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1 Corinthians 10:31 So if you eat or drink or whatever you do, do everything to honor God. (NLV)
Human inclination is to look at my experiences or the experiences of others to find inspiration. I scroll through my social media accounts and, before long I find this inspiring story (usually accompanied by a photo to stimulate our visual sensory perception). I'm inspired by the strength of the one who has overcome loss and tragedy. I'm touched by the benevolence of those who petition on behalf of those in need of support. It is an understandable and natural response. There are exceptions of course but, generally speaking, we are a kind-hearted species. To some, my own life could be one such story. Quite honestly, in my humanness, I wrestle with the how to reconcile my conflicting emotions. I am overwhelmed with humility and thankfulness to experience, in such dramatic fashion, the faithfulness of God. It is so humbling to realize that the God of the entire universe was right there with me - protecting, and providing for me while He was answering my heart's prayer for others. The idea of making such an assertion is awkward and uncomfortable. I wonder how to convey it without sounding arrogant - like somehow I think I was "righteous enough" to deserve such favor. With shame, I must admit that it sometimes holds me back from sharing what God has done in my life and the lives of those around me. How do I successfully reconcile humility with my desire to shout to the world the magnificent faithfulness of my awesome God? Proven through deliverance, divine protection, miraculous healing (physical, emotional, and spiritual)? Through grace to forgive, conviction of faith, and strength to take each day as it comes, and challenge skeptics? Is that possible? If you are rightly devoted to the Lord Jesus, you have reached the sublime height where no one ever thinks of noticing you, all that is noticed is that the power of God comes through you all the time. My Utmost for His Highest ~ Oswald Chambers Life has its drama. It is a never-ending feed of trending tragedies and triumphs. If we're lucky (or unlucky, depending on one's perspective) it may be mundane. Mr. Chambers tells us, however, "The test of the life of a saint is not success but faithfulness in human life as it actually is." Colossians 3:17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (ESV) Every word I write, each word I speak and songs that I sing - every thought and every action; I pray others see, not me, but Jesus in me. Our human relationships are the actual conditions in which the ideal life of God is to be exhibited. My Utmost for His Highest~ Oswald Chambers
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James 4:8 Come close to God, and God will come close to you.
I must share the Gospel. Jesus carried a burden in His heart for every sinner. His weight was so great that He willingly suffered on the cross and He died for me... He died for all of us. He knew it was the only way for us to prevent eternal separation from God. He is the Only Way. So as a Christian, I follow His lead. If my heart is not burdened for the lost, can I really claim to be seeking the heart of Jesus Christ? To be following Him? It is essential to give people a chance of acting on the Truth of God. ~ My Utmost For His Highest, Oswald Chambers It's not easy for everyone to share the gospel. But God didn't call us to "easy" life. He calls us to obedience. When He gives us something to do. He is faithful to give us what we need to complete the task. But we cannot sit in silence and watch those in our world die without hearing the message of salvation in Jesus Christ. - Not if we are living the life of His disciple. The responsibility must be left with the individual, you cannot act for him.., it must be his own deliberate act. ~ My Utmost..., Oswald Chambers We cannot compel anyone to believe. That is not our responsibility. Our responsibility is to inform them salvation is only found through faith in Jesus Christ. Never allow a Truth of God that is brought home to your soul to pass without acting on it... The feeblest saint who transacts business with Jesus Christ is emancipated the second he acts; all the almighty power of God is on His behalf. ~My Utmost..., Oswald Chambers To choose to act is a decision of the will for both the saint and the sinner. It is the sinner's responsibility to "Come," when she hears the Truth is hers alone to make. It is the saint's responsibility to "Go and tell." The power of sin and death in the world is not defeated by our acts of obedience. It is defeated because our act links us to the redemptive power of God through Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 3:6 God is the One Who made us preachers of a New Way of Worship. This New Way of Worship is not of the Law. It is of the Holy Spirit. The Law brings death, but the Holy Spirit gives life. (NLV) 1 Corinthians 6:19 Do you not know that your body is a house of God where the Holy Spirit lives? God gave you His Holy Spirit. Now you belong to God. You do not belong to yourselves. (NLV)
There is no such thing as a private life - "a world within the world" - for a man or a woman who is brought into fellowship with Jesus Christ's sufferings. God breaks up the private life of his saint... My Utmost for His Highest ~Oswald Chambers Today's reading is the uncomfortable truth regarding my life. Once described as a very private person (a truth manipulated to fit an incorrect assumption regarding my life), I must face the fact that God didn't want my life to remain isolated. My faith in Jesus Christ and what he has done in my life - as well as in the life of my husband, my son, and others in my life, is not meant to remain "private." When I married my husband, God joined us in Holy matrimony. We became one in the eyes of the Lord. When God sanctified me, I felt a desperation for my husband's soul that I had never felt before. God heard my prayers for him and he knew the sincerity with which I prayed. And He proved Himself faithful. God does what God needs to do to accomplish His will. My prayers for Larry's salvation was in line with His will - that is that none are lost. My life changed in an instant. Our family's future was permanently altered and my heart broken. My privacy was misinterpreted. Those believed they were "helping" me, made my pain so much greater. I now know I must forfeit that privacy. God calls me to sacrifice it for the sake of the truth about my husband and our life together, and for the sake of my own faith - and his. It is for the sake of the Gospel that it must be done. So that others may know freedom in of Jesus Christ. - Because my life is no longer my own. If through a broken heart God can bring His purposes to pass in the world, thank Him for breaking your heart. My Utmost... ~Oswald Chambers I do thank You Lord for breaking my heart, and for Your mercies in the pain... May I soon be singing Your praises for restoration? Your will be done. |
AuthorMelinda started her fifth year of her devotions reading Oswald Chamber's My Utmost for His Highest. In 2015 she has made the commitment to share what this year's journey. Taking a detour, she began living Every Day With Jesus Archives
September 2020
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