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Do I Trust You, Lord?
Reading: John 1
Scripture
Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard what John had said and who had followed Jesus. The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, “We have found the Messiah” (that is, the Christ). And he brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas” (which, when translated, is Peter ). John 1:40-42 (NIV)
Observations
What a bombshell! Peter comes to meet the man who his brother thinks is the promised Messiah, and the very first thing Jesus does is change his name. “You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas”. These two short sentences must have been pregnant with meaning for Peter. He would change from “one who has heard” to one who is a “rock”.
What must Peter have thought? “Jesus knows my name! Jesus knows something about me that I don't. Jesus can see into my future. He speaks as though he has the authority and the power to transform who I am. There is a purpose for my life that is inextricably linked to this man Jesus. But I hardly know him. And does he really know me? Doesn't he know that I am a sinful man? Is he really the Messiah? Do I trust this man enough to give up everything to follow him?”
Application
The question is, Do I trust this man Jesus enough to give up everything to follow him? It's a decision I made a long time ago, yet in many ways it's a decision I have to make every day, every time I come to him. Do I trust you, Lord? Enough to once again open my heart to you? To forsake everything that would lay claim to my affections and place you again in that number one place in my life?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, I choose once again to trust you with my life. I offer you my future. I relinquish my own ambitions and invite you to direct me, and to transform me into your likeness. Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139:23-24
Ready or Not, I’m Stepping Out!
Reading: Mark 11
Scripture
“Have faith in God,” Jesus answered. “I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. Mark 11:22-24 (NIV)
Observations
Once again, I am unmasked by the astonishing words of Jesus. Despite what I want to believe, one of those five letter words at times weighs heavier than the other. Why is it that Doubt always wants to put the brakes on Faith? Only one of those two conditions is eternal: “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love.” 1 Corinthians 13:13a. Doubt isn't on the list. So why would I want to hold onto it? One day, my doubts will all pass away, yet Jesus clearly wishes me to walk in faith NOW.
Application
My faith needs more exercise. Lounging about in doubt is such a waste of my time. I hate the idea of not truly living the life that Jesus has called me to simply because I didn't put one foot in front of the other to exercise faith. I am a child of God and an ambassador for Christ. “God did not give (me) a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.” 1Tim 1:7. And Jesus' encouragement to me is absolutely clear: “Have faith in God.”
Prayer
Thank you Jesus for making so very clear what you expect for me. I ask for opportunities to exercise my faith, and the gumption to ignore the voice of doubt that holds me back. I want so much to live fully as you intend, and not be held back by doubt, fear or lack of confidence. Take me by the hand, Lord Jesus, and lead me forward. Ready or not, I'm stepping out!
Sneaking Off With God... 