Life often feels like a whirlwind of tasks, routines, and obligations. It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day rush, navigating endless to-do lists and external pressures, sometimes losing sight of the bigger picture or a deeper sense of purpose. We need moments that bring powerful clarity – a reminder of the bigger story we’re invited to live in every day: a life that is connected to so much more than just our story.
But how often do we find ourselves living in “someday” instead?
- “Someday, things will line up.”
- “Someday, people will notice me.”
- “Someday, I’ll pursue that calling.”
- “Someday, things will be different.”
“Someday” can be the breeding ground for bitterness and resignation, a passive waiting room where we watch others act while we remain stuck. It’s easy to fall into, especially when life feels overwhelming or out of control.
But the stories that truly inspire, the moments where real change happens, often start with a different phrase: “One day.”
- “One day,” someone decides they’re tired of injustice and chooses to act.
- “One day,” someone admits powerlessness over addiction and seeks help.
- “One day,” someone takes the leap and applies for that job.
- “One day,” someone decides their anger is out of control and commits to change.
“One day” signifies a decision, a shift from passive waiting to active participation. It’s the moment we choose to step into the narrative God is writing.
Jonathan’s “One Day”
The Bible is full of “one day” moments. One of the most striking is found in 1 Samuel 14, featuring Jonathan, the son of King Saul.
Israel is in a dire situation – oppressed by the Philistines, stripped of weapons (only Saul and Jonathan have swords!), and demoralized. Many Israelites are hiding in caves, paralyzed by fear. Saul himself seems ruled by fear, disconnected from God’s purposes. The situation looks hopeless.
“One day,” Jonathan says to his young armor bearer, “Come, let’s go over to the Philistine outpost.” He doesn’t tell his fearful father. He knows the odds are impossible by human standards. He just has a spark of faith, a belief that perhaps God will act.
“Perhaps the Lord will act in our behalf,” Jonathan says. “Nothing can hinder the Lord from saving, whether by many or by few.”
This isn’t blind certainty; it’s raw faith. It’s stepping out before seeing the guarantee, trusting in God’s character – His power and His desire to save – based on the stories of God’s faithfulness passed down through generations.
His young armor bearer, trusting Jonathan implicitly, responds, “Do all that you have in mind… I am with you heart and soul.” What power there is in knowing someone has your back!
Jonathan devises a risky plan: show themselves to the enemy and let their reaction be the sign. If the Philistines say “Wait,” they’ll stay put. But if they say, “Come up to us,” they’ll take it as God’s green light. It’s a plan that relies entirely on God showing up.
They climb a steep cliff – hand and foot – directly towards the enemy stronghold, defying all conventional military wisdom. They attack, just two men against a garrison. And then God responds. Panic strikes the Philistine army, the ground shakes – “a panic sent by the Lord.” Jonathan’s faithful, courageous “one day” decision, his willingness to align his story with God’s potential action, opened the door for a great victory.
Aligning Our Story with God’s
Jonathan’s story challenges us. How often do we sit back, waiting for God to make the first move, when maybe He’s waiting for us?
- Are we waiting for absolute certainty before stepping out in faith?
- Are we letting fear paralyze us like Saul and the hiding Israelites?
- Are we so consumed by our own anxieties that we miss the opportunities God is placing around us?
God is constantly at work. His story is unfolding in our neighborhoods, workplaces, families, and communities. He’s inviting us to participate.
- Maybe He’s waiting at the adoption agency or foster care center for His people to make a courageous choice.
- Maybe He’s waiting at our neighbor’s door for us to show up with kindness.
- Maybe He’s waiting at the recovery meeting for someone to take that brave first step.
Aligning our story with God’s doesn’t just make for a better narrative; it unleashes power. Revelation 12:11 tells us the saints triumphed over the evil one “by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.” Our stories, lived in connection with God’s actions, become powerful testimonies – witnesses to His work in the world. Being a witness isn’t primarily about having all the theological answers; it’s about sharing what we’ve seen and experienced of God’s faithfulness in our own lives.
Moving from Someday to Day One
What “one day” decision have you been waiting on? What situation makes you say, “There has to be more than this”?
Recognizing our desperation, our need for God to intervene, is often the first step. Jonathan knew Israel was meant for more than hiding in caves. He knew God’s promises extended beyond their current reality. That holy dissatisfaction fueled his faith-filled action.
As you look ahead, consider your plans, goals, and resolutions. Ask yourself:
- Is God in this?
- Is this aligning my story with His, or is it just about self-improvement?
- Where is God moving, and how can I join Him?
Choosing “one day” means turning passive hope into active faith. It means trusting God enough to take the first step, even if it’s just climbing a steep hill with only a “perhaps” to hold onto. That “one day” quickly becomes “day one” of a new journey, following Jesus where He leads.
Don’t let another year be defined by “someday.” Choose today. Choose to look for where God is working and step into His story. He is able, as Ephesians 3:20 reminds us, “to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think.” Trust Him, be strong and courageous, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
If you enjoyed this post, be sure to check out my message “One Day“.
Learning to Live 