“The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” Saul said to David, “Go, and the Lord be with you.” (1 Sam 17:37)
When David first offered to go and fight Goliath, Saul turned him down. But David pressed his case, explaining how he had fought wild animals as a shepherd. No doubt Saul was impressed that a such a young man had killed lions and bears, but more impressive was his faith in God. Saul could see he was spiritually ready.
As adults, and especially as parents, we are naturally protective of the young and inexperienced. But there comes a time when we have to let our young people go fight the good fight. Over the past few years hundreds of thousands of parents have had to literally face that moment. Millions more have watched their children head off to college or a job in a different city. The battle ahead may “only” be a spiritual one, but the danger is real enough. Yet it would be a mistake to forever keep them safe behind our walls. There comes a time when we must say to them, “Go, and the Lord be with you.”
Showing posts with label trusting God. Show all posts
Showing posts with label trusting God. Show all posts
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Eyes of Fear
We seemed like grasshoppers in our own eyes, and we looked the same to them. (Num 13:33)
When Moses sent spies into Canaan, they came back more impressed with the size of the inhabitants than the size of the grape clusters (v23). The Nephilim were considered giants in that day, and these spies imagined themselves being crushed like insects if they had to fight them. The apostle Paul tells us to consider ourselves with sober judgment (Rom 12:3), but these men were looking at themselves and their opponents with eyes of fear. Fear makes an opponent seem larger; fear makes you forget your advantages. They forgot that God would be fighting for them. If God is for us, who can be against us? (Rom 8:31) The God who delivered them from Egypt promised them the land of Canaan. At that moment, the power of the Nephilim seemed more real to them than the power of God. They shrank back, and through their fear the promised land was lost for their generation. Lord, when danger looms and fear wells up within me, remind me that I do not stand alone. Your mighty arm is my defense. In you I place my trust. Amen.
When Moses sent spies into Canaan, they came back more impressed with the size of the inhabitants than the size of the grape clusters (v23). The Nephilim were considered giants in that day, and these spies imagined themselves being crushed like insects if they had to fight them. The apostle Paul tells us to consider ourselves with sober judgment (Rom 12:3), but these men were looking at themselves and their opponents with eyes of fear. Fear makes an opponent seem larger; fear makes you forget your advantages. They forgot that God would be fighting for them. If God is for us, who can be against us? (Rom 8:31) The God who delivered them from Egypt promised them the land of Canaan. At that moment, the power of the Nephilim seemed more real to them than the power of God. They shrank back, and through their fear the promised land was lost for their generation. Lord, when danger looms and fear wells up within me, remind me that I do not stand alone. Your mighty arm is my defense. In you I place my trust. Amen.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Open Wide Your Mouth
I am the Lord your God, who brought you up out of Egypt. Open wide your mouth and I will fill it…you would be fed with the finest of wheat; with honey from the rock I would satisfy you. (Ps 81:10,16)
In this psalm the Lord reminds Israel that he will vanquish all their foes and fill their every need, if only they will listen and obey him. These verses evoke the days in the wilderness when God fed the people manna, the mysterious bread from heaven that “tasted like wafers made with honey.” (Ex 16:31) At no other time were they ever more dependent on him, and God sustained them with consistent, daily miracles.
Why do I often fail to be receptive to what God wants to do for me? What command could be simpler than “open wide your mouth?” Perhaps because when you open your mouth really wide you can’t see too well what’s about to be placed in it: honey wafers or bitter herbs. I miss out on God’s blessing because I do not want to give up control. I must practice a child-like faith. I must learn to trust his goodness and his mercy.
Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! (Mt 7:9-11)
In this psalm the Lord reminds Israel that he will vanquish all their foes and fill their every need, if only they will listen and obey him. These verses evoke the days in the wilderness when God fed the people manna, the mysterious bread from heaven that “tasted like wafers made with honey.” (Ex 16:31) At no other time were they ever more dependent on him, and God sustained them with consistent, daily miracles.
Why do I often fail to be receptive to what God wants to do for me? What command could be simpler than “open wide your mouth?” Perhaps because when you open your mouth really wide you can’t see too well what’s about to be placed in it: honey wafers or bitter herbs. I miss out on God’s blessing because I do not want to give up control. I must practice a child-like faith. I must learn to trust his goodness and his mercy.
Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! (Mt 7:9-11)
Friday, December 17, 2010
Deeply Rooted
But blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit. (Jer 17:7-8)
Here again is the metaphor of the tree we find in Psalm 1. The echo of it is in Col 2:6-7 as well, which speaks of being rooted in Christ. I love when Jeremiah says, “It does not fear when heat comes.” The living water that flows from Christ is inexhaustible! Being rooted in him, my spirit will not wither when the world turns up the heat. I can be like the tree of life in Rev 22, bearing fruit in every season. Lord, I will trust you when hard times come. I know you will never fail me. Thank you for the life you have given me. May others look at me and see the fruit of a life spent deeply rooted in your word and your Spirit. Amen.
Here again is the metaphor of the tree we find in Psalm 1. The echo of it is in Col 2:6-7 as well, which speaks of being rooted in Christ. I love when Jeremiah says, “It does not fear when heat comes.” The living water that flows from Christ is inexhaustible! Being rooted in him, my spirit will not wither when the world turns up the heat. I can be like the tree of life in Rev 22, bearing fruit in every season. Lord, I will trust you when hard times come. I know you will never fail me. Thank you for the life you have given me. May others look at me and see the fruit of a life spent deeply rooted in your word and your Spirit. Amen.
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Times of Trouble
If you falter in times of trouble, how small is your strength! (Pr 24:10)
Funny how you can read something over and over again, and then one day it just pops out at you. I would swear they just added this verse this month!
Our measure is not taken in the good times but in the bad. When the weather is mild, no one finds out whether you’re a good sailor or not. In our spiritual lives as well, there are seasons when life is easy and seasons when it is hard. There is no point in patting ourselves on the back for “being spiritual” when life is easy. The testing of our faith is in the hard times. I have failed that test too often. I let myself be discouraged; I give in to fear. But it doesn’t have to be that way. God is always present. His Spirit always lives in my heart. I don’t stop being his child in hard times. Lord, remind me of your presence and your power when I am discouraged. I know you always love me and you have a purpose for every bad thing you allow to happen to me. I know that I grow spiritually far more in trials than in easy times. I will trust you and lean on you when trials come. Amen.
Funny how you can read something over and over again, and then one day it just pops out at you. I would swear they just added this verse this month!
Our measure is not taken in the good times but in the bad. When the weather is mild, no one finds out whether you’re a good sailor or not. In our spiritual lives as well, there are seasons when life is easy and seasons when it is hard. There is no point in patting ourselves on the back for “being spiritual” when life is easy. The testing of our faith is in the hard times. I have failed that test too often. I let myself be discouraged; I give in to fear. But it doesn’t have to be that way. God is always present. His Spirit always lives in my heart. I don’t stop being his child in hard times. Lord, remind me of your presence and your power when I am discouraged. I know you always love me and you have a purpose for every bad thing you allow to happen to me. I know that I grow spiritually far more in trials than in easy times. I will trust you and lean on you when trials come. Amen.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Sometimes I Need To Fail
As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning. (Ex 17:11)
I remember being very impressed with this story when I was a little boy in Sunday School. It seemed like such an amazing miracle. Of course, I'm not sure I got the point. Looking at it now I can see how God wanted the Israelites to know it was not their own prowess in battle that won the fight. God gives the victory. In this first battle after the Exodus, God wanted to drive that point home. And the sign he used was significant – Moses raising his hands to entreat the help of God and acknowledge his lordship.
Now it occurs to me to wonder, was the miracle that God caused them to win when Moses raised his arms, or that God caused them to lose when Moses lowered them? There must be times in our lives when we are trusting in our own strength, and God must see to it that we fail so we do not draw the wrong lesson from it. Perhaps especially in this culture, dependence on God is a hard-won lesson. In every one of us beats the heart of a little child who wants to say, “See, Daddy! I did it all by myself!” That is laudable in our children, because we want them to grow up. When they do they will be adults like us, and every bit as competent to live independently as we are. But our relationship with God is different. We are not his equal, and never will be. It is the height of folly to imagine that we can live independently from him. Lord, help me to see how much I need you and embrace that dependence. I lift my hands to acknowledge that you are my Lord and I need you.
I remember being very impressed with this story when I was a little boy in Sunday School. It seemed like such an amazing miracle. Of course, I'm not sure I got the point. Looking at it now I can see how God wanted the Israelites to know it was not their own prowess in battle that won the fight. God gives the victory. In this first battle after the Exodus, God wanted to drive that point home. And the sign he used was significant – Moses raising his hands to entreat the help of God and acknowledge his lordship.
