Devotional - 99-08-26 - How Much More Abundantly

Luke 12:25-28 "And which of you by being anxious can add a single cubit to his life's span? ²⁶ "If then you cannot do even a very little thing, why are you anxious about other matters? ²⁷ "Consider the lilies, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin; but I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory did not clothe himself like one of these. ²⁸ "But if God so arrays the grass in the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, how much more will He clothe you, O men of little faith! (NAS)

I'm going to let you all in on a little secret. Some of my close friends are aware of this fact. It's not something that I advertise, or am especially pleased with. In fact, it can cause me a great deal of frustration and worry. I actually suffered a recently bout with this problem. What is it? Well, I hope this doesn't come as a horrible surprise to you all. But here goes: I'm not perfect.

I'll give you a minute to recover from the shock of the moment.

The Lord has blessed me in many ways beyond my counting. He has given me an active mind and the ability to solve problems. In working with computer systems, this is particularly helpful. But it has its downside too. While God has given me the tools to do the work that I do, and a job that I find challenging, I can carry these tools into arenas where they seem to fit, but are a hindrance to me. With Bible study, we are to be Bereans and search the scriptures to prove what we are taught. We encourage each reader to do just that. But there are areas where Jesus wants us to set aside these talents and trust Him. I'm not talking about a broken water pipe. Get the wrench or call the plumber, wherever your gifts are strongest. I'm talking about those times when relationships are strained, or problems seem to come one after the other and there is pain and confusion.

I was recently struggling with one of these issues. I was wrestling with it as I drove to work. I was trying to pray for all my family and friends, but this issue was paramount in my mind. Suddenly a thought crashed into my mind saying, "Can't you trust Me with this, Michael?". I was taken aback sharply. I had been trying so hard to find the key to solve the problem myself. All along, Jesus wanted me to let go and give it to Him. Of course I could trust Him. I gave it up immediately and confessed my lack of faith. The release was instantaneous and complete. I had struggled under the load needlessly. Once more time, the lesson came the hard way.

There are times when it is time to make a list and start doing. And there are other times when we pick a few things off that list and give them over to the Master. If you've been running into brick walls and your nose is a little flatter than you like, be still for a moment. See if the God who loved you enough to die in your place is trying to get your attention. God is not a magic lamp that grants our every wish. Sometimes the answer is no, or wait. Sometimes it is that the Lord will heal a dear friend or family member with His ultimate healing in death and resurrection. It may not always come the way we want it, but it is always what is best. Our limited, mortal vision can not always see all of the parts of the puzzle. His grace is poured out on those who name Him as Savior and Lord in the promise of Heaven. The struggles of this life and this world will not measure up to a moment in the presence of Christ. In all this abundance, we can learn to trust Him with our problems and our treasures here.

Luke 11:13 "If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?" (NAS)

Lord Jesus - please help us to hear You when You call. And help us to trust You to know what is best, even with the gifts we treasure most. Our worry and struggle is a lack of faith in the care You have for us. Amen.

Peace,
Mike

mhoskins@cfdevotionals.org
http://www.cfdevotionals.org