Time and time again I praise God for the revelations that are given to me through life experience. I am fortunate to have a great circle of individuals that are helping to shape my most precious faith. Years ago I would have tried to selectively filter these individuals into and out of my life. But recently I have learned that God is the best filter and already has the perfect mix of people for me. Just this morning, I was sharing with my wife (my most trusted companion on planet Earth!) about our journey of faith of these past three years. She often offers a perspective I can’t see although we walk side-by-side in this. It seemed appropriate that as 2009 closes that she and I went through and reviewed the greatness of God and our failures in doubting that he will come through. This personally helps me to trust him in the days, months and years to come with a fervent expectation that he will continue his faithfulness.
Prayerfully, I share with you some of the nuggets that I’ve gleaned in the last 36 hours of life that were previously denied entry into the impervious fortress of walking according to the flesh. I use such strong words because every Christian that focuses horizontally or inwardly for provision needs to arrest that mindset. God has called us to a vertical focus that involves only his provision and only his direction (see Proverbs 3:5,6). I have made efforts towards this [vertical focus] mindset on a daily basis as successfully as a baby learning to walk (lol), so don’t beat yourself up on your own non-performance. An inward focus only causes us pain. Why though? What is the danger in a non-vertical focus? I believe that mindset is veiled in the notion that one can perform well enough to merit the favor of God (“the fairness doctrine”). But ultimately you are faced with the reality that even when you cross all t’s and dot all i’s you still will experience tough times. It is important to know that even those times are filtered through God’s loving hands. Otherwise, you will develop strongholds of bitterness and resentment against God’s sovereign plan for your life.
In the story of the prodigal son (read Luke 15:11-31), the other brother has a big problem with dad when the prodigal is welcomed back home with open arms. The father is well in his right to bestow forgiveness, love and (subsequently) favor on his lost son. He answers to no one for this. His sovereignty entitles him to bestow his resources and emotions on what he holds dear. See the connection? God’s sovereignty enables him to do the same for us! How is it that we feel that this can happen only in good situations? Even in trials and tribulations, God’s sovereign nature persists. Remember his ultimate goal for us (as believers) is found in Romans 8:29—to conform us to the image of Christ. Some time ago I realized that transformation differs from conformation in that the latter is external circumstances working internal change. The Holy Spirit effects transformation by working internally to change us to appear different externally. (Getting back to the point,) God is always trying to envelope us in situations in which we can hone our Christ-likeness.
(to be continued...)