Recently I spoke at a large women’s conference .The audience consisted of many high level women’s ministry leaders and influencers. My heart beat like a metronome on steroids. I battled the desire to make God famous through my words and the desire to impress all of those women. To be honest, I hoped the influencers might hear God’s words through me and ask me to speak with their groups. And the influencers in those groups would invite me to their event, and so on and so on.

As my time drew close to walk on stage, I took deep, slow breaths to calm my racing heart. I told the Lord, “I just want to glorify You and make Your Name great on this stage” and a peace settled my spirit. But as soon as I remembered the possibilities beyond the curtain, my focus shifted off of God and onto me. My heart raced again.

But then God whispered, “Lisa, do not dismiss what I’m about to do and have already done for the possibility of what’s to come.” His words reminded me that as long as I look to and hope for the next thing, I miss the gift of ministry right in front of me. As well as the honor that God Almighty wants to use me to make Him famous right here and right now.

Maybe like me, you dismiss the moment you’re in for the next one. Maybe you’re a parent of young children but wish you were in an easier season. Maybe you’re single but wish you were married. Maybe you have a job but wish God would give you a different one.

In all of these situations, mine included, when we focus on “what’s next?” we miss out on what’s happening today. The problem with tomorrow is today won’t be there.

When I land the next speaking or acting job, or we make it to the next season of parenting, or get married, or find the dream job, will we all the sudden find contentment? No, I don’t believe we will. Unless we change our perspective, we will always find dissatisfaction in our present situation and we will always look to what’s next.

I see this as a faith issue. I tend to think the “next thing” is better, but what if God has me in this moment to teach me or use me? What if this moment is right where He wants me?

And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? . . .O you of little faith. . .Therefore do not be anxious, saying, “What shall we eat?” or “What shall we drink?” or “What shall we wear?” But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, . . . do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. (Matthew 6:27-34 ESV).

Maybe the question should change from, “What’s next?” to, “How can You use me to make Your name great, right here and right now?”

As I walked off the stage, God spoke to me again. This time He said, “If an opportunity to impact the next audience doesn’t come from this event, Me through you, made an impact on this one.”

May we be present and grateful in the moments of ministry given to us, and trust God to give us the “what’s next?” when He’s ready and not a moment before.