Now it occurs to me to wonder, was the miracle that God caused them to win when Moses raised his arms, or that God caused them to lose when Moses lowered them? There must be times in our lives when we are trusting in our own strength, and God must see to it that we fail so we do not draw the wrong lesson from it. Perhaps especially in this culture, dependence on God is a hard-won lesson. In every one of us beats the heart of a little child who wants to say, “See, Daddy! I did it all by myself!” That is laudable in our children, because we want them to grow up. When they do they will be adults like us, and every bit as competent to live independently as we are. But our relationship with God is different. We are not his equal, and never will be. It is the height of folly to imagine that we can live independently from him. Lord, help me to see how much I need you and embrace that dependence. I lift my hands to acknowledge that you are my Lord and I need you.
Monday, September 27, 2010
When Life Makes No Sense
Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble? (Job 2:10)
God is sovereign, and we have no right or ability to refuse the choices he makes for our lives. Job had suffered as few ever suffer and he was miserable, but he understood this. He had not lost sight of God’s sovereignty and he still believed in God’s goodness. If he thought God were evil he would have cursed him (v9). If he thought God were not sovereign he would have ascribed his troubles to someone else. Job lamented his fate (ch3) but he never stopped believing in God’s justice. Job knew there was a reason for his misery; his sin was that he demanded God explain it to him (3:20). God often reveals his purposes to us, but he owes no one an explanation of his actions. And since his thoughts are so high above ours, it is likely that we would not even understand his reasons much of the time. Lord, I know this was a lesson that took me many years to learn. Forgive me when I slip back into the arrogant posture of demanding that you explain yourself to me. What a fool I am when I think that way! You are God and I am not. I will trust in you always. Amen.
God is sovereign, and we have no right or ability to refuse the choices he makes for our lives. Job had suffered as few ever suffer and he was miserable, but he understood this. He had not lost sight of God’s sovereignty and he still believed in God’s goodness. If he thought God were evil he would have cursed him (v9). If he thought God were not sovereign he would have ascribed his troubles to someone else. Job lamented his fate (ch3) but he never stopped believing in God’s justice. Job knew there was a reason for his misery; his sin was that he demanded God explain it to him (3:20). God often reveals his purposes to us, but he owes no one an explanation of his actions. And since his thoughts are so high above ours, it is likely that we would not even understand his reasons much of the time. Lord, I know this was a lesson that took me many years to learn. Forgive me when I slip back into the arrogant posture of demanding that you explain yourself to me. What a fool I am when I think that way! You are God and I am not. I will trust in you always. Amen.
Monday, September 20, 2010
The Battle Is the Lord's
This is what the Lord says to you: Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s. (2 Chron 20:15b)
Jehoshaphat faced a vast army that had come against him from Moab, Ammon and Mount Seir. But he did not panic. He turned to God in prayer. The prophet’s words to him could also be for us. When trials come, remember that the battle is the Lord’s. God miraculously defeated Jehoshaphat’s enemies that day. Sometimes God will allow us to suffer for awhile, but always God’s plan for us is secure. He has charted our path, and will see us through. The battle is the Lord’s.
Jehoshaphat faced a vast army that had come against him from Moab, Ammon and Mount Seir. But he did not panic. He turned to God in prayer. The prophet’s words to him could also be for us. When trials come, remember that the battle is the Lord’s. God miraculously defeated Jehoshaphat’s enemies that day. Sometimes God will allow us to suffer for awhile, but always God’s plan for us is secure. He has charted our path, and will see us through. The battle is the Lord’s.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Foolish Fears
Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe. (Pro 29:25)
My fears are so silly, especially since they mostly consist of fears of embarrassment or rejection and not mortal or spiritual danger. My fears are a snare when they prevent me from fulfilling my responsibilities or living out my calling from the Lord. Lord, help me to remember that even in mortal danger I need not fear, for my soul is secure in you. And help me to look past my foolish fear of embarrassment so I may be bold to speak and act in your name. Amen.
My fears are so silly, especially since they mostly consist of fears of embarrassment or rejection and not mortal or spiritual danger. My fears are a snare when they prevent me from fulfilling my responsibilities or living out my calling from the Lord. Lord, help me to remember that even in mortal danger I need not fear, for my soul is secure in you. And help me to look past my foolish fear of embarrassment so I may be bold to speak and act in your name. Amen.
