Month: <span>August 2014</span>

daily devotionalSimon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God.John 6:68-69 (NIV)

Even if we don’t understand God’s plan, we need to respond to his direction. In fact, when we don’t understand God’s plan that we need to be very focused on doing exactly what he directs us to do.

God allows us to choose to do his will, or to not do his will, and often, he asks us to make that choice before we know the specific details of his plan. That’s because part of his plan is to develop in us a trust – where we trust God’s character and his benevolence.

He develops within you an attitude of prior commitment, a desire to do his will. Part of the strength that God gives you to “do all things through him” is the ability to choose to do his will, even before you know what it is.

But this is where many people stall in their steps toward being on mission. They get into a battle of wills with God, wanting him to reveal his plan first, and only then will they decide whether or not to respond.

But that’s not the way it works. God wants you to decide in advance that you’ll do what he tells you to do. He’s calling you to trust him with complete abandonment, believing that his will is the best plan for your life and believing that he will strengthen you to do all the things he asks.

You may not be ready to do that yet, but God will even give you the strength to be honest about that. God will not be surprised by your transparency if you say, “Father, I’m not sure I’m ready to do your will. I don’t know if I want to do it or not.” He already knows about your hesitancy.

But allow God to strengthen you in this area. Tell him, “I don’t know that I’m willing to step out in faith without first knowing everything that’s going to happen, but I’m willing to be made willing.”

One reason God doesn’t give you the full picture of his plans for your life is that you may be overwhelmed by what you see. Since it is a God-sized mission, it may appear impossible for you to complete. But that’s the point—there is no way you can fulfill your mission without God and his strength.

As you take steps of faith, and your confidence in God increases, he will reveal more of the plan.

By Jon Walker

You can comment on this devotional online at:
https://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2014/08/31/jw_god-doesnt-give-you-the-full-picture/


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Thoughts by All thoughts by Jon Walker Thoughts by Men

mountain sceneBut be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.James 1:22 (ESV)

Giving our heart to Christ and becoming a Christian is an individual experience. No one can do it for us. It is something we have to do for ourselves. But living the Christian life involves interaction with others of like mind, as together we form a community and fellowship of believers.

Just as a one-person band can be very weak, the Christian’s life is not a solo act. Rather, we are like members of an orchestra, each playing the part for which God has uniquely equipped us.

God has given each of us gifts and talents. We’re uniquely crafted to carry out a one-of-a-kind role in Christian community. He doesn’t call the equipped; rather, He equips the called, and He will never call you to do anything beyond the abilities He gives you to do it.

We are saved to serve. We are called to be involved. There is so much joy in playing our part in God’s orchestra.

Father, help me to rise up and answer the calling You have placed on my life. Help me to walk in humble service as a play the role you’ve prepared for me in the fellowship of believers I am a part of.

By John Grant
John Grant is a former Florida State Senator and is a practicing attorney

You can comment on this devotional online at:
https://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2014/08/30/jg_saved-to-serve/


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Thoughts by All thoughts by John Grant Thoughts by Men