The life of the authentic
Christian is one of complete dependence on God. This dependence develops a deep
restfulness that permeates every area of our life. There is no reason to
struggle and strive in life. When stress tries to overwhelm us, we can go to
our solid Rock who is higher, stronger and more stable than we are and find
rest for our soul (Psalm 61:2).
God gives us a firm footing on
which to walk in this unstable world in which we live (Psalm 37:23; 40:2). He makes
our path level so we do not stumble or fall (Isaiah 26:7). He guards our feet. It is not
by strength that we prevail, but by the power of God in our life (1 Samuel 2:9). When
we hide God’s Word in our heart, our feet do not slip as we work to
increase the Kingdom of God by His Spirit’s direction (Psalm 37:31; 66:9).
We do not use obnoxious gimmicks in ministry, but we simply
present the gospel in a kind manner to whomever will give us their time to
listen. It is not our responsibility to make anyone believe. They come only as
the Holy Spirit draws them (John 6:44). However, it is our responsibility to go into the
entire world and to make disciples for Christ of anyone who wants the blessings
and relationship we have with Him.
The Vine and
branch is such a special, reciprical relationship mutually benefitting one
another; and we rest in our union with the Vine. He is also the Potter, we are
the clay; and we rest in His hands as He molds us into a vessel of His
choosing. Another analogy is that He is the Head and we are His Body. Our body
never moves unless our mind tells us to do so. This is the same as with our
relationship with God.
We depend on God entirely for
our every need. The deeper our union, the more we listen to His Spirit. We
never move unless He directs. Our love for Him and our passion for winning the
lost and growing His Body increases with each passing day. The days get sweeter
and even in negative circumstances, we maintain the positive attitude, which
faith provides.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, we sit at Your feet
and learn from you, just as Mary did when she chose the wiser part in your
visit to Your friends’ home (Luke
10:39). We bask in the peace and rest, which
increases in us as our knowledge of You and relationship with You increases. We
give you all of our anxieties, because You care for us (1 Peter 5:7). Give us Your divine promises,
love and abilities in order to affect a change in our world.
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Thought for the Day:
We rest in our relationship with God and move only as He directs.
We rest in our relationship with God and move only as He directs.
