02/28/2019
So often we try to fix our own problems, or at very least help God as He endeavors to make things right. In this manner we are like a young child who gets in the way of his father after having just asked him for help. Most of the time we ask because we are unable to do these things, or at very least are unable to do them on our own, and yet when we ask for God to intercede, we then proceed to wrest control back from His hands as He responds. Is this you? Are you the impatient or presumptuous child?
“For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him. He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken. On God rests my salvation and my glory; my mighty rock, my refuge is God. Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us. Selah”
Psalms 62:5-8 ESV
We read these verses and presume that they talk about the help of others, but on most occasions, they refer to us. Our hope should not be in others, or in our own ability.. Who can save themselves? Who can forgive themselves of sin? Who can rescue themselves from the snares of Satan? Who alone can raise the dead? None of us; God alone is our hope, our rock, our salvation, fortress, refuge, and it is He in whom we trust. Is there anyone in your life in which you have such confidence other than Him?
In Mark we read the account of Jesus being asked by one of the rulers of the synagogues to heal his daughter, and Jesus agrees, but as they approach the house of this ruler they are greeted by a group of people who tell the ruler not to bother Jesus any further because his daughter has died... but something interesting happens...
“But overhearing what they said, Jesus said to the ruler of the synagogue, "Do not fear, only believe." And he allowed no one to follow him except Peter and James and John the brother of James.”
Mark 5:36-37 ESV
Why do you think that Jesus would only allow Peter and James to go into the house with Him? Do you think it was so that He wouldn’t be disturbed? Maybe you think He didn’t want anyone to see how He would perform this miracle? Well, I think there is one more explanation... He knew that when they entered the house that this father would rush to his daughter and begin to mourn, and that when he saw her his faith might waver, and that he would take control of the situation himself performing those things that were the custom of the time. This heartbroken father, and ruler of the synagogue, would become the impatient and presumptuous child who we spoke of previously by taking charge, and he would revert to his old fear of showing his faith in Jesus, and become as he once was...
“Nevertheless, many even of the authorities believed in him, but for fear of the Pharisees they did not confess it, so that they would not be put out of the synagogue; for they loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God.”
John 12:42-43 ESV
Do we lose faith when God doesn’t immediately answer our prayers, or when we ask Him to do something that is outside his will for us, or against His character? Does this prompt us to step in and take charge of the situation... bailing God out?
When I was teaching my children to drive a car, it was one of the most difficult things in the world to do. I can’t tell you how hard it was not to reach over and grab the wheel, or stretch across and press the brake pedal! You can’t allow someone to learn this skill unless you trust them to actually drive the car. A very similar thing happens in our minds when we hand our problems to God... when we perceive Him to be slow at turning, stopping, or whatever else we have asked Him to do for us, we want to grab the wheel, or press that brake pedal!
When we ask God to heal a child, and we realize the child is dying, or has died, we want to either take back control, or make excuses why God has failed us. We think that our vision of the situation is perfect, and we lose trust, or faith, in Him. We become the impatient or presumptuous child... thinking we can do this better, faster, or on our own, and in doing so we lose sight of His will, and character.
“do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:6-7 ESV
So who do we trust today? When our world feels like it is falling down around us are we grabbing for the wheel, closing our eyes and bracing for the crash, or are we maintaining our faith in His will and character to make all things good? You see... all things are not necessarily good, but together they will work together to produce good, so let Jesus take your wheel.
“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
Prayer:
Father, I thank you for your goodness, mercy, and faithfulness in my life. I ask you Lord to help me control my desire to remain as the master of my life, and to help me resist snatching the wheel from you when I don’t understand your will for me. Teach me Holy Father to lean on you in all things, and to not argue, or be impetuous while waiting on you. Even as I wait on you Father, lead me to an understanding of your will, and character, so that I will not be inclined to lose faith, or to wait on something you cannot do for me without losing sight of who you are, or the good that you have prepared for me. Let your Holy Spirit open my heart willingly Father, and guide me as I dwell deeper in you, and you in me. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you my God who is forever to be trusted, worshipped, praised, and glorified. In you I place my faith; now and forevermore.
Jesus take my life, my wheel, and continue to strengthen my trust in you, and our father’s perfect goodness.
Rich Forbes