April 8, 2015

“A man lame from birth was being carried, whom they laid daily at that gate of the Temple which is called Beautiful to ask alms of those who entered the Temple. Seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked for alms. And Peter directed his gaze at him, with John, and said, “Look at us.” And he fixed his attention upon them, expecting to receive something from them. Peter said, “…in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” And he took him by the right hand and raised him up; and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong.”
Acts 3:1ff

“Can (a) sinner be turned into a saint? Can that twisted life be put right? There is only one answer: “O Lord, Thou knowest, I don’t.” Never trample in with religious common sense and say–“Oh, yes, with a little more Bible reading and devotion and prayer, I see how it can be done. It is much easier to do something than to trust in G*d; we mistake panic for inspiration. That is why there are so few fellow workers with G*d and so many workers for Him. We would far rather work for G*d than believe in Him.” Oswald Chambers (1874 – 1917) My Utmost for His Highest “For All The Saints” volume I p. 1002

“We would far rather work for G*d than believe in Him.” What a profound statement. But it is often so true. Do you know a friend or acquaintance who is a fixer? You know what I mean, the person who upon learning about a situation believes that “doing” something is the only option. In some situations, doing something is the right response. But, there are often those situations where either the person does not want us to do something, or there is nothing more that we can do but to put our trust in G*d. When we encounter someone who has just lost a spouse, or a dear friend, we often think that we must do – make a meal, take them shopping, get their nails done. Many times, all the person wants is for someone who will sit with them, and just be with them. The ministry of presence is what it is called. Sometimes, for G*d to be most present, we must simply “be” – be with the person, and allow G*d to work through us and our ministry of presence. When we are with someone, we remind them that they are not alone – that G*d comes to us through others – and this will allow G*d to work in the mysterious ways that G*d works.

The other thing to think is about is this – when we try to always be the fixer, we could actually be interfering with G*d’s work in the world. Sometimes G*d works through us, and sometimes G*d wants us to get out-of-the-way so G*d can work, can allow someone to see the presence of G*d clearly without us interfering. It is hard to determine what might be best in a situation, but if we allow the Spirit to guide us, these things can become most clear.

Pastor Dave