08/03/2022
Being humble and meek are not weaknesses, but requires a great deal of strength, and fortitude. Standing before our inquisitors, our own versions of Pontius Pilot, and remaining silent, takes much more courage than to rattle off a series of defenses out of panic and fear. As Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane, an Angel came, and He received increased strength to face what lay ahead. When we are facing our own hardships we should not pray that the trouble we will face as we do God’s will should be taken away, but that we be given the strength to complete the task and the courage to endure the trials that we will face in so doing. How are we praying today? Are we asking for smooth sailing, or the courage to step out of our boat, and the strength of faith needed to walk across the water to Jesus?
“Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.”
1 Corinthians 16:13 ESV
Whether we are men, or women, doing God’s will requires more strength than we have, and a greater faith than we can muster. We are always lacking something at the moment just before we take the first step in obedience to His will for us. We aren’t chosen for tasks that we can easily do, no, we are chosen because we are willing to say “here am I”, and will accept the burden, and faithfully pray for our Father’s help as we do so. Doing God’s will is never about glorifying ourselves, but glorifying our Lord God. I read a wonderful quote this morning by Phillips Brooks, an Episcopal Clergyman of the 1800s, that helps explain this to us…
“Never pray for tasks equal to your power —pray for power equal to your tasks.” - Phillips Brooks
In the secular world we hire workers who are already able to do the job that needs to be done. If we need a cabinet made we look for the most skilled craftsman we can find, one who has built many beautiful cabinets, but when God chooses His workers He sees things much differently. The Lord chose a boy, David, to slay the giant Goliath. He chose Moses who was unable to speak well to go before the Pharaoh, and to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, and He also chose Rahab, the prostitute, to save Joshua’s spies in Jericho. Today our Lord is apt to choose us for tasks that we too are ill-equipped to handle… but then He gives us the strength, courage, and resources we need to accomplish the job at hand. When we succeed at doing God’s will it is never because of who we are, but who we are in God, and Jesus Christ. The glory is never ours because we are without a doubt damaged goods.
“fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Isaiah 41:10 ESV
So by nature, or training, are we humble, meek, able to lead, smart enough to design or build amazing structures for the Lord? Or, do we do such things, and become such people, because God has chosen to use us despite our shortcomings? What are we praying for today; for tasks equal to our own ability, or to receive God’s ability to do the tasks He has given us to do?
“I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”
Philippians 4:13 ESV
Prayer:
Father, thank you for calling us to do your will, and then providing us with all we need to accomplish it. Thank you Lord for giving us the strength we need to stand firm for you in the face of mighty headwinds, and the humility to humble ourselves before even the weakest of men. Open our eyes Father so that we understand that we don’t do your will, but that you do your will though us. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God whose will always brings you glory. Praised be your name for every time we turn our other cheek, or stand strong, and quiet, before your adversaries. Praised be your name for giving us the ability to endure the cross as Jesus did so that others might come to believe in you. Merciful are you when we face trouble, pain, or temptation, because we resist, or endure all things solely because of your help. Your grace amazes us, and lifts us above our inabilities to stand firm in Christ. Wash us in His blood Father, cleanse us of sin, and transform our weaknesses into His strengths. On the day of judgement see only His righteousness as you look upon us, and seat us at your table with Jesus for all eternity. Thank you Father for making us instruments of your will, and vessels of your grace, love, and goodness.
Rich Forbes