What does nothing mean? Is that everything, and anything? Is God indicating that if I asked for any whimsical fancy he would grant it? Can I ask for an infinite array of worldly pleasures and would he grant it to me? Is God some sort of genie who grants wishes to those who ask?
As I ponder these things I realize that there must be more than meets the eye to this verse. Granted, the scriptures are right in indicating that God can do all things. However when it pertains to what we can expect him to do there are limitations. Scripture indicates that God can do nothing outside of his will, and that when praying we should pray in line with his will. Thus the scripture is true pending only on its alignment with God’s will.
Thus knowing God’s will becomes the key. God’s will must first be understood and then discerned. Understanding God’s will is probably the easier of the two. We may understand that God wants us to be provided for, thus it would be his will for us to have a job. Further, it is easily understood that God wants us healthy, hence we can pray for healing. Also we know God wants people saved, thus we can expect those we share our faith with to come to Christ. Thus understanding God’s will in many areas is often quite apparent. However, when faced with a situation where you have prayed and nothing is occurring, you may need to discern God’s will in that instance. Many have fallen by the wayside on the journey of faith, because of ignorance in this area. They may even doubt God’s word simply because of lack of perceived results.
Discerning God’s will always begins with the understood will of God. For often one will be tempted to forgo believing in God’s word, were it not be a strong assurance in what God desires. It is a series of events, decisions and actions. Discerning his will involves patience, as one waits for God’s timing. It involves accountability, as one listens to Godly people as to how God’s will could unfold in their situation. Discerning his will involves personal integrity, as the individual is challenged to “walk the talk” and not act contrary to what their belief indicates. Discerning his will involves an intimate, ongoing relationship with God that is based on grace and not works. Thereby underscoring that its all about relationship and not the effects of the relationship.
God indeed has stated that nothing will be impossible for you and I. We must not be unclear about that. His word is truth. We need to be people of faith, latching on bull doggedly to his word and persevering to see it come to fruition in our lives. How else are we going to see a great God do might things for a hurting world? Yet at the same time, let’s not forgot that fulfillment of his word is often related to an appropriate season that must accurately be discerned.
Let’s achieve great things for God together. I challenge you to use your faith as a tool, not necessarily for personal gain, but primarily for kingdom purposes, expecting God to do great and mighty things, making the impossible become possible in your life.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
The road less travelled.
The battle is raging, the outcome of a gruesome, lingering war hangs in the balance. The forces of good and evil locked in arms wrestle to the bitter end to determine the fate of humanity. Jesus speaks about an unseen war in the spiritual realms. He states that the outcome of this war will be determined by the violence of the righteous. Is Jesus condoning warfare and bloodshed? Is this war literal? As I meditate on today’s Bible reading of the sermon on the mount, I am gripped by the analogy Jesus depicts of the reality of this life. Matthew 7, gives you and I two options. Either to take the favoured path through life or the less travelled road. Both have their pros and cons, yet the scriptures are clear. Only one road leads to God, which ultimately defeats the prevailing forces of this world.
Why then do most choose to fall casualty to the treacherous terrain and embark on the road of death. Matthew 7 reveals the answer. Jesus says the road of death is broad and wide. Indicating that it is easier to travel on. Think about it? If you had a choice to travel on a 5 lane interstate highway versus a one lane opposing traffic country road, what would you choose? Jesus clearly taught a revolutionary message that demanded too much from the average follower. No wonder they all left him at a point. Whether it is the glitter of materialism, the pizzazz of sex, or the solace in achievement’s and man-made accolades, the simple truth is that it is much easier to travel down the well worn path of the masses in this deceptive life we live in.
Jesus then speaks of a narrow road. This road similar to the “eye of a needle” which can only fit a few at a time. It is not glamorous, very costly and often lonely. It is the road far less travelled, which Bonhoeffer speaks of in his book the Cost of Discipleship. Though this path guarantees life, few find it Jesus touts. Why? Is he intentionally excluding his creation from spending eternity with him? By no means. The very opposite. He understands that our fallen nature will repel his righteousness, and disqualify us from eternal bliss. All too aware of the deception that our souls easily succumb too, he formulates a way that rescues us from our own self. He channels our often misguided hearts into a form which concretizes his image in us. The pressures of trials, the disappointments of friends, the revelation of our own shallowness, all acts as an imprint upon our souls, squeezing the bitter juice of this world’s fruit out, and creating a space where God can begin to work.
While this narrow road only gets worse, be encouraged friend for it leads to eternity. It also does get better. As you decide you will be a disciple, know that it will cost you something. In fact, it will cost you everything. Sell all you have, possessions of pride, self, rationalism, and yes possibly even material goods. Give your life to him, by giving your life away. Travel this narrow road, and don’t forget to catch a view from the window seat as God takes you on the journey of your life.
Why then do most choose to fall casualty to the treacherous terrain and embark on the road of death. Matthew 7 reveals the answer. Jesus says the road of death is broad and wide. Indicating that it is easier to travel on. Think about it? If you had a choice to travel on a 5 lane interstate highway versus a one lane opposing traffic country road, what would you choose? Jesus clearly taught a revolutionary message that demanded too much from the average follower. No wonder they all left him at a point. Whether it is the glitter of materialism, the pizzazz of sex, or the solace in achievement’s and man-made accolades, the simple truth is that it is much easier to travel down the well worn path of the masses in this deceptive life we live in.
Jesus then speaks of a narrow road. This road similar to the “eye of a needle” which can only fit a few at a time. It is not glamorous, very costly and often lonely. It is the road far less travelled, which Bonhoeffer speaks of in his book the Cost of Discipleship. Though this path guarantees life, few find it Jesus touts. Why? Is he intentionally excluding his creation from spending eternity with him? By no means. The very opposite. He understands that our fallen nature will repel his righteousness, and disqualify us from eternal bliss. All too aware of the deception that our souls easily succumb too, he formulates a way that rescues us from our own self. He channels our often misguided hearts into a form which concretizes his image in us. The pressures of trials, the disappointments of friends, the revelation of our own shallowness, all acts as an imprint upon our souls, squeezing the bitter juice of this world’s fruit out, and creating a space where God can begin to work.
While this narrow road only gets worse, be encouraged friend for it leads to eternity. It also does get better. As you decide you will be a disciple, know that it will cost you something. In fact, it will cost you everything. Sell all you have, possessions of pride, self, rationalism, and yes possibly even material goods. Give your life to him, by giving your life away. Travel this narrow road, and don’t forget to catch a view from the window seat as God takes you on the journey of your life.
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