Trusting In God Regardless Of Circumstances

Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, and whose hope is the Lord.

 

Jeremiah 17:7

We have all had times in our lives that come so difficult that we decide consciously or unconsciously we can no longer trust in God and must take over to solve the circumstance. The prophet Jeremiah describes a situation in which the temptation to solve one's own circumstance can become so great that we trust in our own ways to solve it.

Consider the following: "Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart departs from the Lord. For he shall be like a shrub in the desert, and shall not see when good comes, but shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, in a salt land which is not inhabited. Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, and whose hope is the Lord. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, which spreads out its roots by the river, and will not fear when heat comes; but its leaf will be green, and will not be anxious in the year of drought, nor will cease from yielding fruit" (Jeremiah 17:5-8).

Jeremiah drew a sharp contrasted between the one who trusts in their own effort to solve their circumstance and those who trusts in God when they cannot see the outcome. Those who trust in God bear fruit despite the circumstances in their life and do not wither when the heat comes. In fact, it is said that their roots go deeper into God's grace as they continue to bear fruit in spite of their circumstances.

The Simplicity Of Solitude

And He said to them, "Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while."

 

Mark 6:31a

There are some things we cannot know apart from stillness, like the beauty of a flower, the calming music of the surf upon the sand, the brilliant glow of a stunning sunset, or the deep splendor of God's infinite power in our heart.

 

We might be conscious of God while rushing about in our usual flurry of busyness and demands, but it is only as we willingly step into seasons of solitude that we truly come to understand who He is.

 

He is not the sort of art that can be known with a passing glance, but only with a long and deep stare.

 

To know God truly requires a quiet space, attentive focus, a willingness to watch and listen until the revelation comes. "Like a servant's eyes on His master's hand, like a servant girl's eyes on her mistress's hand, so our eyes are on the Lord our God until He shows us favor" (Psalm 123:2).

 

Solitude brings to light that which has been quietly sealed up and hidden away inside.

 

The stillness of solitude brings clarity to more than just our knowledge of God, but it also awakens our awareness of our own hearts towards Him. And that is perhaps why we most often avoid solitude—we run from solitude to the degree that we run from ourselves. For solitude opens the window to your soul and releases all that has been quietly sealed up and hidden away inside.

 

We fear what might be there, deep down inside, hidden by our busy lives—sorrow, loneliness, desperation, grief, and weariness.

 

What we fail to understand is that at times God calls us into solitude all to ourselves in order for us to focus more fully on Him. It is the call to come away with Him, so that He can minister to our souls and give us the healing gift of Himself. "'Come to Me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. All of you, take up My yoke and learn from Me, because I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for yourselves'" (Matthew 11:28-29).

 

When was the last time you went off alone to sit in stillness before God—with no agenda at all other than to watch and listen for what He wants to reveal to you and you alone.

A Life Of Conviction

For we know, brothers loved by God, that He has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction.

 

1 Thessalonians 1:4-5a

Are we living a life of deep conviction that spurs us on to reflect the power of God in our life?

 

Whatever we give our greatest time, energies, and resources to is a good indication of where our convictions lie—everyone lives a life of conviction.

Whenever God chooses to do a deep work in a life, a strong conviction is born of the Holy Spirit. And this is seen in the conversions in the early Church which resulted in changed lives that held to a deep, life-transforming conviction regarding what they believed and how they lived out that belief. Paul explains that the gospel they received came not just in words, but also in power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction.

God calls each of us to a life that is supernatural, not simply a good, moral life. And the early Church understood the role the Holy Spirit played in demonstrating this power of the gospel—it was this deep work that resulted in living the gospel with great conviction.

 

Ask the Holy Spirit to so fill your life today with the power of His Spirit so that it is truly reflected in your life, in order that you may impact others for the cause of the gospel and God's glory.

Proving You Are A Christian

If a court of law asked you to prove you are a Christian, how would prove it?

