Where there is confidence in
the knowing, there is peace in the going.
“Do you believe that what you believe is really real?” ― The Truth Project (Focus On The Family), Dr. Del Tackett
You will only act on the principles of faith in God as found in the Bible if you believe they are true. Responding to God’s calling in the positive requires faith. There are events that have happened and that will happen that are too big, too difficult, perhaps too hurtful, for us to bear. And yet we hear the Lord saying, “Do not fear, cast all your cares on Me, do not let your heart be troubled”.
You don't need to know how God will do something, but rest in the confidence that He will do something. Embrace the promise that it will be for your good and His glory. Where there is confidence in the knowing, there is peace in the going. The test is not in hearing God or even in agreeing what He says is right, but in the going. Walking by faith is not done in the absence of fear and doubts, but in spite of your fear and doubt. God’s love casts out all fear.
“’But what do you think? A man had two sons, and he came to the first and said, ‘Son, go, work today in my vineyard.’ He answered and said, ‘I will not,’ but afterward he regretted it and went. Then he came to the second and said likewise. And he answered and said, ‘I go, sir,’ but he did not go. Which of the two did the will of his father?’ They said to Him, ‘The first.’” – Matthew 21:28-31
In the parable, Jesus spoke of two sons. One said he would go and did not, the other said he would not go and did. The proof of obedience is not in saying the right words, but in doing the right thing. You may have heard the phrase, “He talks a good game.” Words can be used to impress others with our spirituality – even though it might be feigned – but God sees our hearts. Like the Apostle James wrote – Faith and obedience are revealed by what we do.
“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.” – 2 Timothy 3:2-5
I am certain that you have heard that you should not let your past define you. Remembering the past may be the reason many Christians are hesitant to step out for God. That is not to say that sins do not have consequences. It may be that those consequences disqualify you from certain roles in the local church, but they do not prevent your being useful to God.
There is an old hymn the helps bring this truth into focus.
“What though the vile accuser [Satan] roars
Of sins that I have done;
I know them well, and thousands more;
My God, He knows not one.”
– His Be The Victor’s Name (The Vile Accuser Roars), Samuel Gandy, 1838
“Do you believe that what you believe is really real?” ― The Truth Project (Focus On The Family), Dr. Del Tackett
You will only act on the principles of faith in God as found in the Bible if you believe they are true. Responding to God’s calling in the positive requires faith. There are events that have happened and that will happen that are too big, too difficult, perhaps too hurtful, for us to bear. And yet we hear the Lord saying, “Do not fear, cast all your cares on Me, do not let your heart be troubled”.
You don't need to know how God will do something, but rest in the confidence that He will do something. Embrace the promise that it will be for your good and His glory. Where there is confidence in the knowing, there is peace in the going. The test is not in hearing God or even in agreeing what He says is right, but in the going. Walking by faith is not done in the absence of fear and doubts, but in spite of your fear and doubt. God’s love casts out all fear.
“’But what do you think? A man had two sons, and he came to the first and said, ‘Son, go, work today in my vineyard.’ He answered and said, ‘I will not,’ but afterward he regretted it and went. Then he came to the second and said likewise. And he answered and said, ‘I go, sir,’ but he did not go. Which of the two did the will of his father?’ They said to Him, ‘The first.’” – Matthew 21:28-31
In the parable, Jesus spoke of two sons. One said he would go and did not, the other said he would not go and did. The proof of obedience is not in saying the right words, but in doing the right thing. You may have heard the phrase, “He talks a good game.” Words can be used to impress others with our spirituality – even though it might be feigned – but God sees our hearts. Like the Apostle James wrote – Faith and obedience are revealed by what we do.
“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.” – 2 Timothy 3:2-5
I am certain that you have heard that you should not let your past define you. Remembering the past may be the reason many Christians are hesitant to step out for God. That is not to say that sins do not have consequences. It may be that those consequences disqualify you from certain roles in the local church, but they do not prevent your being useful to God.
There is an old hymn the helps bring this truth into focus.
“What though the vile accuser [Satan] roars
Of sins that I have done;
I know them well, and thousands more;
My God, He knows not one.”
– His Be The Victor’s Name (The Vile Accuser Roars), Samuel Gandy, 1838
A pastor friend says “God can hit straight with a crooked stick.” Another pastor reminded me “and there was a man named David.” David committed grave sins. But, David repented, found forgiveness and God used him for His purposes. And He can use you and me as well, but we must be willing to go to the Vineyard.
By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone
No comments:
Post a Comment