12/05/2019
Are you someone who worries over every little thing that might possibly happen to you in the future, or, are you a person who leans on God to provide solutions as problems arise? There is much discussion today about the negative effects of stress and worry on our health, but if you hold tight to the promise that Jesus made to us you will live a life that is free of such things.
“In that day you will ask nothing of me. Truly, truly, I say to you, whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you.”
John 16:23 ESV
Whatever we ask God to provide us He will provide... so how do we interpret this? Do we ask for only those things that are serious needs, and will satisfy what is facing us right now, or are we more like undisciplined children who are turned loose in a candy store and told they can have whatever sweets they like... children who run here and there in reckless abandon, stuffing their pockets, and mouths, with candy until they must waddle to walk, and who ultimately become sickened by all the sugar they have eaten? Do you envision God allowing that to happen? Would you provide for your children in this fashion? I doubt you would.
This verse is often used to justify a particular disability we have. The symptoms of this disability are constant worry, a shortage of understanding regarding God’s will, not trusting in God, and a lack of faith. We call this particular malady selfishness. We use this particular verse in an attempt to make God do our will, and not to acquire those things that will bring us into His. In John 1 the apostle defines this further...
“And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us.”
1 John 5:14 ESV
There are four new words added... “according to his will”, and these set the boundary that was meant to be implied when Jesus spoke. God gives us those things that will work together for our good, and are in accordance to His will. Jesus did nothing in His life that was outside the will of God, so why would we expect that we could ask Such things now?
So let’s go back to the subject of stress and worry. There are two things that will cause us to experience them, the first is that we can’t see a solution to our needs and problems, and the second is a frantic desire to gather more and more, without seeing any relief to our constant neediness.
Regarding the first, when we ask God for things that are outside His will, and He doesn’t give them to us because they are contrary to His nature, then our misunderstanding of who He is causes us to begin doubting His Word each time we ask for anything. This doubt causes us to worry about His provision, and that breeds stress. When we have absolute trust and confidence that God will provide and protect us then there is no worry, and thus no stress, but how God provides may not be how we think He should provide...
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”
John 14:27 ESV
On more than one occasion I have prayed for a safe and swift journey as I traveled somewhere, but as I made the trip something held me up. It might have been an accident that backed up traffic, or a flat tire, and when this happened I would be tempted to think that my prayer hadn't been answered, but eventually traffic would move again, or I would finish changing the tire and start driving once more. More times than I care to tell you I would find out that the delay had saved me from some calamity, or great harm. Maybe a heavy fog that caused a multi car pile-up that took lives, or being at a certain place at a moment something awful occurred. You see, my desire was for God to change the world to accommodate me, and my speedy trip, but He gives according to His will, and His way. In the end my thread was pulled through the tapestry of life according to His desire... He didn’t reweave the entire tapestry. Faith, trust, confidence, and knowing that His will is being done; this removes the worry, and stress from life.
“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”
Romans 8:28 ESV
Then there is the second reason for worry and stress.... it is our frantic desire to gather, and gather, and gather. We become worried that we won’t have enough, and are stressed when we can’t grow our business fast enough, or get that next promotion right now, or have more money than the guy next door, maybe even have more members in our church than the one across town, or be first at everything we do!!!! Does this sound familiar? Is this you, or someone you know? This is called selfishness, or an inward focus on our desires. Before you commit yourself to this worldly lifestyle take a look at Jesus, and ask yourself if a life of frothing, and constant need matches His simple existence...
“As they were going along the road, someone said to him, "I will follow you wherever you go." And Jesus said to him, "Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head."”
Luke 9:57-58 ESVU
God’s will is paramount in all of this, and whether you are meant to achieve greatness, or scrape out a meager existence, God will provide for you in His perfect way, and perfect time. He will send craftsmen to dismantle the obstacles before you at just the right moment, and not a second sooner. The problems you experience, and the needs you have will be shown to you as part of His plan to make you stronger in faith, and to reveal something of incredible, and awe inspiring, significance of Himself.
“And I said to the angel who talked with me, "What are these?" And he said to me, "These are the horns that have scattered Judah, Israel, and Jerusalem." Then the Lord showed me four craftsmen.”
Zechariah 1:19-20 ESV
So, don’t worry or stress over life’s hardships, or your unfulfilled desires because the Lord is at work... don’t turn your back, or say that He doesn’t care about you while your blood pressure rises, and anxieties mount, instead, ask Him to show you His will for you, and step fully into it. Trust in God because what he has for you is good, and His will for you is perfect... meant to be lived in His Joy, comfort, and peace.
Prayer:
Father, thank you for leading us to live our lives in concert with your will, and with absolute trust in you. Thank you for your Son Jesus Christ whose life never strayed from your will for Him, and for the example He gives us of how we should pray, worship, praise, and otherwise live our lives of Faith. We thank you Holy Father for the joy, peace, and comfort that you give us through our trust and confidence in your Word. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you who answers our prayers, and provides for us in all things. Praised be your name for the perfection of your will! All glory is yours Father as your Mercy and Grace covers us through the blood of Jesus forevermore!
Rich Forbes