Wednesday, May 28

Through faith, movement is possible.

Romans 4:20,21(NAS) "Yet, with respect to the promise of God, he did not waver in unbelief but grew strong in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully assured that what God had promised, He was able also to perform."

Paul was talking about Abraham, the father of the Israelite nation and ultimately---all who are grafted in the vine of the favored nation. This was the devotional from Worthy News Ministry, and was coupled to a story of a corporal in Napoleon's army who suddenly found himself as the Captain of Napoleon's personal guard. He seized upon the promise of this short statured, but historically great figure, and rose up to the challenges that would face such a major promotion. Movement despite fear.

I look at the challenges that face me as a single parent, and I quake in fear. So many things that I've got to do now, from homework assignments to nurturing. Last night was a prime example of what life is going to be like, with fifty million questions flying around as I tried to get dinner going and make sure homework was done despite being exhausted from 10 hours of work and driving. Worries about finances, vehicle repairs still needed, and so on have sapped my energy to do something I feel led and enjoy doing: writing for this blog.

God promised me, and all of us, that the plans He has for us…that He designed us for, aren't to harm us but to prosper and bless us. Most people look to that as assurance that we will not be poor, but will be able to live comfortably. But prosperity comes in many forms. I know, for I am a richer man than most because I have the love and respect of my children.

It is okay to question, to probe, to wonder about the circumstances that surround us, that demand our attention and cause us stress. To a point. At the end of the day, when all is said and done, where is our focus? Is it on our problems, or on the Creator who has the strength, grace, love, and righteousness to overcome those problems in both little and spectacular ways?

When we allow ourselves to be crippled in fear, we cannot go where God would lead us, to face those trials that God has allowed, sent, or left unaltered. We don't live as people of promise, but as people of fear. We stop moving and begin to die.

When we take assurance that nothing is permanent but the promises of God, then we can move where God calls us to go, confident that nothing can harm us permanently and ultimately God will triumph. It is with that assurance that we can lift our hands up in praise despite the raging seas.

God is good! God is great! And He loves me!

I will praise Him in this storm, and all that follow, until He quiets the seas once more.

In Christ,
Jim