Charting a course?

Sometimes the needs in the world and even the needs nearby can be overwhelming. I know I’m not responsible for all of them, even to pray for all of them. At the same time, I’m thankful that God hears and answers prayer.
I’m also thankful that God does not tell me, “Go and do everything.” I know that He gives me what I am to do rather than thinking I need to do it all. That burden alone would drain the little strength that I do have and make me more tired and less useful than ever. Instead, He wants me to focus on what He has gifted me to do. He says:

Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit... (1 Corinthians 12:4)

To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. (Matthew 25:15)

In the above verse, ‘talent’ is not the word for abilities we use. Instead, it means a unit of currency used in those days. It could be better translated as ‘resources’ and therefore means God gives me the resources I need to use the gifts He has given me.

Those resources may be few or many. The to-do list can be long or short. God considers these as part of my job-description and is wise in what He asks of me.

The steps of a man (or a woman) are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way; though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the Lord upholds his hand. (Psalm 37:23–24)

This makes the Christian life less confusing. God is not asking me to witness to world leaders, but I am to pray for them. He is not asking me to stack chairs after our church service, but I am to eat and visit with those He puts in front of me. I’m not asked to teach a college class but I am called upon to share what He teaches me with those who are puzzled about the same topics.

This trust in Him to work His way is easy and natural. I don’t need to strain or worry about what comes next for He is well able to show me. This is also His way of freedom:

For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. (Romans 8:2)

PRAY: Jesus, I feel heavy today because of the burdens shared with us yesterday. The list was long, sad, and troubling. At the same time, I hear You whisper as I pray for the person who shared them, and for the things told to us. You keep saying, “I got this” and without that lovely assurance of Your care and power, I would be totally overwhelmed. Thank You. I will keep praying as You ask me to do and glad that the tasks You give me does not need to be carried all by myself!

Afraid of falling?

About ten years ago during a few months, stairs terrified me. For some reason, I became fearful of falling. Once I stepped from the fourth step from the bottom into air and crashed. Then I recognized that I was trying to take longer steps than necessary. How strange. After a few weeks of being deliberate with each step, the problem was resolved. However, I am still careful on stairs (icy walkways too).

Today, Spurgeon points out that God’s compassion on His children includes picking us up when we fall.

As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him. (Psalm 103:13)

Falling could refer to a spiritual misstep, but also can be about physical plunges. When Jesus was tempted by the devil, one temptation included a suggestion that covered both risks.

Then the devil took him to the holy city and set him on the pinnacle of the temple and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written, ‘He will command his angels concerning you,’ and ‘On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.’” (Matthew 4:5–6)

Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’” (Matthew 4:7) From this I learn that the promises to guard or rescue me from falling are for those times it just happens, not when I deliberately choose to do something foolish. Several of these promises are in the Psalms.

 Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. They collapse and fall, but we rise and stand upright. (Psalm 20:7–8)

Those who trust their own might or the might of others eventually collapse and fall. Only the Lord God is able to stand against anything, including time and diminished capacities. His strength endures forever.

The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way; though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the Lord upholds his hand. (Psalm 37:23–24)

I was pushed hard, so that I was falling, but the Lord helped me. (Psalm 118:13)

The Lord upholds all who are falling and raises up all who are bowed down. (Psalm 145:14)

He fulfills the desire of those who fear him; he also hears their cry and saves them. (Psalm 145:19)

God guides my steps and delights in taking me where He wants me to go. That way might include a crash or two, but when I go down and cry out to Him, I discover that He is with me and holding my hand. Without the experience of a fall, I would not know what it is to be rescued and raised up by the Fatherly care of God. I could not testify to His amazing grace and tender-hearted concern for everything from the tiniest slip to the most colossal crash. For this, I am grateful!

I must perform my vows to you, O God; I will render thank offerings to you. For you have delivered my soul from death, yes, my feet from falling, that I may walk before God in the light of life. (Psalm 56:12–13)