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Dependent God has ways of keeping us dependent! I had recently arrived home to a busy schedule after ten days of travel. Because I had to prepare a counseling overview to present in a nearby community the very next day, there was little time to adjust. You can imagine the state of things in the office and the house after our arrival. We had heaps of unpacking to do, and the office work was way behind. I got up at 5:00 AM the day of the presentation to delve into the work, planning to catch up by working hard all day. During an unexpected counseling call that morning, I shared how I am learning to welcome problems as they put me in weakness so that His strength can be revealed. I love how God comes for my words, asking me if I really mean it! The way the day went, I was not able to consider preparing for the seminar until about 2:00 PM. Just as I was getting started, the phone rang. It was Becky calling from another community where she and our children had appointments that afternoon. Her van had broken down and she needed help. I was faced with a choice. I could fight the situation and get angry, or I could simply yield while seeking God in it. In the past I would have chosen the former, but I have had this happen so often it only took me about ten seconds to say "Amen" and trust that God knew what He was doing. Yes, I felt intense frustration, but I didn't have to take up with those feelings. I could let them flow by like a river while sitting on the bank and watching them flow by. We got the van "bandaged" enough to get it back home by about 4:00 PM, which left only one hour to prepare and pack before having to leave for the seminar. Things were very rushed, but He provided the exact time we needed to pack up and get back on the road. When I stood up to speak that night, I did not have much of anything thought out. In the past I would have been really nervous. However, my desire is that His will be done in ALL things. That includes what happens if nothing is said or if I look like a fool. I only desire whatever blesses Him the most. I have discovered that once I am willing to accept the worst, I am able to show up and rest in Him, trusting His will to be done no matter the cost to me personally. God showed up, and we were all blessed. People were very receptive to the message, and lives were touched. That was nice to see, but the real joy for me is to continually see how God's working is in no way dependent upon me. He continually shows me that even if everyone had left thinking it was a waste of time, His will was being done; that is all that matters. God uses problems to put me in weakness and dependence, reminding me that I am but a jar of clay. Whatever is accomplished through me that has any value is flowing from the treasure that lies within, which is "Christ in you, the hope of Glory!" The things that work death in me --death of self-- bringing the end of MY kingdom, MY glory, MY pride, and MY righteousness, are the very things that allow His life to flow to others. I pray that you too will continue to see how God is working in your situation to bring a greater release of His life that dwells within you. Article # - LCMI – 2004-188: 5/04/2004 |
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