 

You could say,

 

• "My parents were Christians so I must be one."
• "I'm a member of a church."
• "I've been baptized."  

So where is the proof?

 

The Bible says you become a Christian through personal acceptance of the Gospel—Jesus' birth, death, and resurrection—and forsaking the life you once new by leaving that lifestyle and sin—thoughts, actions, and attitudes—behind.

 

So the question is then again asked, if a court of law asked you to prove you are a Christian, how would you prove it?

 

The Bible's criteria of proof is found in Luke 10:25-27:

 

And behold, a certain lawyer stood up and tested Him, saying, "Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?" He said to him, "What is written in the law? What is your reading of it?"
So he answered and said, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself."

 

The proof to the world of your Christianity is your unwavering love for God. Despite circumstances or trials, you love and trust God. Your love for God embraces all the teachings of the Bible and it turns worship from a noun into a verb.

 

If a court ever called on you to prove your authenticity as a Christian, maybe you should consider pointing the judge to the faithful hymn that says,

 

They will know we are Christians by our love, by our love.

Yes, they'll know we are Christians by our love.

 

And not just any love, but a love that points to the Creator who is Love and that is God Himself.

Counted As Loss

But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ.

 

 

Philippians 3:7

It would not be too long after his conversion that Paul would learn one of the greatest lessons every child of God must learn—avoid putting confidence in the flesh. In our work we are rewarded for achievement. It is a measurable accomplishment—we work and we see results. Not to mention that we get at times certain good feelings from these accomplishments.

Sometimes it is not until we are placed in a situation to experience utter failure that we actually identify with the words of Paul. We and other believers can all testify of when we have achieved great success in things only to experience dramatic failure. Which leads us to a realization that:

But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ. More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ, and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith… (Philippians 3:7-9).

Sometimes God lets us experience great pain to learn the lessons of greatest importance and draw us to knowing Christ more intimately as this is the one of the most important lesson we can learn. Take a look at what you find your greatest pleasure in and avoid placing your confidence in things that are but rubbish so that you might know Him more intimately.

Rejoicing With A Grateful Heart

Then the people rejoiced because they had offered so willingly, for they made their offering to the Lord with a whole heart, and King David also rejoiced greatly. So David blessed the Lord in the sight of all the assembly; and David said, Blessed are You, O Lord God of Israel our father, forever and ever.  Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, indeed everything that is in the heavens and the earth; Yours is the dominion, O Lord, and You exalt Yourself as head over all.  Both riches and honor come from You, and You rule over all, and in Your hand is power and might; and it lies in Your hand to make great and to strengthen everyone. "

 

 

1 Chronicles 29:9-12

 

 

David is rejoicing at the incredible offering given to the Lord for the purpose of building a temple for Him—it caused David to rejoice greatly.

 

Why was this?

 

Because God really was David's first love it was very evident in His actions. The fact that building a house for God was David's one goal and dream in the last season of his life is a great evidence of his love for God.

 

And David's prayer of thanksgiving to God offers to us his humble perspective, and allows us to recognize a very important truth—who are we to be able to offer as generously as this? For all things come form God and from His own hand is given. 

So many of us can forget that, we forget where everything comes from. We think that we earned it, we made it, we provided for, or all this stuff in mine. And if we are not careful, selfishness and pride can come in and overshadow the life, nature, and character of Christ within us; who is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness...

 

Though David was one of the richest, most powerful, most successful men who ever lived; he never forgot about his God in the midst of all his successes. He never forgot who was really in charge and where it all came from. His love and dependence upon God only grew as God blessed and prospered him over the entire length of his life.

Look towards God never forgetting the goodness of who He is, never getting distracted from your first love, always living in humility, and knowing who He is and who you are in Him!

Keep On Keeping On

Cause me to hear Your lovingkindness in the morning, for in You do I trust; cause me to know the way in which I should walk, for I lift up my soul to You.

