In the Moment The life Jesus offers us is so simple. It centers around John 10:4: "When He has called out all His own, He goes on ahead of them, and His sheep follow because they know His voice." The question the Lord continually has me pose to people is, "Will you respond when He speaks, going where He sends you and doing what He asks you to do?" Many respond that it cannot be that simple. Others are afraid of what following Him may cost them. But we cannot answer this question once for all; we can only respond to Him in the moment. There are several different ways people refuse to respond to God’s purpose, and as a result the Christian life becomes a burden. Some set out to do God’s work in their own strength. Others passively sit back with their arms folded saying, "All right, God; if this life centers on You, then You do all the work!" Still others strive hard to rest in Him and wear themselves out in the process. None of these ways are the way and in all three cases, life is miserable and we lack joy and peace.
The only choice we can make is to respond to His voice THIS moment. It is true that we may not hear anything at the moment and we can become paranoid that we are not hearing from God. Is it likely that the God of the universe will have a hard time getting through if He has something to tell us? On the other side of the issue, by worrying about what He MAY ask, we often miss responding to what He IS asking in this moment. The point is, the enemy doesn’t have to steal the future; he simply has to distract us from the moment and shift our eyes onto tomorrow. Is Jesus enough for this moment? A lifetime with Him is built one moment at a time.
Verse for Reflection: "So I tell you, don’t worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food, drink, and clothes. Doesn’t life consist of more than food and clothing? Look at the birds. They don’t need to plant or harvest or put food in barns because your heavenly Father feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than they are. Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? Of course not. "And why worry about your clothes? Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and gone tomorrow, won’t he more surely care for you? You have so little faith! "So don’t worry about having enough food or drink or clothing. Why be like the pagans who are so deeply concerned about these things? Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs, and he will give you all you need from day to day if you live for him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern. "So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today." (Matthew 6:25-34) |
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