Do I use my faith? I mean, REALLY use it? Do I use it CORRECTLY? Do I actively believe God to be who He says He is, to do the things I know He can do, to make His Word alive and active in me? Do I actively believe who God says I am, and that I can do all things through Christ? Do I believe that God can do miracles using this clay pot o mine? Do I believe He can give me the strength and patience I need to not only last the day with 2 small kids, but actually be a godly example and teacher to them as well? Do I believe that though my eyes are sleepy, my mind is unfocused, my body begs to stay in bed, God will enliven and enable me to wake up and be glad? Do I believe that in any awkward social situation He can speak confidence, eloquence, and grace through my soul? Do I believe that though I know I do not have ___[insert anything]___ in me presently, God can insert it there where it was not before? Do I believe that loving those particular people I find unlovely is not only possible, but already accomplished if I choose to accept it? Do I believe He will give me the EXACT amount of time I need for every task He has called me to? Do I believe it even when I'm tired? Hungry? Cranky? Sick? Lazy? Stubborn? Hurt? Stressed? What are those conditions, but roadblocks to overcome to the glory of God - and I am MORE than conqueror to everything that stands in the way of His purposes! God gave me everything I need to extinguish ALL the fiery arrows Satan tries to hurl at me!
Multiple Choice Quiz
Do I take up my shield of faith:
A. at the first hint of weakness along my borders
B. after I feel the first stings of enemy onslaught
C. after I'm weary from my own attempts to save myself, or
D. when I'm floundering around in bleeding self-pity crying out for God to have mercy?
Which does God esteem most? I TAKE UP MY SHIELD - NOT 2 seconds from now, not when I'm down, not when I'm on death's door, BUT NOW!!! Help me practice Lord, make my defensive strategy move up the list to answer A through baby steps of obedience. I am not yet a mighty warrior, but I KNOW I will be because that's who You made all of us to be. May I never forget it.
No, I don't have the ability to believe God. My intellectual beliefs hinge on sight and ability to understand. But I can CHOOSE to believe that which I do not see and do not yet understand. I know my Lord, and I am deciding to trust Him.
I Know Whom I Have Believed
Daniel W. Whittle, 1840-1901
James McGranahan, 1840-1907
I know not why God's wondrous grace to me He hath made known,
Nor why unworthy, Christ in love redeemed me for His own.
But "I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able
To keep that which I've committed unto Him against that day."
I know not how this saving faith to me He did impart,
Nor how believing in His Word, wrought peace within my heart.
But "I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able
To keep that which I've committed unto Him against that day."
I know not how the Spirit moves, convincing men of sin,
Revealing Jesus through the Word, creating faith in Him.
But "I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able
To keep that which I've committed unto Him against that day."
I know not what of good or ill may be reserved for me,
Of weary ways or golden days, before His face I see.
But "I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able
To keep that which I've committed unto Him against that day."
I know not when my Lord may come, at night or noonday fair;
If faithful, when He comes again, I'll "meet Him in the air."
But "I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able
To keep that which I've committed unto Him against that day."
May I be Your clay pot, Oh Lord! Make me more and more ordinary so that Your glory can be more and more extraordinary! Help me believe You with such voracity that I am certain my next breath would not come if You hadn't commanded it to! I want to be like Beth and err on the side of BELIEVING YOU!
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