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Egypt and Assyria
You will be disappointed by Egypt as you were by Assyria. (Jer 2:36b)
So often in our spiritual immaturity we move from one worldly thing to another seeking to have our deepest needs and desires met. But one by one they disappoint us. What we want may be money, popularity or entertainment, but what we need is God and God alone. The Israelites wanted safety. They allied themselves with Assyria and were double-crossed. They allied themselves with Egypt and were let down. In a few short years they were carried off to Babylon. Lord, let me not forget that you alone are my salvation, my strong tower and my provider. Help me to see when I am trusting in Assyria or Egypt rather than you alone. Amen.
So often in our spiritual immaturity we move from one worldly thing to another seeking to have our deepest needs and desires met. But one by one they disappoint us. What we want may be money, popularity or entertainment, but what we need is God and God alone. The Israelites wanted safety. They allied themselves with Assyria and were double-crossed. They allied themselves with Egypt and were let down. In a few short years they were carried off to Babylon. Lord, let me not forget that you alone are my salvation, my strong tower and my provider. Help me to see when I am trusting in Assyria or Egypt rather than you alone. Amen.
Monday, August 23, 2010
A Parent's Prayer
I have reserved for myself seven thousand who have not bowed the knee to Baal. (I Kings 19:18)
Even in times of great apostasy there is always a remnant. As parents, we struggle with fear when we think about the spiritual environment our children encounter at college. But no doubt there are many, perhaps thousands, in those places who have not bowed the knee to Baal. Even in the darkest places God is no less sovereign. His arm is not too short. When believers go into dark places they go with the Spirit of God in their hearts. Wherever they go there is light, because the light is within. And they will encounter many who also carry that light within. Even our children who do not know the Lord go with God, because our prayers are with them. Lord, please preserve and protect our children as they go out into the world. Guide them to the right friends and the right places. Bring to their hearts and minds the words we have taught them. Let them experience in a fresh way the wonder of your presence and power as they find that wherever they go, you are already there. Amen.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
A Mind at Peace
You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. (Is 26:3)
If I truly trust in God my mind will be steadfast, and I will have perfect peace. If we know that God is real, God is here, God is all powerful and God loves us, then we can trust him completely without wavering. He is fully and completely trustworthy. If I fully trust him in all things, I have no reason to fear or worry. Then real peace is mine. As the hymn says, “It is well with my soul.”
If I truly trust in God my mind will be steadfast, and I will have perfect peace. If we know that God is real, God is here, God is all powerful and God loves us, then we can trust him completely without wavering. He is fully and completely trustworthy. If I fully trust him in all things, I have no reason to fear or worry. Then real peace is mine. As the hymn says, “It is well with my soul.”
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Untrustworthy Man
Stop trusting in man, who has but a breath in his nostrils. Of what account is he? (Is 2:22)
The number one man that I need to stop trusting is me. As long as I imagine that I can do the Lord’s will in my own strength I will fail – I do fail. Lord, teach me to truly yield to you and give you control. Show me what it looks like when you are doing the work in me and not me in my own power. I’m not even sure I know that what looks like. Have I ever truly experienced it? Lord, open my eyes to your way.
The number one man that I need to stop trusting is me. As long as I imagine that I can do the Lord’s will in my own strength I will fail – I do fail. Lord, teach me to truly yield to you and give you control. Show me what it looks like when you are doing the work in me and not me in my own power. I’m not even sure I know that what looks like. Have I ever truly experienced it? Lord, open my eyes to your way.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
We Are Precious to Him
Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. (Lk 12:6-7)
It is impossible for us to truly grasp how well God knows us and how much he loves us. He knows us completely. Nothing is hidden (v2). Jesus expresses this by saying the hairs of our head are numbered, a task that seems humanly impossible. Today we would say he knows every atom or cell in our bodies. Even though he knows us so well he still loves us. I do not think that would be true of any human who knew me that well. There are limits to our love, but not to his! Jesus further tells us that he knows and values every sparrow, so how much must he value us? Don’t be afraid! If God loves us that much and knows us that well, what reason do we have to fear? Lord, when I am afraid it is as though I doubt you. Forgive me for my fear and lack of faith. I know that you are God and I trust in your love. Amen.
It is impossible for us to truly grasp how well God knows us and how much he loves us. He knows us completely. Nothing is hidden (v2). Jesus expresses this by saying the hairs of our head are numbered, a task that seems humanly impossible. Today we would say he knows every atom or cell in our bodies. Even though he knows us so well he still loves us. I do not think that would be true of any human who knew me that well. There are limits to our love, but not to his! Jesus further tells us that he knows and values every sparrow, so how much must he value us? Don’t be afraid! If God loves us that much and knows us that well, what reason do we have to fear? Lord, when I am afraid it is as though I doubt you. Forgive me for my fear and lack of faith. I know that you are God and I trust in your love. Amen.
