It is possible to
know about the Lord and to walk in obedience to His precepts; yet still walk in
darkness, because you are not Born Again by His Spirit (Isaiah
50:10). We can live
with a mental understanding of God, without a personal relationship with Him.
Even those who walk victoriously in God’s presence may lose their faith from
time to time, especially if God suddenly interrupts His blessings as He did
with Job. We think that God is mad at us or not sovereign after all.
When we gauge our spiritual
connection by our outward circumstances, we often grow disheartened. This leads
to wallowing in the darkness of depression and discouragement. However, this
will only happen if we depend more upon the provision than the Provider. When
we seek God’s supply rather than His presence. Actually, God’s blessings do not
depend on our position with Him, because they come to the unjust as well as to
the just (Matthew 5:44-45; Psalm 37).
However, only those who persevere
to the end will receive the prize of the high calling of God (Matthew 24:13; Philippians 3:14). This has nothing to do with material blessings and
everything to do with enjoying God’s presence in our life moment by moment
throughout the day. We can live in a den of squalor or in a state of
homelessness, and still have the full blessings of God on our life. Worldly
success is no indication of God’s favor; even the vilest of human beings often
live in the lap of luxury.
God’s blessings are spiritual and
often overflow into the physical realm; however, earthly treasure is not an
automatic outcome of living for Christ. Believers in third world countries are
no less blessed than Americans living in the lap of luxury. In fact, they live
the blessing of a much simpler life, unencumbered by the cares of this world.
They need not toil or sweat to keep up with their neighbor or to have the best
and the most, which money can buy.
Once we call out
to God in our sinful state and completely surrender our life into His
protection and provision, we can know without a doubt that He will supply all
of our needs according to His abundant riches (Philippians
4:19). The next time
God pulls the rug out from under you, and you land in an unbecoming pose,
remember that you are always sheltered in the everlasting arms of God. There is
no calamity, which can separate us from the love of God (Romans
8:35-39).
Father God, You give us both the desire and the strength to work out our own salvation (Philippians 2:12-13). You comfort and direct us through Your Spirit within and Your Word without. Your joy is our strength and You give us hope by Your presence in our life, even in the most discouraging of experiences. Help us to persevere until the end of our days, so that we can receive the crown of life (James 1:12).
Thought for the Day:
God leads us through the darkness by His inner Light within us. - John 8:12