 

Psalm 143:8

Of all the biblical characters, David gives us a glimpse of a man who walked with God with great passion in success and in defeat. But in many of the Psalms, David often lamented about the difficult places where God had placed him. He talked of his enemies, the need for God to deliver him, and of the lovingkindness He had for him.

 

How do you suppose David came to this understanding considering the different twist and turns that took place in his life—some that he brought on himself and some that God allowed? For instants, His years of turmoil within his family gave him many reasons to lose all hope in a loving God.

David often began his Psalms in a place of discouragement and loss of hope, but he never ended one Psalm in defeat. He always came to a place of success in God by the end of the Psalm. And in the end David always placed his life in God's hands, knowing He would care for him.

"Cause me to hear Your lovingkindness in the morning, for in You do I trust; cause me to know the way in which I should walk, for I lift up my soul to You. Deliver me, O Lord, from my enemies; in You I take shelter. Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God; Your Spirit is good. Lead me in the land of uprightness" (Psalm 143:8-10).

Like David we will experience times and seasons of discouragement that brings us to the lowest of lows. However, we must not lose heart, but only continue resting and trusting in a God who always shows us His lovingkindness that He has for us. And as we follow Him by the leading of the Spirit which dwells in us we will come to know the land of uprightness.

The Mission We Are Called To

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

 

Colossians 3:23-24

Every person who has and is following the will of God in their life is on the mission field.

 

God calls some to:

 

• Missions—here or abroad
• Medical—doctors, specialist, or nurses
• Business—executives, accountants, or lawyers
• Hospitality—care giver, chef, or florist

 

Now of course the list above is not exhaustive by any means, but we get the idea that as Christians in the vocation that we employ it is to be our mission field. God never made a distinction between sacred and secular when it comes to our vocation. In fact, the Hebrew word avodah is the root word having the same meaning of "work" and "worship." Thus, it can be said that God sees our work as worship.

We have incorrectly elevated the role of the Christian worker to be more holy and committed than the person who is serving in a more secular environment or even in the every day mundane tasks. Yet the call to serve God anywhere at anytime is right where we are supposed to be if we are living according to the will of God that is established and shown to us by the indwelling Holy Spirit.

We are all on the mission field and yes, some are called to foreign lands. But most are called to minister and be a light right where they are. Wherever you are called, serve God in that place, and let Him demonstrate His power through your life so that others might experience Him through you and see and know the God whom you serve.

Abound In Hope

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

 

Romans 15:13

 

 

We know that as Christians that God is the source of eternal salvation, life, and hope—He is the object of hope for each and everyone of us. As we see stated clearly in this passage, our hope does come through the Scripture (See Romans 15:4 and Ephesians 1:13-14), which was written and is applied always to every Christian by the indwelling Holy Spirit.  

 

Abound in hope now and forever more!

Strength Found In God

Moreover David was greatly distressed because the people spoke of stoning him, for all the people were embittered, each one because of his sons and his daughters. But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God.

 

1 Samuel 30:6

 

 

 

We may never ever grasp the depths of despair, or the level of distress that consumed David's spirit at this moment in time. But we can be certain that every ounce of emotion was drained the moment he laid eyes on the destructive force administered by the Amalekites raid. And it wasn't his fault, yet it seemed that around every turn, circumstances awaited that stood against him.

Notwithstanding his sufferings and having his spirit stripped by the hands of defeat, David was still able to rise from the ruins and grasp onto the reign of victory. Therein lies one of the greatest attributes of David's leadership—the ability to strengthen himself in God—despite adversity and to rise above the wreckage and redeem hardships in exchange for victories.

 

Some our most difficult challenges will occur out of circumstances that are beyond our control.