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Money Can't Buy Security
The wealth of the rich is their fortified city; they imagine it an unscalable wall. (Pr 18:11)
There is a big part of me that wants to amass the biggest nest egg I can. I long for security and I want to think that in my old age I can know that I will be well provided for. Without even realizing it I find myself putting my trust in money rather than the Lord. But this trust is poorly placed. No matter how big the nest egg, it cannot guarantee my security. I must not hold on too tightly because of fear. My faith is in the Lord. Even in the midst of some future catastrophe, I can trust him completely. He is sovereign and he loves me – what more security could you ask for?
There is a big part of me that wants to amass the biggest nest egg I can. I long for security and I want to think that in my old age I can know that I will be well provided for. Without even realizing it I find myself putting my trust in money rather than the Lord. But this trust is poorly placed. No matter how big the nest egg, it cannot guarantee my security. I must not hold on too tightly because of fear. My faith is in the Lord. Even in the midst of some future catastrophe, I can trust him completely. He is sovereign and he loves me – what more security could you ask for?
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Standing on the Rock
From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. (Ps 61:2)
With roiling clouds above me and raging seas around me, I stand upon the rock that is higher than I. The Rock of my salvation is higher than the highest waves and stronger than the strongest gales. I am secure in the fortress of his power, while about me swirl storms that alone I could not withstand. God is my Rock; God is my Fortress. My eyes see the storm and I am tempted to fear, but my heart sees only God and I am at peace. I will call upon him, and let the peace in my heart fill also my mind. He is mighty. He is in control. He is my Father.
With roiling clouds above me and raging seas around me, I stand upon the rock that is higher than I. The Rock of my salvation is higher than the highest waves and stronger than the strongest gales. I am secure in the fortress of his power, while about me swirl storms that alone I could not withstand. God is my Rock; God is my Fortress. My eyes see the storm and I am tempted to fear, but my heart sees only God and I am at peace. I will call upon him, and let the peace in my heart fill also my mind. He is mighty. He is in control. He is my Father.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Remembering God's Mercy
But the people were thirsty for water there, and they grumbled against Moses. (Ex 17:3a)
They grumbled against Moses, but their complaints were really against God. It seems incredible that after witnessing so many huge miracles they would still grumble so quickly. What they were completely missing was any understanding of the character of God. Perhaps they had a pagan concept of the capriciousness of the gods. They clearly didn’t grasp that God is true, faithful, good, merciful and omnipotent. Unfortunately, although we know better we often fall into the same trap. When terrible things happen we get angry or afraid or despairing. I said “we”. I should say “I”. I show myself to be out of touch with the character and nature of God when I feel that way. Lord, I want to know you as you really are. Forgive me for doubting your goodness and your power. Remind me when I forget. “Lord, you are good and your mercy endureth forever!”
They grumbled against Moses, but their complaints were really against God. It seems incredible that after witnessing so many huge miracles they would still grumble so quickly. What they were completely missing was any understanding of the character of God. Perhaps they had a pagan concept of the capriciousness of the gods. They clearly didn’t grasp that God is true, faithful, good, merciful and omnipotent. Unfortunately, although we know better we often fall into the same trap. When terrible things happen we get angry or afraid or despairing. I said “we”. I should say “I”. I show myself to be out of touch with the character and nature of God when I feel that way. Lord, I want to know you as you really are. Forgive me for doubting your goodness and your power. Remind me when I forget. “Lord, you are good and your mercy endureth forever!”
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Let's Make A Deal
Then Jacob made a vow saying, “If God will be with me and watch over me…then the Lord will be my God…and of all you give me I will give you a tenth.” (Gen 28:20-22)
Clearly Jacob has a ways to go in his understanding and his spiritual maturity. No wonder he had long years of hardship and discontentment ahead of him. It almost made me laugh to read this. Jacob is so obviously bargaining with God and his commitment is so limited and conditional. But I wonder, is my devotion really so complete and unconditional? Intellectually I assent to it, but what am I doing in practice? Are there things in my life I’m not willing to give up? Am I prone to reconsider my commitment to his plan if I don’t like the way things are going? My faith is weak. I always have a plan B. I love that image in the second Indiana Jones movie of the crystal bridge they must step out onto in faith. I want to believe so strongly and be so committed that I would risk everything on absolute obedience to God. Lord, please make me that kind of believer. Holy Spirit, take control of me in that way.
