09/08/2020
Do we think that we are spiritually wealthy? Do we think that we have succeeded in our faith to the point where we are not only righteous, but perhaps we feel that we are on the verge of becoming holy? If our chests are puffed up in our spiritual walk, and we feel that all our blessings are well deserved, then at our best, we are only on the cusp of faith, and are worshipping ourselves.
““Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
Matthew 5:3 ESV
In which way would it be best for us to pray? Would it serve us better to thank God for our home, car, and those things we call blessings, or to plead with Him for a clearer, and deeper belief in Him, and Jesus Christ? We are encouraged to thank God for what He has provided us, but so often we thank Him for worldly things that are fleeting, and earned by our own hands. These things are without spiritual substance, and it is better to consider ourselves destitute and poor in spirit, because in this state we seek Him all the more, and yearn for Him day and night.
“And Jesus said to him, “‘If you can’! All things are possible for one who believes.” Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, “I believe; help my unbelief!””
Mark 9:23-24 ESV
As a young man, just beginning my career, I had great ambition, and wanted a nice house, a dependable car, and money enough that my family wouldn’t be in need. This was my desire, and my prayer. Then as I worked hard, and God blessed me, I achieved this goal, but I wasn’t satisfied, and returned to my prayer closet where I asked God for more. I asked for a glorious house, a flashy fast car, and enough money that I could do whatever in the world I wanted to do. You see, my humanness, wouldn’t allow me to be satisfied, no matter what I earned, or how much I possessed. Sometimes we fall into this trap in the pursuit of our belief, and faith too; we begin to go through the motions, and want to appear faithful for all the wrong reasons. In fact, the more of the world we gather to ourselves, the less we focus on God... in this way, our humanity overshadows our spirituality. So, in the midst of our pursuit of vain desires our eyes become clouded, and we lose sight of what is happening to us spiritually. We continue to pray, but our prayers fall outside the will of God, we go to church so that others will think us righteous, and we give to the poor so that we look merciful, but we have lost our humble, and honest prayer for God to help us in our unbelief.
Let’s listen to Jesus again as He talks to the desperate father...
“And Jesus said to him, “‘If you can’! All things are possible for one who believes.””
Mark 9:23 ESV
God doesn’t give us all things so that we will believe, no, He makes all things possible for us ONCE we believe, and much like we find more earthly treasure to lust after, and are never satisfied with earthly things, we should realize that God desires for us to see that there is truly no end to our belief, and faith in Him, and that we can have as much as we like, if we will only ask Him in sincerity.
But alas, when we have reached such a place of self-sufficiency, and earthly wealth, that we are drawn away from God, we are facing spiritual starvation. When God sees this He will reach out to us in some dramatic way to redirect us; He will allow illness, financial collapse, death, or maybe even a plague like COVID-19, to turn our faces towards Him. The question becomes this... can we see the correction in its true light, or do we fault God for our calamity, and lose hold of our already depleted faith?
So, do we think ourselves spiritually complete, and God lucky to have us, or are we humbled, and asking Him for more belief? Do we spend all of our prayer time thanking Him for earthly things that we have earned for ourselves when we should be asking Him to help us in our unbelief, and to strengthen our faith? Thanking the Lord for our blessings, and the sustenance He has provided us with, is something we should always do, but we must also be careful in determining that those things are of God, and not as a result of our own efforts... and desire.
Prayer:
Father, we thank you for all your many blessings, and ask that you open our eyes to your will so that we would pray appropriately. Hear us especially as we ask you to help us in our unbelief, and to strengthen our faith Lord. Hear our desire to be led ever closer to you through our daily walk with Jesus. Holy Father, shield us from the sinful pleasures, and treasures, of the world, and teach us the value of looking towards you for our daily bread and needs; Lord, provide us with just enough for this day, and to lead us back to you in prayer for the morrow. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God who receives our thanksgiving for all you provide while continuing to strengthen us in our faith, and helping us in overcoming our unbelief. Great are you who guides us to magnificent heights in worship, and a deeper faith as we trust in your Word. Praised be your name for your Holy Spirit, who brings us the remembrance of spiritual wonders that the world has attempted to steal from us. Have mercy on us Father, and pour out your grace over the wounds left by our struggle against earthly lusts and desires. Hear the intercession of Your Don Jesus as He prays for us, and send Him quickly to retrieve us, and welcome us, into your presence. Seat us at your table Father, and give us your peace, and joy, as we dine with you forevermore... thanking you for your provision, and finding the fullness of belief and faith in your eternal home.
Rich Forbes