Stepping and Standing, these are both challenging. Sometimes
we step out when we shouldn't and sometimes we refuse to step when we should.
And frequently when we are supposed to step, we do so timidly with uncertainty
of the results or outcomes. And similarly with standing, sometimes we stand
when we should be stepping. We stand in the midst of things which are not
healthy or right. We stand in place rather than accepting opportunities for
service. Yet, whether we step or we stand oftentimes the root issue is the same
and that is a lack of dependence.
The people of Israel after seeing God do incredible things
in order to bring about their release were very short-sighted and rebellious when
it came to God. No sooner had they left Egypt than they were faced with their
backs up against the Red Sea with an army quickly approaching and God
intervened again. As they were in the desert and Moses had left them to go onto
the mountain, they listened to other voices and turned their eyes from God and
began to worship gods made by human hands. When the spies were sent into the
land, only two of the spies saw God’s ability to bring them victory. And so it
was with them, they wandered until an entire generation had died off. They had
a serious dependence issue, one that arose out of their not seeking after and worshiping their God who was daily leading them and providing their very direction
and sustenance or daily manna. God did not lead them into the wilderness to
abandon them, yet before they ever took one step He already knew that many
would.
Then there is Joshua and Caleb. These men stood by Moses’
side with some faithful others, and it is these men that God used to lead His
people into their promised land. That which God said He would do He accomplished,
and in doing this He used men who depended on Him.
Scripture tells us that God has not given us a spirit of
timidity, but of power and love and sound judgment or discipline (2 Timothy
1:7). It also tells us that that which He began in us He is also faithful to
complete (Philippians 1:6). But, God also tells us to seek after Him wholly, to
listen to Him carefully, and to trust Him completely and He will direct out
steps (Proverbs 3:5-6). Our God is indeed a mighty God and there is nothing too
difficult for Him.
Joshua 1:5-9. “No
man will be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as
I have been with Moses, I will be with you; I will not fail you or forsake you. Be strong and
courageous, for you shall give this people possession of the land which I swore
to their fathers to give them. Only be strong and very courageous; be careful to
do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from
it to the right or to the left, so that you may have success wherever you go. This
book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it
day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is
written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will
have success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be
dismayed, for the Lord your God is
with you wherever you go.”
Today in “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young (5/14)
I am a mighty God. Nothing is too
difficult for Me. I have chosen to use weak ones like you to accomplish My
purposes. Your weakness is designed to open you up to My Power. Therefore, do
not fear your limitations or measure the day’s demands against your strength.
What I require of you is to stay connected to Me, living in trusting dependence
on My limitless resources. When you face unexpected demands, there is no need
to panic. Remember that I am with you. Talk with Me, and listen while I talk
you through each challenging situation.
I am not a careless God. When I
allow difficulties to come into your life, I equip you fully to handle them.
Relax in My Presence, trusting in My Strength.
“For nothing is impossible with
God.” Luke 1:37
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