Earning vs Working
"I ask—ask the God of our Master, Jesus Christ, the God of glory—to make you intelligent and discerning in knowing him persona"lly, your eyes focused and clear, so that you can see exactly what it is he is calling you to do, grasp the immensity of this glorious way of life he has for his followers, oh, the utter extravagance of his work in us who trust him—endless energy, boundless strength!" Eph 1 MSG
I don't think I have a problem seeing what it is God is calling me to do. After all, the apostle Paul himself prayed that God would make me intelligent and discerning in knowing Him personally. No, my problem is not a vision problem -- I can see just fine. My problem is in carrying out the vision. My problem is in overcoming the obstacles between me and completing the job God has given me to do. My problem is a lack of faith and trust in God's promise to provide for our family while I complete the work to which He has called me. My problem is jumping too far ahead and worrying about tomorrow when today has plenty of trouble of its own. I'm borrowing trouble from tomorrow, going into "trouble-debt," and allowing it to steal my focus from what I can do today.
God, help me to stay focused on today. Maybe I do have a vision problem. I'm so concerned about the long term that I am blind to what You would have me do TODAY. I can do that -- with Your help I can focus on one day at a time. We have done it before. When I begin to presume omniscience, let that be a red flag that stops me in my tracks and reminds me of Your promises. When fear and anxiety creep in, let them be a reminder to stop and thank You for all You have done to provide for us already. Through all of this, help me to remember that the debt is already paid. You have welcomed me back into Your household, adopted me as Your son, heir to Your kingdom. The work to which You have called me is not a means of earning Your favor. It is the means by which I discover "the immensity of this glorious way of life" and the "utter extravagance" of Your work in us who trust in You. Grant me endless energy and boundless strength as I step out in faith today. To You be all the glory, now and forever.
Created over 2 years ago
