I shared last week my plans to attend a writer’s conference over the weekend. Though the experience was physically exhausting, I left Asheville rejuvenated in my spirit and my writing.
The faculty gave us much to ponder. The co-founder of Christian Devotions, who hosted the conference, encouraged and empowered us by reminding us of God’s sovereignty and availability.
My interpretation of his message is one reason we don’t get God’s help is because—perhaps—deep inside, we don’t believe we will.
There’s no magic formula or “good enough” mountaintop achievement to access God. You don’t have to be Moses or Elijah. Jesus changed everything by his appearance in the world.
So why don’t Christians have more courage in their expectations? Why don’t we approach the throne room of God (Hebrews 4:16) with confidence?
“The reason some of us are such poor examples of Christianity is that we have failed to recognize that Christ is almighty. We have Christian attributes and experiences, but there is no abandonment or surrender to Jesus Christ.”~Oswald Chambers
God asked Solomon in 1 Kings 3:5, what He could do for him. We all know the answer. Solomon wanted wisdom. He received it and so much more. Jesus posed the same question to Bartimacus, a blind man, in Mark 10:51, “What do you want me to do for you?” Read the passage. Bartimacus cried out and surrendered to the sovereignty of God. Jesus couldn’t ignore his pleas.
Perhaps our expectations are low due to failure to acknowledge that Christ is almighty. We haven’t completely surrendered to God’s authority for total control over the issues we pray about. We want our answers—not His.
Regardless of your goals or problems you’re praying about, God wants to help you. Embrace His sovereignty in every aspect of your life. This might be a scary concept, one that in our human condition leaves us quaking, but remember this passage from Joshua 1:9:
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”
I, too, have struggled with my unbelief. I recieved a similar quickening at Boot Camp! Honored to be in your graduating class!
ReplyDeleteThanks! We had a good time! I think all Christians struggle with this issue on some level. I've experienced God's mercy and grace so many times by just letting go and allowing Him to work out things according to His plan. Simple concept but sometimes hard to follow.
DeleteMy goodness, this post goes right along with Believing God by Beth Moore study that I am right in the middle of.... so many times I fail to believe, dream, or even hope something because of my unbelief. Oh, I tell others when they are sharing or asking for prayer that God can do all things. He has it all under control. Everything happens for a reason and God has something better in store. Our plans are not always HIS.... and on & on.
ReplyDeleteWithout faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone that comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. Hebrews 11:6.
Thanks for visiting Mercy Saved Me!!
Thanks, Piper! Even when we have faith, it's good to be reminded of just how great God's power is!
DeleteThanks for sharing this spiritual insight about writing, Laura. Sounds like it was a good conference. Thanks also for your good info for writers and your good devotions, some of which you've shared with WOW. I'm glad to have you link up to Bless a Blogger and pray you will have a fruitful week. Gail
ReplyDeleteThanks for your kind comments, Gail. I'm glad to help others because of all the great writers who took the time to help me when I began writing. Hope your week is fruitful, as well.
DeleteFound you thru Bless a Blogger!
ReplyDeleteGreat thoughts you've got here. Reminds me of my favorite saying to myself, "How big is your God?" Often, I need the reminder that it is not Him who is limited, but only me that is doing the limit-ing.
Thanks for sharing your heart, here.
Blessings ~ Kelli
Thanks, Kelli. You are right. God is so big, and we have to keep reminding ourselves of that. Thanks for stopping by.
DeleteThis is an issue God has been dealing with me this week...my personal expectations being too high and not fully surrendered to His will because of trust issues. Thanks for posting this and reinforcing His message to me!
ReplyDeleteHi Rebecca, I'm glad you found this post helpful. You're right. God can do all things. We just have to trust him. Thanks for commenting.
DeleteWow. I consider your post confirmation. I am believing and trusting God to fulfill His promises, but the battlefield of my mind wonders how will work this out. Your words of wisdom were the affirmation I needed. Thank you friend.
ReplyDeleteHi Joan, thank you for your kind comment. I'm glad this blog post helped. God always fulfills his promises, even when we can't see the plan or the timetable. It's difficult in our human nature to always trust that, but we can!
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