"For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory." - 2 Corinthians 1:20
“Simplicity is the secret to seeing things clearly. A saint does not think clearly until a long time passes, but a saint ought to see clearly without any difficulty. You cannot think through spiritual confusion to make things clear; to make things clear, you must obey. When our natural power of sight is devoted and submitted in obedience to the Holy Spirit, it becomes the very power by which we perceive God’s will, and our entire life is kept in simplicity.” - Oswald Chambers, My Utmost For His Highest
The word "amen" means "so be it". We often treat it as if were punctuation. Like adding a period to end a sentence. I recall years ago a man was sitting next to me in church and every now and then during the sermon he would say "Speak! Be it so" I knew he was affirming the words of the preacher, but did not realize that he was actually saying Amen in a different way. When we say Amen we are saying that we embrace the truth of what was said. We are, figuratively speaking, wrapping our arms around it and holding it close to us. Or perhaps we are merely putting a period on the words and moving on to the next thing.
“We walk by faith and not by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5:7
What does that mean? I think we should look at the substance of faith to understand … a supernatural trust in things hoped for that have not yet happened… and confidence in things we have not yet seen (Hebrews 11:1) You think you are on one course, you commit to it and then, the Captain of the ship says “ heading to 270 degrees (West), full steam ahead, !” What! That is not in “my” plan. Everyone is expecting me to travel on a 090 degree course (East) .. or maybe sit at anchor for a while. Perhaps confusion or doubt will overcome you at that point, because we don’t understand or don’t want to understand is … maybe I misunderstood the order .. or maybe the Captain wants me to go in that direction next week .. you know, later, when it is more convenient for everyone. When I can afford it financially or when it won’t inconvenience anyone. It’s the common temptation to choose what is humanly reasonable over what is spiritually responsible. Or perhaps we should say "Amen" and step out in faith.
I am writing about a radical faith … not a misdirected one. The world will tell you that you are misdirected if what you do does not make any sense to them. If they can think of another way to do something that is less intrusive on others. When God speaks, you must obey . .even in the face of the opposition of human convention. You might be thinking .. what does this have to do with me? God has not asked me to go to Africa, or even Florida to help the people there. Maybe not. But He has asked you to change the course of your life. To go in a new direction. To obey His commands. And what might those be? To love Him above all, to love others, to abandon your devotion to the things of this world. (Matthew 22:37-39) To lay your life down. (Romans 12:1-2) Pick up your cross daily and follow Jesus. (Luke 9:23) So how is that going for you? My wife and I are living what I call the “extreme” Christian life. In the past 18 years we have done things in response to God’s redirection that frankly make people thankful they are not us. Few are called to follow the course that He has set for us. I do not say that pridefully. We have said “Yes and Amen” and moved out smartly. He has been the source of our strength ..the provider of what we needed it when we needed it. He is the Captain and we are part of the crew. He will do the same in your life but perhaps in a different context. There is absolutely nothing wrong with your being right where you are so long as God has put you there and your are faithful to obeying His orders. Are you? Then rejoice and praise the Lord! And if not .. repent!
Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.
By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone
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