Clearly Jacob has a ways to go in his understanding and his spiritual maturity. No wonder he had long years of hardship and discontentment ahead of him. It almost made me laugh to read this. Jacob is so obviously bargaining with God and his commitment is so limited and conditional. But I wonder, is my devotion really so complete and unconditional? Intellectually I assent to it, but what am I doing in practice? Are there things in my life I’m not willing to give up? Am I prone to reconsider my commitment to his plan if I don’t like the way things are going? My faith is weak. I always have a plan B. I love that image in the second Indiana Jones movie of the crystal bridge they must step out onto in faith. I want to believe so strongly and be so committed that I would risk everything on absolute obedience to God. Lord, please make me that kind of believer. Holy Spirit, take control of me in that way.
Monday, March 29, 2010
It's All His
[Job] said: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.” (Job 1:21)
This is Job’s response to the news that all his children and all his servants and all his wealth have suddenly been destroyed. Job knew that nothing we have is truly ours. God gives it to us and God can take it away. It all belongs to him and he is within his rights to do whatever he pleases with it. Now God has taken it all away, and even though Job cannot possibly understand why he still says, “may the name of the Lord be praised.” Not only is Job’s faith great, but also the degree of his surrender to God. Lord, help me to truly understand that all I have is yours. You could take it all away tomorrow and I would have neither cause for complaint nor need to fear the future. Financial security is good, but faith in you is better. But Lord, it is harder to face the prospect that something bad might happen to my family than to me. Surely that was Job's greatest hurt. I surrender my family to you, Lord. I know they are yours, and I know you love them far more than I. Guard them. Draw them to yourself. And, whatever happens, may we one day be together with you for eternity.
This is Job’s response to the news that all his children and all his servants and all his wealth have suddenly been destroyed. Job knew that nothing we have is truly ours. God gives it to us and God can take it away. It all belongs to him and he is within his rights to do whatever he pleases with it. Now God has taken it all away, and even though Job cannot possibly understand why he still says, “may the name of the Lord be praised.” Not only is Job’s faith great, but also the degree of his surrender to God. Lord, help me to truly understand that all I have is yours. You could take it all away tomorrow and I would have neither cause for complaint nor need to fear the future. Financial security is good, but faith in you is better. But Lord, it is harder to face the prospect that something bad might happen to my family than to me. Surely that was Job's greatest hurt. I surrender my family to you, Lord. I know they are yours, and I know you love them far more than I. Guard them. Draw them to yourself. And, whatever happens, may we one day be together with you for eternity.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Forget About Plan B
I was ashamed to ask the king for soldiers and horsemen to protect us from enemies on the road, because we had told the king, "The gracious hand of our God is on everyone who looks to him, but his great anger is against all who forsake him." So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and he answered our prayer. (Ezra 8:22-23)
Ezra was ashamed to ask the king for soldiers to protect them on their journey, because he had told the king the gracious hand of God was on them. So they fasted and prayed for divine protection. This is the kind of faith I see and hear about in other believers’ lives. But that kind of faith is rarely seen in my life. I have a hard time thinking of an example where I stepped out in faith without a safety net, knowing that if God did not act I would fail and suffer harm. In this most practical way I fail the “true faith” test. I suppose that too often I really don’t believe God will answer my prayer. I always want to have a Plan B. I always wonder if I have really heard God’s voice. No wonder my ministry and my life have had so little impact for the Kingdom of God. Lord, help me to grow in my faith and learn to hear the voice of my Shepherd.
Ezra was ashamed to ask the king for soldiers to protect them on their journey, because he had told the king the gracious hand of God was on them. So they fasted and prayed for divine protection. This is the kind of faith I see and hear about in other believers’ lives. But that kind of faith is rarely seen in my life. I have a hard time thinking of an example where I stepped out in faith without a safety net, knowing that if God did not act I would fail and suffer harm. In this most practical way I fail the “true faith” test. I suppose that too often I really don’t believe God will answer my prayer. I always want to have a Plan B. I always wonder if I have really heard God’s voice. No wonder my ministry and my life have had so little impact for the Kingdom of God. Lord, help me to grow in my faith and learn to hear the voice of my Shepherd.
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