Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Our Need For Dependence


Some struggles seem to endure, and it is very easy then to grow weary as we focus on what is lacking, on what barriers we might be up against, or what the prognosis might be for change in the struggle or situation. It is even tempting to consider giving up. Then we realize that we can’t, and we make an effort for a period of time in order to try to make some new headway. And when even this renewed effort proves to be unproductive or only temporarily productive before reverting to the previous condition, it is then that maybe we even feel like an old workhorse who has lost his value.

So often weariness goes hand in hand with losing heart, and with losing heart there is a losing of hope, and in losing hope there is a distancing of ourselves even from those we love. The church in Ephesus was praised in some ways for its perseverance and even it’s not growing weary in their deeds (Revelation 2). Yet in Revelation 2:4 we read, “But I have this against you, that you have left your first love.”

In Matthew 11:28-30 we read the invitation of Jesus to find our rest in Him, “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

In Hebrews 12:1-3 we find the example of Christ and those who, in faith, have gone before us as we ourselves are encouraged to run with endurance. “Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”

And the strength for this comes from God as we read in passages like 2 Thessalonians 3:3-5. “But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one. We have confidence in the Lord concerning you, that you are doing and will continue to do what we command. May the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the steadfastness of Christ.”

It is God who is able to take our inabilities and make us able. He has called us to trust Him in this as with all things, to lean on Him fully, and to depend on Him to direct our steps and meet our needs. Today Sarah writes about how when a need is lacking it is then a prime opportunity to trust God and to be blessed as we see Him take care of us.

Today in “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young (4/30)

When some basic need is lacking – time, energy, money – consider yourself blessed. Your very lack is an opportunity to latch onto Me in unashamed dependence. When you begin a day with inadequate resources, you must concentrate your efforts on the present moment. This is where you are meant to live – in the present; it is the place where I always await you. Awareness of your inadequacy is a rich blessing, training you to rely wholeheartedly on Me.

The truth is that self-sufficiency is a myth perpetuated by pride and temporary success. Health and wealth can disappear instantly, as can life itself. Rejoice in your insufficiency, knowing that My Power is made perfect in weakness.

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds. James 1:2

And he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NKJV)

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