2 Corinthians 1:8-11
Paul did not want the Corinthian believers to be uninformed about the hardships he and his companions were facing. He wanted them to know about the suffering, pressure, and even the despair his crew was feeling so that they would pray for them. He knew that a reason for the hardships, pressure, and feelings was that it would turn their eyes to God. They had to rely on God, who raises the dead, rather than on themselves. This in itself brought glory to God because when men are most satisfied in Him, He is most glorified. They were able to give thanks to God for His deliverance and the believers who had been informed about the circumstances were also able to give thanks to the Lord for His gracious favor on them "in answer to the prayers of many."
This is a reminder to me that it is more than okay to share about my hardships, pressures, and feelings with other believers in order to ask for prayer. Sometimes I neglect to do so because I feel selfish or I do not want the focus to be on me. I need to remember, however, that it is not about me. It is about the prayers of many being lifted to the Father and about Him working and being Himself and then us having reason to give thanks to God.
James 5:16- "...The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective." If we really believe this, than why would we neglect asking the righteous people in our lives to pray for us and our circumstances?!?!
Monday, May 28, 2007
Saturday, May 12, 2007
Just What I Need As Always
"THE GRACIOUSNESS OF UNCERTAINTY by Oswald Chambers
'It doth not yet appear what we shall be.' 1 John 3:2
Naturally, we are inclined to be so mathematical and calculating that we look upon uncertainty as a bad thing. We imagine that we have to reach some end, but that is not the nature of spiritual life. The nature of spiritual life is that we are certain in our uncertainty, consequently we do not make our nests anywhere. Common sense says - 'Well, supposing I were in that condition . . .' We cannot suppose ourselves in any condition we have never been in. Certainty is the mark of the common-sense life: gracious uncertainty is the mark of the spiritual life. To be certain of God means that we are uncertain in all our ways, we do not know what a day may bring forth. This is generally said with a sigh of sadness, it should be rather an expression of breathless expectation. We are uncertain of the next step, but we are certain of God.
Immediately we abandon to God, and do the duty that lies nearest, He packs our life with surprises all the time. When we become advocates of a creed, something dies; we do not believe God, we only believe our belief about Him. Jesus said, 'Except ye become as little children.' Spiritual life is the life of a child. We are not uncertain of God, but uncertain of what He is going to do next. If we are only certain in our beliefs, we get dignified and severe and have the ban of finality about our views; but when we are rightly related to God, life is full of spontaneous, joyful uncertainty and expectancy.
'Believe also in Me,' said Jesus, not - 'Believe certain things about Me.' Leave the whole thing to Him, it is gloriously uncertain how He will come in, but He will come. Remain loyal to Him."
'It doth not yet appear what we shall be.' 1 John 3:2
Naturally, we are inclined to be so mathematical and calculating that we look upon uncertainty as a bad thing. We imagine that we have to reach some end, but that is not the nature of spiritual life. The nature of spiritual life is that we are certain in our uncertainty, consequently we do not make our nests anywhere. Common sense says - 'Well, supposing I were in that condition . . .' We cannot suppose ourselves in any condition we have never been in. Certainty is the mark of the common-sense life: gracious uncertainty is the mark of the spiritual life. To be certain of God means that we are uncertain in all our ways, we do not know what a day may bring forth. This is generally said with a sigh of sadness, it should be rather an expression of breathless expectation. We are uncertain of the next step, but we are certain of God.
Immediately we abandon to God, and do the duty that lies nearest, He packs our life with surprises all the time. When we become advocates of a creed, something dies; we do not believe God, we only believe our belief about Him. Jesus said, 'Except ye become as little children.' Spiritual life is the life of a child. We are not uncertain of God, but uncertain of what He is going to do next. If we are only certain in our beliefs, we get dignified and severe and have the ban of finality about our views; but when we are rightly related to God, life is full of spontaneous, joyful uncertainty and expectancy.
'Believe also in Me,' said Jesus, not - 'Believe certain things about Me.' Leave the whole thing to Him, it is gloriously uncertain how He will come in, but He will come. Remain loyal to Him."
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