| The following article was written by Ben Gilmore and is posted at Freedomthirst.com with his permission. Enjoy! |
Most of us have made nervous jokes about trusting God. I like to illustrate it with the story of Peter walking on the water. (Take a folding chair as the boat.) Peter is on his knees in the boat (chair) looking over the side. Jesus bids him, “Come.”
Peter climbs out of the boat (over the chair back) standing with one hand on the boat’s gunnel (chair back). Jesus encourages him. Peter “walks on the water” pulling the boat (chair) behind him. Jesus tells him to keep his eyes on Him and turn loose of the boat.
Now Peter cannot take eyes off Jesus without sinking. He feels behind him and for all he knows the boat is long gone. Only after he turns loose of the boat is he being irresponsible enough to trust God! It isn’t “trust” if he is holding onto the boat!
There is a “flip side” to balance this story. — If it isn’t Jesus bidding, Peter’s presumption is going to get him wet!
The existence of a problem is NOT a mandate to take responsibility for a solution. There were lots of problems Jesus walked past without addressing. In times past (I’ll be 80 this month) I have jumped in (unbidden) to help God. It wasn’t pretty!
I guess it is human nature to want to do things FOR God, rather than permit Him to do things THROUGH me. A form of pride.
All that to say this. Every evidence is that our nation is being led by people with an honest, sincere desire to destroy it, and replace it with a global benevolent aristocracy. Power is far more addictive than the strongest heroin, or sex drive.
As radical as it may sound, our foundations are systematically being attacked. It appears so openly blatant, that those in power behave as if there will be martial law, rather than traditional elections in 2010. Power grown too strong will not be yielded voluntarily.
Continuing with illustrations of the problem would only produce frustration, hopelessness, and anger. Not very useful goals!
What are we to do?
First – Stay cool. “Be still and know that I am God.” Christ said, “My peace give I unto you. Not as the world giveth….” If we will stay prayed up and open, we can use that “peace” like a compass needle for direction. Pride is what we must put aside. Let Him work through us rather than seeking to “do it for God” (and take the credit!).
I do not doubt for a second that this situation is firmly in the Lord’s hand. He will surely call some to lead and others to follow. Some will be called as candidates, others as organizers, still others as reporters and historians. There is only one General, the rest of us are privates!
Second – Expect God to move in positive ways for our best interests. That may seem hard to do, but it is not. “Privates” just follow orders! Draw close to Him and He will draw close to you. Follow the peace He uses to direct YOUR individual path. DO NOT allow yourself to be swept up into mindless activity, but be sensitive to recognize Godly leaders should they arise.
Third – This is NOT license to kick back in a self righteous “holy huddle” and sing “Cum by’a”. When God gave the promised land to the Israelites, He added, “Now go fight for it!” Each of us has a job to do if His work, and that of our forefathers, is not to have been done in vain! Pray, find the peace (which may pass understanding!), get your orders, and get on with it!
THERE IS ONE GOD WORKING
Proverbs 16:3