12/18/2023
Do you trust God enough to allow yourself to be used unconditionally to accomplish His good will? Do you believe that He brings bad situations upon you, or, do you believe He uses you amidst bad situations for His good purposes? These are questions that can influence, or define our faith.
“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
The difference in these opening questions is not a minor one, and they require us to have faith in His goodness. Do we trust in the fact that bad situations are not our “test” but rather our good fortune as God uses us to address these circumstances? We are not being challenged to see if we behave as Jesus does, no, we are facing challenges because we are trusted to behave just as Jesus Christ did.
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 ESV
Oswald Chambers wrote of the way that God uses us to do extreme things for Him because we are His sons and daughters. Our part is to loyally allow Him to use us. Listen to Oswald’s words and then let’s ask ourselves if this is how we are facing challenges in our lives today...
“The idea is not that we do work for God, but that we are so loyal to Him that He can do His work through us - “I reckon on you for extreme service, with no complaining on your part and no explanation on Mine.” God wants to use us as He used His own Son.” - Oswald Chambers
Facing the bad things that come our way as a natural part of our life, or as the result of living in the world surrounded by fallen, unsaved, and faithless people, isn’t our “test of faith”, but rather an opportunity to employ our faith. It is showing the world and those around us what God and Jesus Christ look like in action.
We might not have seen one in a while but there used to be brightly colored bracelets that had the inscription “W. W. J. D.” inscribed on them. This was a code that reminded us of a simple question “What would Jesus do?” They recalled to our conscious minds the challenge of being faced by adversity. Many people thought that these bracelets seemed a little childish, but the question was only childish in that it reminded us as children of God that we are and called to act accordingly.
As a child, I remember something that my mother would say to me when I left to go somewhere on my own. She would say it whenever I went to a friend’s house to spend the night, or when she dropped me off at school, or a birthday party... she said it all the time. Just as I was about to say goodbye, and be on my own, she would look me in the eyes and say “Remember whose child you are.” This was my reminder to behave as my parents had taught me. She knew I would face temptations to misbehave, and challenges that would require me to make good choices. I can still hear her words today when faced with temptation, but today I also hear God’s voice as it chimes in with hers... “Remember whose child you are.”
It takes mental fortitude and physical strength to resist evil, but much more than that it takes faith, and a strength of character. God gives us this strength when we are sent to accomplish His will, but so often we think we can do it all on our own. These are the times when we strike back at people in the same manner that they attack us, when we use deviousness to combat a devious person. You know what this feels like... you may have reacted in such a manner today as you drove to work and a car pulled out in front of you... what popped into your mind? Did you mutter something, shout it, or blow your horn in anger?
It takes practicing our faith to reach the point where surprise occurrences aren’t met with our natural inclination to strike back, or behave in a worldly manner. It takes a lot of parenting by our Father, and the Holy Spirit before our character is transformed into the unfailing image of Jesus Himself. Let’s pray for the strength to face our temptations, and ask the Lord to prepare us for what lies ahead... then remind ourselves that God is with us in the midst of every storm as we recall the meaning of “W.W.J.D.”, or by recalling His voice saying “Remember whose child you are.” Are we ready to face the storms of life faithfully, and without blaming God for them?
“I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service,”
1 Timothy 1:12 ESV
Prayer:
Father, I thank you for all the hardship and suffering that I face in my life. I thank you for giving me the strength to endure and overcome these daily challenges as your Son Jesus Christ would have. You don’t create the world’s natural challenges for me, but you never hesitate to send me into the midst of it because you are with me.
Send me Father that I should succeed in accomplishing your will, and with an absolute confidence in me. Remind me often Lord that you are always there to strengthen me, and to give me direction in how I should act and behave. When I have reached the end of my rope, or face a situation I don’t know how to handle, remind me to look towards you Father for strength, or escape. Remind me that you are right there where I can see you, and that in a moment you will come to my aid. Encourage me to trust in you, and to have an unwavering faith in your ability to conquer all things through your strength in me. Never let me forget that I am not doing my will, but yours as I face those things that seem so personal to me. Let me see you and your purposes in every aspect of my life. Let me hear your voice in my heart saying “Remember whose child you are!” Praised be your name Father, and great am I with you abiding in me.
“No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.”
Corinthians 10:13 ESV
Rich Forbes