Was about to write about this topic and then found I had written this piece in the past…published the first time in a devotional booklet called, “Encouraging Words” that a friend and I put together years ago. I needed this message today. I still have situations I am only trusting God. With small edits/additions – here is this devotional for you. It’s Based on Jeremiah 1
But Jesus beheld them and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible. Matthew 19:26
For with God nothing shall be impossible. Luke 1:37
For we walk by faith, not by sight: II Corinthians 5:7
God has spoken and continues to direct believers in their faith walk with Him to situations and circumstances that look impossible in the world’s opinion. We are directed to these “challenges” to help us grow, lean and depend on Him. In those situations, God causes us to exercise through “walking” what we know and to demonstrate the level we exist. With each past experience, we build to a new level of understanding. I shall now give my personal testimony.
I know that some of my strongest characteristics are – being a visionary and a doer. I am a person of action that has the ability to catch at a glance what God wants to happen and then act on it. This at times is a good thing – but with God, I must analyze and apply my doer characteristics when only He leads.
I know there have been several times in my life where God has proven Himself true to His Word when directing me toward impossible tasks. There have been tough directions from God that I have experienced like, leaving a job without another lined up or trusting in God when I worked at the Plainfield Area YMCA. Both these situations turned out well in the end and I have tried to be ever so careful to give God all the glory in both these situations and circumstances. All I know is – I would not have made it if I did not have a relationship with Christ.
I find now that God is making me even more aware of what “with man things are impossible but with God all things are possible” truly means. He’s challenging me on a different level that is closer and more personal. In the past while “walking in faith,” there were things “I” could do to assist what needed to happen. With the new levels of challenge – I know it is only God that has brought me through.
Ok, let’s look at when God directed me to leave my job with no income. (Not something my own sensible mind would do.) I knew God told me to leave and directed me what to do. I was at peace. It became a family joke that I had 5 or 6 jobs at one time! The testimony in it – in approximately six months my bills were paid and I did not miss a house or car payment. God provided through my action and obedience! Just when it looked like I wasn’t going to make it…God came through with full time employment which has led me to my current position of employment currently in the early childhood field. It’s awesome to think of my journey through that time. I stayed in God’s Word constantly to remain focused. It was only through His guidance and wisdom that I made it. I can’t say that I did anything at all to help, but attempt to be obedient. In retrospect, I didn’t do everything right at that time either. Only His Grace and Mercy brought me through.
God proved Himself again, while I worked at the Plainfield Area YMCA in New Jersey. He directed what to do and how to do it and I attempted as best I could to follow. I remember in one particular situation prayerfully planning an event called YMCA Healthy Kids Day and being told by co-workers and people in the community that it wouldn’t be successful. I was told that since it was a “dying” community that people wouldn’t show up. While I walked in faith, I listened and did what God instructed me to do. I passed out flyers, talked to key community leaders and recruited volunteers, as if we were going to have a large crowd. I remember sitting in front of the Y on Watchung avenue in my car that morning having a conversation with God, listening to Daryl Coley sing, “It Shall Be Done,” and then saying at the end of my prayer “Thy will be done.” (Funny, I parked outside of that YMCA just recently and relived that moment.) Glory to God!! Over 300 people attended that day.
In contrast to my previous experiences – I think God calls us to an even deeper relationship of trust with Him. There are times we must do – but there are also times where we exercise our faith by just trusting and watching Him work. He will do the exceedingly and abundantly above what we ask or think!
At this moment I have several situations that my “walking in faith” is deeply rooted in spiritual exercise – having faith and trusting – rather than “doing something.” Since I am a “doer,” this whole concept is difficult – but one I know I must grow in order to grow closer to God. God has spoken an impossible task/vision that only He can handle and give the increase. I can’t do or say anything to change the situation. I will tell you this much – I got involved by doing and speaking when he instructed just to trust. Hopefully my repenting and apologizing will not cause severe negative consequences. Look at Abraham and Sarah and the lifelong consequences of “assisting” God.
Ponder this – What audacity we have at times to think that we have to help God out in action in every situation! This is the God who created heaven and earth and every living thing in it. This is the God that created and formed man. This is the God that has dominion over everything. This is the God that sent His son to set the example for all of us. He does not need our help or action in every situation. Stay led and guided on what you need to do in each particular impossible situation God places in front of you. There are times of action and then there are times to just have faith and trust. Remember if you consult and apply God’s Word on your journey – no matter how He directs – all things are possible with Him!!
Dear Lord,
Your humble servants come recognizing that we cannot control every situation and circumstance within our lives. God, in recognizing Your power we acknowledge You know what’s best. We surrender our lives to you God – for you to take care of those things that we cannot control. Help us to be obedient. Teach us when to walk, run or be still. Show us when to speak and remain quiet. Guide us toward Your Perfect Will. In the mighty name of Jesus we pray. Amen and Amen!!
lifeandgodliness 