Some days life is just, well, "life." A long time ago I learned to ask God what should I be doing, and what should I hand over to Him. Maybe you've heard of the "Serenity Prayer" - it's a good one! Like others, I am not perfect at it. Have you noticed, when things get tough, one group says "hang in there" - meaning keep on trying, and another says "let it go" - meaning you've done what you can, and the rest is up to God.
So who's right, do we hang in there, or let go?
I happen to believe that throwing Bible verses at problems is not always God. Some folks believe that the will of God, their personal destiny, the very key to life, is in the Bible. I would like to disagree.
Before you shout: Blasphemy, consider this. Even if every word in the Bible is God breathed and true - and I believe it is - the central truth of Christianity is not believing what is in the Bible. It is faith in the death and resurrection of Jesus, and the sacrifice that forgives the sins of all mankind; when we receive Him in our hearts by faith. Our destiny is in knowing Jesus, not in a book.
Christianity is not a religion, it is a relationship with a living God.
When life is happening to us, how do we actually rely on God? I have a few thoughts, that's my job.
- We do not need advice, we need to hear God!
- Hearing God's voice during prayer, in our Bible devotions, from the pulpit, a prophetic word, wisdom from those we fellowship with, and in the midst of our situations is essential. Hearing a loving God and obeying Him IS the Christian life. The Bible says the Lord "spoke" 344 times and that His people "heard" 559 times. Hearing God is the best way to receive comfort, and direction.
- We are not on a conveyor belt through life. If that were true, God would make sure that we all chose Him, and eternity. You have choices and you can't afford to make them without Godly wisdom. 1 Peter 3:13-18
- In life we need to determine what our part is, and what God's part is. God can certainly do more than we ever imagined. He also wants for us to grow up, and leaves part of the job for us, as needed, to accomplish His work in us. Romans 8:28
- Some times, Jesus calms the storm, but more often it seems He calms the person in the storm. The greatest evidence of Christianity is the presence of love, and the peace which surpasses all understanding. And don't forget, Jesus slept during the storm.
- Waiting on God is verb, not a, "let me know when you have an answer, Jesus," situation. Elijah waited 3 years for the cloud far off. Some things take time - but if it is God, it is worth waiting for.
- Do you really believe God can do anything? Then why not let him? Did you ask for help with your work, your family, your calling and everything else today? Jesus said, "You have not because you ask not."
- It is painful to watch people suffer - even those that seem to deserve it - and tougher to let them go from this life. God's eternal plan is not a mystery. Our ability to see Heaven in the midst of life threatening or tragic circumstances is often clouded by intense emotion. Even Jesus wept (John 11:35) over the death of his friend Lazarus. While Stephen, a man full of God's grace and power, did great wonders and miraculous signs among the people, was stoned to death.
Is it possible to give all things to God? Some days it is just easier than others.
Matthew 11:30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
2 comments:
Well you pretty well summed it up here. Just listen for His voice.
Hey David, thanks for following my blog! I see you also blog with Tony C. He's a long time blog acquaintance of mine. I look forward to seeing you around the blogs!
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