 

While we may not have a choice as to the direction the ill winds may blow, we do have a choice as to how we will react and respond when it arrives. Sometimes life doesn't seem fair and we will all have to face moments when we are caught off-guard, when we find ourselves thrown into unexpected circumstances, where we may suffer due to causes beyond our control. And when we do, we will all face the ultimate question:

 

Do we play the victim, or do we strengthen ourselves, and turn what was meant to defeat us, into a great moment in victory.

 

Choosing to not be defeated and strengthen doesn't come without training. Being able to maintain any appearance of reasonableness, despite the adversities that may surround us, requires a large dosage of inner strength, which is developed over time. It is the little, unexpected moments that train us how to respond to those uncertain moments in life, in order to gain victories. As we allow God to strengthen us, our inner spirit is prepared to more fully rest in Him as David did.

Following The Example Before Us

Jesus gave them this answer: "I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by Himself; He can do only what He sees His Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does."

 

John 5:19

Have you ever thought about a typical day in Jesus' life…  perhaps He might have had questions like these:

 

"Who am I going to heal today?"

 

"Who will I visit today?"

 

"Which person will I deliver from demons this day?"

 

The demands on Jesus' time were great and even so, we see that He allocated His time very deliberately. We don't get the idea that Jesus was flustered or stressed from the activity He was involved in. However He did often seek times of prayer and reflection away from the disciples.  All in all, He displayed a life that had a balance of quiet moments and active ministry in the lives He came in contact with.

How do we determine what we will be involved in each day of our lives?

 

What keeps us in sync with the will of the Father for the daily tasks He calls us to?

 

Jesus tells us that He was only involved in those things the Father was involved in—nothing more, nothing less. So often we determine our participation in work or an activity based on whether we have the time to do it or whether we desire to participate. The real question we should ask is, "Is this what God is leading me in?"

"God, should I add this Bible study to my calendar?

 

"Should I spend money on that venture?"

 

"Should I take on another assignment at work?"

 

"Should I engage in this form of a workout?"

 

"Should I take a trip?"

 

These are the daily challenges for the world we now live in. We are an activity-based society that often encourages more and more activity, often in the name of Christian virtue. Our lives will become less cluttered, less stressful, and more fulfilling when we follow the model Jesus provided. It may not always please everyone, but Jesus never sought to please everyone.

 

Ask God each day this week how you and He are to spend your time. Yield your schedule to Him and allow the Holy Spirit to direct your every activity. You may discover that He desires you to cut back some things in order to spend more time alone with Him. He will be faithful to show you as you engage in this practice in every area of your life. And you will find that you become more fulfilled because you are allowing the Holy Spirit to direct you and keep you in the centered God's will for you.

Having An Attitude Of Cooperation

Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves.

 

Philippians 2:3

 

 

 

We tend to be "loners" with the "I can do it myself" attitude when it comes to our occupation or other work that involves teamwork. When we work alone, it is tempting to claim the credit for what is accomplished. Some businesses expend energy and resources for global advancement only in settings where they can control what is accomplished and take the credit for the accomplishment.

 

It is easy to rally people to give of their skill and know-how when we have a vision to build something and then boast that "we did this." It is harder to get people involved in a project that is so large that no one can take credit for what is accomplished.

 

But a global strategy requires Kingdom thinking and Kingdom cooperation which ultimately allows God's will to be accomplish and then the credit is given to where it is due—God. We sometimes forget that the work we are here doing is first and foremost for God and that He is the one that we are to be working for in order to further the Kingdom as He equips us and leads us.

 

No single passage describes the attitude necessary for cooperative business or ministry better than Philippians 2:1-11. Paul begins with several rhetorical questions whose answer is "yes." But let's look closely to verses 1-4:

 

Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others (Philippians 2:1-4).

 

 

What should be the attitude of our heart and mind?

 

One would conclude that the words found in Philippians 2:1-4 should be the attitude of our heart and mind as we work together in the furtherance of God's Kingdom in a business or ministry setting.

 

What if we really took this passage seriously?

 

What would change about how we do business or ministry?

