Scripture: Deuteronomy 1:19-36
Standing on the edge of the Promised Land, the Israelites
were overcome by fear. The size and strength of the enemy contrasted sharply
with their own weakness and inability. Because we’re human, everyone at times
will experience inadequacy and the uncomfortable feelings that accompany it.
The issue you and I face is not whether we are sufficient for a task, but how
we will respond when a challenge is beyond our capabilities.
Like the children of Israel, we can give in to fear and then
focus on the expectation of certain failure. As the obstacle grows in our
minds, our feet run in the opposite direction, away from the challenge and
toward safety. However, turning away from the task that God has given us will
lead us not to security but into bondage. By allowing fear to control our
choices, we’ll become chained to feelings of inadequacy, which will shape our
future decisions and, ultimately, our destinies.
As a result of their refusal to trust the Lord and move
forward to conquer the land, the Israelites were consigned to wander in the
wilderness for 40 years. The men who did not believe God’s promise never saw
the land that He wanted to give them. Opportunities are always lost when we let
fear overrule our faith.
When God calls you to a task beyond your abilities, instead
of giving in to your feelings, choose to rely on what you know about Him and
His promises. By moving forward in faith despite your inadequacy, you will
discover the Lord’s faithfulness. He always empowers us for the works He
assigns.
No Strings Attached
“While we were still
sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8
NIV
When we love with expectations, we say, “I love you. But I’ll
love you more if . . .”
Christ’s love had none of this. No strings, no expectations,
no hidden agendas, no secrets. His love for us was, and is, up front and clear.
“I love you,” he says. “Even if you let me down. I love you in spite of your
failures.”
No comments:
Post a Comment
Post a Comment