Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Follow The Light

The old sinful nature loves to do evil, which is just opposite from what the Holy Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are opposite from what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, and your choices are never free from this conflict.

-- Galatians 5:17

Sometimes God calls us to do something we really don’t feel like doing. Or maybe it’s something way out of our comfort level and we let fear hold us back. Or maybe we feel like we lack the money, the time, or the resources to make it happen. Whatever “it” might be.

Because we never know what God will call us to. Most times in my life I just haven’t really seen it coming. I find myself looking up and asking God if He’s sure. I imagine He doesn’t really appreciate the question but I think He probably understands that my doubts lie with me and not Him.

See, God never calls us to do something without providing everything we need. He’ll provide the money, the time, the resources. He’ll even give us courage -- if we only step out in faith. He’ll give us words and knowledge, helpmates and talents we never knew existed.

A man who has been active in prison ministry for more than 10 years admitted recently there are times we he really doesn’t feel like going to the jail. It’s an every Tuesday night event that is both uplifting and draining. Some nights he has no idea what he’ll say when he goes inside. He doesn’t know what to teach. He doesn’t know where to start. Fortunately, God does. He’s learned to get out of the way and let God do things His way. Not surprisingly, God always has a plan and it’s always good.

We are always in a battle with Satan. That sin part of us wants to kick back and let someone else do God’s work. We’re full of excuses. And those excuses sound good too. Satan will tell us anything to keep us from God’s will. Then he will have won the battle. Oh, but Jesus has already won the war.

So shove Satan aside and step up. Focus your eyes on God and step out in faith. Keep heading toward the light and trust God to lead the way. He won’t ever let you down. You’ll be amazed at what can happen when you let faith rule your heart and your actions.