Friday, November 14, 2008

Trusting God’s Limitless Resources

This morning’s Small Straws in a Soft Wind by Marsha Burns really caught my attention:

You are in a time of unexpected and rapid change as I move you into the next phase of life experience. This is a fast track, and how you respond to this time of transition will determine its level of difficulty. The most beneficial response is to maintain flexibility and to go with the flow and to roll with the punches. If you resist change or try to maintain status quo, circumstances will only become more chaotic and challenging. Now is the time to deliberately relax and be at peace by putting your trust in Me, says the Lord.

The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. And those who know Your name will put their trust in You; for You, LORD, have not forsaken those who seek You.
(Psalm 9:9–10)

When I first read this, my thought was, “I knew I should be looking over my shoulder—things have been going so well lately!” But as I meditated on it further, I realized that we should always “maintain flexibility and go with the flow and roll with the punches.” And really, “how you respond to this time of transition will determine its level of difficulty” is always true. Life with the Lord is always a fast track!

Lord, help me to rest more deeply in You, to relax in Your peace, and to grow in flexibility as You lead me down the path You’ve chosen.

The Lord has also been convicting me about pride. Recently, He revealed an area I hadn’t recognized. Normally, I am very disciplined with eating, working out, scheduling my time, and staying organized. Without even realizing it, I would compare myself to others who weren’t as disciplined and judge them—even if only in my thoughts. But lately, I haven’t been doing so well in those areas (something I’ve already mentioned before). And the Lord showed me that it was never my strength that kept me disciplined, but Christ in me. He allowed my ability to waver so I could see clearly: it is Him alone who gives strength and determination.

Thank You, Lord, for revealing my pride and for showing me the truth—that it is You in me who is my strength. Please forgive my judgment of others; that role belongs to You alone. Now, I am learning to ask Him for the strength I need, instead of relying on myself.

Today, I met with a friend I hadn’t talked with in over a year. In one short hour, I tried to summarize all that God has been doing in our lives—almost impossible! Like many others, she asked, “Why don’t you get your nonprofit or license, do fundraisers, or go through the church system so you can get paid for what you’re doing?”

It probably seems so unusual, even confusing, that we’re not pursuing the “normal” paths most Christians would. But God has called us to something different. He wants us to look to Him alone for provision. I know myself well enough to recognize that if support came from a church, a fundraiser, or a person, I would start looking to those sources instead of to God. He is teaching us to trust Him at a level we could not reach otherwise. I don’t know the full reason yet, but I do know His plan is perfect.

And honestly, there are blessings in it too. For example, we aren’t affected by the economy, layoffs, the stock market, or gas prices. I remember telling Tom, when gas was at its highest, how grateful I was that we weren’t relying on a “limited paycheck” but on God’s limitless resources. He is not impacted by this world’s economy. No matter how high food or gas prices go, He will continue to provide everything we need. Thank You, Father, that Your provision is not limited, restricted, or shaken by the events of this world.

It was a full day today—working out in the rain (thankfully it wasn’t too cold), three back-to-back meetings, and then an evening of prayer and worship at D and LB’s house. The Spirit’s presence was very sweet, and it was such a gift to simply rest in the Lord together.