Meeting 9/15/19
Following Through
We’ve been enjoying an extended conversation about following through. What a great time to look in the mirror and ask yourself, “What have I not been obedient to follow through with what the Lord has called me to do?” Is there something you need to get back into doing? Is there something you need to get started in? Maybe this is the day to take that first step. Maybe it’s time to get back in the game.
We established that we are going to base our lives on the Word of God as our solid foundation. We are committed to actually doing what it says. We are called to be a people of action. We are to not only say the words, but also follow through with appropriate action as we cooperate with what God is doing.
“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”. Col. 3: 17. “Whatever you do.” That means all things. Words and actions, working together in power and harmony, that’s how we make an impact in this world. That’s how we finish the work He gave us to do. Our actions need to back up our words. That’s a good witness. Do them all in the name of the Lord Jesus. All of this is His. This is all about Him, not us. The world has this backwards and upside down, where goals and aspirations are all about us accomplishing our selfish desires, for our own glory. We were created for His glory. Is He getting glory from our words and actions?
While we are being obedient to follow through by putting our gifts into action, we are called to give thanks to God. We should be able to put a smile on the face of our words and deeds because there is a joy stirring in our hearts that we have this awesome opportunity to begin with. He loves us so much that He gave us gifts and responsibilities to employ to make a difference in this place for His glory. How about that? That’s purpose, fulfillment, and satisfaction, and hope realized. Oh, how the lost need to hear this. This is truly living, where one of God’s Creation is exercising the special, unique gift He bestowed upon them for His glory.
“Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen.” Eph. 3:20-21. Is there something you’ve been praying for quite some time now? Are you stuck in some struggle that just won’t end? Prayer is a difficult subject to understand, much less teach on, but there are some things we know. We know our Father wants His children to come to Him with every doubt, fear, want, need, or question. We know He hears every prayer. We know He answers every prayer. We know He doesn’t require a certain amount of words or type of words or passion. We know that He knows our hearts and our situations perfectly. He is our Good Shepherd that loves us more than anything in the world. There’s nothing more valuable to Him. He truly wants nothing more than us in relationship with Him, communicating about everything, as well as trusting Him about everything.
One of our biggest issues is our expectations. We pray for things to go our way, according to our own understanding. Maybe that’s why my favorite verses are Proverbs 3: 5-6, “Trust the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.” I struggle with judging circumstances by my own understanding. I also struggle interpreting God’s will with my own understanding. My flesh rises up continuously, narrowing my perspective and wisdom. Jesus provided the perfect example in prayer, “Not My will, but Yours”.
Much of our frustrations are from God’s answers to our prayers. Sometimes He says “No”. Sometimes it seems He doesn’t answer at all. Most of the time, His answer doesn’t line up with our own understanding. I constantly need reminding that He sees the bigger picture and knows exactly the right thing at the right time. His timing is always perfect. Do we believe He is good and has our best interest in mind? Do we believe He is sovereign and that nothing gets to us without His permission? May He quiet us with His love so that we can settle our anxious hearts. There is a peace that is beyond our understanding. It’s available to us in His arms.
The fact is, He is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work. Think about that. Let your heart feast on this truth. His plan is better than yours. He can do more than you pray for. He can do even better than that. Once more, put your hope in God as the Almighty Creator. With Him, everything is possible. Do not count Him out! Your situations are not at all difficult for Him to redeem or solve. He could fix every single problem with a snap of His fingers. There is more going on than we can fathom or understand. We have to trust Him! Let it go! Again and again, let it go as you once again trust Him. He’s got this. He has heard your prayers. He knows what you need. He will come through on your behalf. It just may not be in the way you think He should!
Words and actions are like peas and carrots. They were made to work together. Say the words and follow through with actions. And be thankful.