 

Would the spirit of business or ministry meetings change?

 

Do we see more rivalry than we see cooperation?

 

Is there one vision and goal or a combination of visions and goals that can come together in harmony?

 

 

Following are seven reasons we must seek cooperation and partnerships in business or ministry:

 

1. It is biblical – The Bible is full of examples where cooperation is the norm for those who are one body in Christ.

 

2. It provides for strength and stability – The wise king Solomon declared, "Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their efforts… a cord of three strands is not easily broken" (See Ecclesiastes 4:9-12).

 

3. It promotes unity in diversity – In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul compared the church to the human body which has many diverse but equally important parts. The diversity of the body parts is actually fundamental to its unity and the same goes for business or ministry outside of the church setting.

 

4. It enables strategic thinking – Which enables us to maximize effectiveness and minimize waste. Paul's desire to unite the churches in Achaia and Macedonia demonstrates the need for strategic thinking.

 

5. It provides a biblical model for others – When you read 2 Corinthians 8 and 9 you will discover that Paul wanted the generosity of one church to provide a model for other churches. By working cooperatively in our mission strategy we can ensure that we are an example for others to follow cooperatively.

 

6. It enables Kingdom advancement – For the sake of the Kingdom, we must be willing to move beyond our selfish motives, humble ourselves, and allow God to lead us by the indwelling Holy Spirit with in us in order for growth and Kingdom advancement.

 

7. It ensures that God will receive all the glory – We sometimes get so caught up in our little world of business or ministry that we forget that all we do has a single aim—the glory of God.

 

Can we afford to do any less than our best when we serve the King and Lord over all? Too much is at stake for us not to work cooperatively for furthering God's Kingdom, whether it is in the business world or ministry.

To You It Has Been Granted

Jesus answered them, "To you it has been granted to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been granted... For the heart of this people has become dull, with their ears they scarcely hear, and they have closed their eyes, otherwise they would see with their eyes, and understand with their heart and return, and I would heal them."

 

Matthew 13:11,15

 

 

Jesus is speaking to His disciples, those who are following Him, those who are committed to Him and are closest to Him. And this is what He says, that they have been granted the amazing place and privilege of knowing the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, the secret thoughts, plans and will of God's very heart of hearts.

 

And it gets even more amazing when we realize that is our place as His present day disciples—we who are Christians—have been granted that same place of knowing the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven. It is a place that is ours that has been established and given to us by Jesus Himself!

 

The question is though, are we entering into that place… are we daily growing into the fullness of life that Jesus has purchased for us with the shedding of His precious blood upon the cross? Because in this passage He makes it very clear, that there are those whose hearts have become too dull, ears too deaf, eyes too blind to receive His revelation.

 

Disobedience to God and His Word—which is sin—continually makes hearts duller, ears deafer, and eyes blinder, even in us who have been granted to know the mysteries of the kingdom. When we choose to sin or tolerate it in our lives, we are choosing to step out of the amazing place He has given to us.

 

If we allow the flesh to take over we can wind up hardening our hearts, spiritually plugging our ears, and placing spiritual blinders over our eyes—isolating ourselves from revelation and intimate fellowship with God that He has for us. But the solution and the remedy, is also made clear in this passage: Open your eyes and your heart and return, and I (Jesus) will heal you.

It is true that in midst of living for God that we can get so far from that place of intimate fellowship and relationship with Him that we at times miss the mysteries of the kingdom that He longs to share with us. We rationalize our time and say we have this and that task to do for Him, and maybe when we are done, if we're not too tired, then maybe we will give Him some time to overwhelm us with the mysteries of the of the kingdom of heaven, the secret thoughts, plans and will. 

 

This is just a simple reminder about the place we have been granted and how we can get dull, deaf, and blind if we're not careful.

Chapters

David became greater and greater, for the Lord God of hosts was with him. Then Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David with cedar trees and carpenters and stonemasons; and they built a house for David. And David realized that the Lord had established him as king over Israel, and that He had exalted his kingdom for the sake of His people Israel.

