The Kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.
Matthew 13:44-46

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Last summer, I sensed that God was getting ready to do something huge in my life. In anticipation, I ended the lease on my place, put all my things in storage, and waited for God to say, “Go.” I was leaning in on the balls of my feet, ready to do or say whatever it was. A week went by. And then another week. And then a month. Nothing. I thought this journey would be adventurous, fun and glamorous, but the waiting was excruciating—it wasn’t even close to the idealized adventure I had in mind. 

Today’s Scripture is a parable about seeking God and His kingdom. When we understand that God is our source for everything, seeking Him and His kingdom becomes our first priority. Tony Evans’s book Destiny dives into Matthew 6:33, which says, “seek first his kingdom  and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Before reading this book, I relied on my own abilities to do all the things—want to be promoted at work, work harder. Want to take a trip, start planning. Need greater provisions, find a side gig. Through the book and the work of the Holy Spirit, I learned that my first step should be seeking God and His kingdom. Understanding that He has placed a purpose on my life to advance His kingdom helped me see that God is the only one who knows what my destiny is, so I need Him to guide me.

Last summer,  after I had reached 3 months of sleeping on my sister’s couch waiting for God, I felt like I had nothing, not even a door to call my own. And yet, that experience changed everything in me—where I turn first, who I turn to first, and how I make decisions. That summer was not a summer of glam and adventure; it was a summer of breaking down and stripping away. A season that needed to happen. Painful but necessary, difficult but worthwhile. 

Having a relationship with God is more than just loving Him a whole lot. Having a relationship with Him means that we go to Him first—seek His Kingdom—in our lives so that through our circumstances, He can guide us in carrying out our purpose. He offers us more than just a good life and getting to a place where we comfortably live out the rest of our days. He offers us an opportunity to live life to the fullest, advancing His Kingdom.

Next Steps

Take a moment and think of a decision you are in the midst of making. It can be large or small—just think of something within your daily circumstances. Invite God into the situation, declare your trust in Him, and ask for His wisdom as you listen for His leading.