

"Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”​   ~Matthew 18:3-4

If we aren’t willing to admit, like a little kid, that we don’t know everything, we will never be open to learn, and more importantly, change! We must be humble, willing to say, “I don’t know everything, I was wrong, teach me.” Then and only then are we open to change and free to learn!

 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."   ~Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

God has a plan; He isn’t just going along Willie-Nilly. He has a great plan, and all we need to do to get inline with Him is surrender our plans for His. Sounds easy, huh? Well, this is by far the hardest thing I have ever had to do. Why, oh why, is it so hard to truly let go?

​We must pray for the ability to surrender. We must then act on this ability and do the great big let-go! We need to get it through our heads once and for all that God has a pre-planned agenda for us, and all we need do is get out of His way!

For we are Gods handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” ~Ephesians 2:10 NIV

Climate change is the secular world's explanation for Bible prophecies playing out. This is not to say that the climate isn’t changing, and changing for the worst. It most definitely is, but just because God knows something will happen doesn’t mean He’s making it happen.


Are humans responsible for any of this huge change? Of course, the inhabitants of this planter have played a huge part in this situation, who else would Satan manipulate to do his bidding? But the fact still remains that God has foretold all of this is His Holy Scriptures.


Humanity is doing everything wrong as far as God’s original plan, and this is clearly the biggest part of this messed up climate situation. Nevertheless, just because God knew it would happen, and warns us of the inevitability, doesn’t mean He planned it.

These natural disasters serve only one positive purpose, and that is to see them as indicators or signs of the times. We need to use all of these signs to know that the time is now—the time has arrived for us to spread the word of Jesus’ soon return. It is time to reach out and encourage the masses to surrender their self-centered, secular lives, and turn to an all-forgiving God of love.

“Therefore say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord of hosts: Return to Me, says the Lord of hosts, and I will return to you, says the Lord of hosts. Do not be like your fathers, to whom the former prophets preached, saying, Thus says the Lord of hosts: Turn now from your evil ways and your evil deeds. But they did not hear nor heed Me, says the Lord.” ~Zachariah 1:3-4

He is beckoning us back to Him, to read and understand His word, especially His words spoken through the prophets. He warns us over and over to turn from our secular ways, turn back to Him, to His ways and commandments. But so many have gone astray and don’t want Him or His ways. They just trod along, spiritually dead, not caring who or what they harm. Literally leaving a wake of destruction in their path. 


Every time I see a turtle with a six-pack band stuck on his back my heart breaks. Every time I see the suffering of any animal as the effect of human selfishness it devastates me. The simple fact that so many just don’t care about the ecological health of the world around them should be a rude awaking to the rest of us. They are lost, they are the devil’s workers here on earth. They are the ones that are working out the prophecies of God in the destruction of His creation.


The current climate situation is a huge case in point.  If not for humans that Satan leads astray with self-centered existence, who else would he use to destroy this planet? The throw-away mentality that has existed for decades is the major culprit to this catastrophic situation. And you better believe that Satan is the one that’s at the helm of this sinking ship!


We all need to do our part, not only for the welfare of wildlife but for the planet itself. Yes, we must all care about the world around us, however, that won’t change this situation. Planet Earth is on a terminal course of destruction. Our primary responsibility now is to share the truth about all of this climate change, that it's simply a precursor to Christ’s return. It’s all been predicted by God for thousands of years, and you can be certain it will most definitely come to pass.

“But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come”   ~2 Timothy 3:1

We are seeing an increase in frequency as well as intensity of natural disasters all over the world.  Just here in the U.S. the extreme recent flooding in Texas, the raging fires in Oregon, and one of the worst hurricanes might make us begin to ponder this question. Why does God allow these things to happen when He could very well prevent them? 


Here’s a bit of eye-opening truth…God is not to blame for these things! Sin is what has caused all of this planetary devolution to occur. We are living in a fallen world, a corrupted, deteriorating planet, along with everything on it. God is starting to remove His restraining hand from this world. So Satan is now unleashing his fury because he’s fully aware that his time is short. In the Bible God tells us of the coming of these end times events.

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” ~1 Peter 5:8

“And there will be great earthquakes in various places, and famines and pestilences; and there will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven.”   ~Luke 21:11

“So you also, when you see these things happening, know that the kingdom of God is near.” ~ Luke 21:31

The ultimate effect of sin is degradation. The falling apart of everything, from the breaking down of our physical bodies, (sickness, disease, pain, and suffering) to the degeneration of all existence, even the planet itself. The degeneration of everything . . . all living creatures, animals and even plants. As well as the worsening of the weather and increase of planetary devastation are all the byproduct and the effect of a broken and fallen world.