 

2 Samuel 5:10-12

 

 

Reading the Bible can be like watching a DVD chapter by chapter, as we flip the pages years pass by for the characters in each story.

 

In this particular life of David, we could say his life's chapters went a little something like this:

 

Chapter 1 – Young shepherd boy

Chapter 2 – The conquering of Goliath

Chapter 3 – In the presence of Saul

Chapter 4 – The wilderness in a cave

Chapter 5 – Traveling of the 4 cities

Chapter 6 – Crowning at Hebron

Chapter 7 – Back to Jerusalem

 

And we could go on and on, but as David watched the story of his life, he could not read ahead. There was no skipping ahead to the next chapter or repeating a previous chapter in his life as we can so easily when reading through the Bible.

There are scenic resting places on the hiking trail of our lives where we can stop and see where God has been. Much of what happens from day to day is a consistent trek with our eyes focused on the next step in front of us. But then we round the corner and look over the edge and see all that God has been up to.

 

We're not sure exactly how many years there were from the young shepherd boy to the throne in Jerusalem, maybe 15 or 20 years. But the message is clear enough—not everything happens at once. God is steadily at work in our lives and we need to learn to detect the increase of God's blessing in our lives along the way and not get impatient when we would like to skip ahead to the next chapter of our lives.

 

Enjoy the chapter you are in and allow God to lead and grow you in all that He has for you at this time—you cannot get this chapter back. And be sure that you are resting in Him as He writes the script to your life for all to see for His glory alone.

Rejecting God's Glory

Then the glory of the Lord departed from the threshold of the temple and stood over the cherubim.

 

Ezekiel 10:18

 

 

It should be noted that this is a vision that the prophet Ezekiel was having while in captivity in Chaldea. And in this vision, after witnessing the secret abominations of the leaders of the people, and the slaughter that would follow, it culminates with the worst thing of all, the people rejecting God's glory. As a result of the people's, and especially the leaders, gross sin and hardness of heart and refusal to listen to or follow God, left Ezekiel witness seeing God's glory—which represents His Spirit, His blessings, His presence, His power, and all that He is—leave the temple where He dwelled among His people.

 

We see in this vision, what God was telling the people He could no longer tolerate:

 

• Idolatry
• Immorality
• Blatant disrespect of His love and holiness

He was telling them that you can't have your life of selfishness and sin, doing whatever you feel like doing, and still be able to enjoy His blessing, presence, and protection whenever they wanted it. Finally, it came down to the people rejecting God's glory, because they continually were turning their backs on Him and were outright disobedience to everything He was telling them.

When we think about it, God's desire from the beginning of time was to share His love and fellowship with people who would be His and live with Him, in His presence and blessing. Throughout the Old Testament, time and time again, the people who God loved so much and just wanted to be with, rejected Him, abandoned Him, chose every evil instead of Him. And then in this vision as the people continued to reject Him, He was leaving, something that they never thought would ever happen.

Now in light of what we have just read, we need to be asking ourselves these questions:

 

1. How are we treating God who loves us so?
2. Do we realize that God will never leave us, but His anointing, blessings, power, and protection can depart from us?

As Christians, we are now the temple of the Holy Spirit of God who dwells in us and our selfish, self-centered, fleshly choices, and sin can so grieve the Holy Spirit, which causes us to break fellowship with God, but it doesn't mean that He has left us. We need to be totally and completely surrender and resting in God, as to allowing His anointed wisdom, blessings, power, and presence to be ever flowing in our lives—only then will we accomplish great things for the Kingdom and for His glory alone.

Wise Counsel Versus Presumption

So she said to Abram, "The Lord has kept me from having children. Go, sleep with my maidservant; perhaps I can build a family through her." Abram agreed to what Sarai said.

