"For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control." 2 Timothy 1:7 (Amplified Bible)
Over and over in my head is the story of Elijah and his servant, at least I think it was Elijah. I can't seem to locate the story in the Old Testament, but I have heard it spoken during some sermons I have attended. The one where the servant is freaking out because the Egyptian Army is coming to kill both the prophet and his servant, yet the old prophet just sits there and watches them come. The servant wants to run but Elijah won't have anything to do with that.
Finally, Elijah asks God to open the servant's eyes so that he can see. And WHAT a sight he does SEE, the Heavenly Host surrounding both of them….that will not allow the approaching army to harm them. All the protection they need surrounded them unseen, except when you had the veil removed by God.
I have been much like that servant lately, running around like a chicken with its head chopped off (and yes, I have seen such a sight----on a farm), crying like Chicken Little that the sky is falling directly and squarely on my head. And my accountability partner and brother has stood there telling me to calm down and do the things I know to do and pray for the rest.
And I have been immobile, not only physically in regards to transportation…my car is toast and I have no funds for another….but also spiritually. I haven't attended Chapel in over a week, although that was scheduled with Chaplain John, but mostly I haven't spent time with God as I usually do in the mornings. I feel His guidance in my blogs, but most of the rest of the time is spent in rantings and ravings about the dangers and stresses I am facing. I am sleeping less, worrying more, and generally suffering greatly.
I am tired of getting a handle on one crisis and having to deal with another. I am starting to fear solving them because I don't know what else is going to happen……..except on the last day….
Then this verse shows up…..
God hasn't given me fear, doubt, or anguish……that is the direct opposite of what He has given me. I have the spirit of power, love, strength, and wisdom that will carry me through the trials and tribulations that I am facing and will give me the fulfillment of the promise of "nothing to harm but to prosper me" that God has already promised.
I have forgotten what I had read and was believing what I was seeing.
The Gospel has to be, to us as Christians in a fallen and hateful world, not merely a head-nod to the King but a deep abiding love of the value that is contained in the words that were written and inspired and protected by the Heavenly Father.
This is where we have the advantage over the enemy and his dominions. The Word tells us that God is committed to us, and will help us through our struggles. It is when we focus on what we can do by our own strength, financial ability, or charm that gets us into difficultly.
It is only by the power of the Holy Spirit, that dwells in the heart of all believers, that helps us endure and overcome, and even go through. We cannot lean on our own understandings or our own heartfelt desires to gain wisdom that will get us beyond the struggles we face.
We need to return to the Word, abide in God, and weather the storm…….
At least, that's what this verse from nowhere means to me……
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