Can God stop it? Yes. Will He stop it? Yes, but not until every person has made their decision either for or against Jesus. Not until everyone has heard of the gift of salvation through the sacrifice of Jesus, and have made their choice, will this mess finally come to an end.

“And the gospel must first be preached to all the nations.” ~Mark 13:10

“And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.” ~Matthew 24:14

The Bible is very clear on the order of end times events. Jesus tells us what will happen and how to be on guard so we will recognize these things when they happen. Anyone that knows their Bible understands that these things will, and must happen before the second coming of the Lord Jesus! 


Jesus compares these excessive signs of the times to that of a woman going into labor, the earth must heave to and fro and this is the beginning of birthing pangs. 


The apostle, Paul writes about the how and when all this will happen when he said . . .

“But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you. For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape.”   ~1 Thessalonians 5:1-3

Simply put . . . at the end of the age, the beginning of sorrows or birth pangs will take place. We need to know what the Bible says in order to understand that everything is happening right on time. God has predicted everything through His servants the prophets, and will see us through it to the end if we just hold tightly to Him!

“That you may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us, the apostles of the Lord and Savior, knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming?”~2 Peter 3:2-4

“Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.“ ~Luke 21:28

Are we in the last days…?


You tell me. The following verses paint a pretty clear picture regarding every aspect of life as far as I’m concerned.

But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!” ~2 Timothy 3:1-5

“… In the last time there will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions.”  ~Jude 1:18ESV

”But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.” ~Matthew24:37

”For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due. And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful.”   ~Romans 1:26-31

”For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places.” ~Matthew 24:7

”For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be.” ~Matthew 24:21

Wouldn’t you say this sounds exactly how things are in this very day and age? There’s such an enormous surge in wickedness of every kind. Crime is running rampant, murder and rape are at an all time high. Sexual immorality, pornography, multiple sex partners, indulgence in unnatural lust/homosexuality/incest/ transgenderism, and abortion, as well as overindulgence in every possible thing. Pride and greed have become the all-consuming ruler of this present world.  


Oh yes, I’d have to say we are most definitely heading into the last days. God tells us that once this order of event starts, it will not end until everything that God has predicted happens. And this is all the more reason to believe that soon Jesus will come again to execute judgment upon the evildoers and restore order, peace, love, and justice upon this earth.

“Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place.” ~Matthew 24:34

Clearly, the majority of the world is choosing to reject God and His grace filled offer of redemption. However, there is still time for you to choose to give your heart to Jesus. You will then receive the seal of God (Revelation 7:2-3) and will be protected when the four winds are totally released and Satan has full control of this world. Oh yes, God’s people shall be delivered, that is a promise!

“… And there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation. Even to that time. And at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone who is found written in the book.” ~Daniel 12:1

Q:  Are you ready to ​totally surrender? Please leave comments below.

Q: Are you ready get the seal of God?

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“…Indeed I have spoken it; I will also bring it to pass. I have purposed it; I will also do it. Listen to Me, you stubborn-hearted, who are far from righteousness: I bring My righteousness near, it shall not be far off; my salvation shall not linger…”   ~Isaiah 46:11-13

“Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will do all My pleasure.”   ~Isaiah 46:10

Climate change is an undeniable fact. There is most definitely an enormous increase in natural disasters. Statistics don’t lie! However, we can not change what’s happening. To think that we can overturn what God has foretold is beyond ridiculous. Many people argue this as a possibility, a way to turn things around, so to speak. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but things will only be getting worse. God is all knowing and all seeing, He has seen the end and has foretold us so that we will know these signs.

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You might say that I was a rather late spiritual bloomer, tripping my way into the Lord's arms not all that long ago. Nevertheless, I've been on the fast track ever since through a decade of Bible study courses and daily devotion. Changing careers a few years back and becoming a published author of Christian motivational books, leading to spiritual children's books and now this blog.

Latest posts by Linda Wright (see all)

2 thoughts on “Why do we go in circles?

  1. I have done all I can to surrender all that I can to God but honestly don’t know the difference between what I should surrender and what’s not considered practical to surrender? Like what does he expect me as s human to surrender if he’s not directing me when I ask for help. Sometimes, no all the time, I sense that God’s me to be supernatural figure it out and then he’ll help. I just wish he would lead and guide me and tell what I’m missing, where and how. Great blog by the way .

    1. Dear reader,
      I feel your frustration as I read your comment. I have been in your shoes as well. First off you need to understand that God never holds back. He loves us so much that there isn’t anything that He won’t do to get out attention. He simply wants surrender, total, absolute surrender. When you are unsure as to exactly what to surrender, surrender it all! If you are harboring any guilt or regret, give it to Him. You can’t possibly over-surrender! Read Romans 10:17. I get my faith recharged every time I open my Bible.

      Hope this helps.
      Blessings,
      Linda~

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