 

 

Genesis 16:2

God had promised a son to Abraham and Sarah—a son who would fulfill His promise to birth a nation. But Abraham and Sarah were past the normal age for childbearing. So, they concluded that God needed help to work out His plan.

 

Presumption is based on our own reasoning.

Abraham and Sarah fell into presumption when they got too old to have children and many believers make the same mistake every day. They make assumptions about what they believe God is doing and wants us to do.

 

However, before they really have full assurance that God has spoken to them on the matter and revealed His perfect action plan, they move forward prematurely or in a manner that is not the rout He would have us to go.

 

How do we protect ourselves from presumption?

 

We see these thoughts outlined in Proverbs, Where there is no guidance the people fall, but in abundance of counselors there is victory (Proverbs 11:14). Submitting our decisions to others for confirmation protects each of us from the deceit of our own heart. This process will protect us from presumption and encourage us to move in faith as God through the Holy Spirit leads us.

 

The next time you believe God is directing you toward a specific action, consult with Him first, then some close, godly and wise counsel who will take the time to prayerfully consider your request. If you don't have consensus, wait until you do before you move forward, but wait expectedly knowing that God will move through this process to His desired will for the matter.

Striving Versus Abiding

Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain.

 

Psalm 127:1a

What does it mean for the Lord to build the house?

 

It almost seems a contradiction when we consider this passage, but in fact God wants us to allow Him to build the house. As we read the rest of the above verse and into the second verse we get a better understanding of what He is wanting to convey:

Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain. In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat for He grants sleep to those He loves (Psalm 127:1-2).

 

God is telling us there is a way of working—conducting business without sweating and toiling—without striving and instead abiding. His warning to each of us is to avoid thinking that outcome is based on our sweat and toil, when in fact outcome is based on obedience. That outcome is sometimes more than we deserve and sometimes it is less than we hoped for. But regardless, His desire for each of us is to see Him working in our daily work life.

 

God wants us to avoid our own effort to gain an outcome.

One day Jesus called out to Peter from the shore of the lake and suggested he throw his net on the other side of the boat. It was this simple act of obedience that yielded a tremendous catch that he would not have received unless he obeyed.

We are called to work and God will bring forth the fruit.

 
We need to ask God daily to show us the difference between striving and abiding for an outcome. It can be challenging for us to balance this in our daily work experience, but God wants to help us walk in this freedom and rest.

Time Crunch

He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end.

 

Ecclesiastes 3:11

 

"I'm running out of time" or "I haven't got time for that now" are common phrases, that we use day in and day out without a second thought about what we just said. However we have just the same amount of time in each and every day, but it is how we use our time that counts.

 

There is a time for every action, and the wise person knows which action is appropriate for the designated time, but this is not the tension that creates a time crunch. We see the tension introduced in the Scripture above in these words, "He [God] has also set eternity in the hearts of men…" (Ecclesiastes 3:11a), here is the tension that creates a time crunch. Humans are constricted by time, but God has placed in us a sense of eternity, and our lot as humans is to live within time and crave eternity.

How do we live with this time crunch?

 

First, be reconciled to God who controls our eternity. This life is a shadow, and how we live today echoes into eternity. Will we live today with eternally as our delight, or will we live as mere robots going through the motions?

 

Second, follow Paul's command and "make the most of every opportunity…" (Ephesians 5:16). In the staying power of this passage Jonathan Edwards, pastor in the eighteenth century, wrote, "Resolved: Never to lose one moment of time, but to improve it in the most profitable way I possibly can."

Take time out to make a detailed account of how you spend your time for one week and record how much time you spend working, exercising, eating, sleeping, watching television, reading the Word, praying, or spending time with those you care about and love, etc.

 

Do you approach each day seeking to make the most of your time on earth?

 

What would your calendar look like, if you redeemed the time?

 

How can you continue to improve your use of time?

 

What would you increase?

 

What would you decrease?