Word for the day by Christian Education Forum
Waiting upon the Lord for power
But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. (31)
I love reading biographies about famous missionaries that were pioneers, treading into remote parts of the world for the sake of the Gospel. People like Amy Carmichael, David Livingstone, Hudson Taylor, William Carey and so many others. Much like the chosen disciples of Jesus, these were ordinary people who were obedient to answer the higher calling. These people persevered through all kinds of unbelievable hardship, and succeeded for the sake of Christ. They faced many challenges beyond their control or power and may be contemplated on giving up. Yet their unwavering commitment to Christ kept them on the right path to push forward and accomplish the purpose of their creation for the creator. They were able to achieve, because they relied on God's power in all situations and God proved His faithful time after time. After reading their inspirational stories of achievement for Christ, I challenge myself with many questions.
1. "Why do I pass up the many opportunities in sharing the Gospel to people that I come in contact with?"
2. "Why do I make so many excuses on why I neglected to be a true witness for Jesus, even if it means being persecuted or rejected?"
3."Why do I just look at the uncertainty of the outcome and my weakness, rather than knowing that God Almighty is with me as I do His work?"
The apostle Paul is considered to be the greatest missionary of the church. When he pleaded with the Lord for his weaknesses to be removed, Jesus answered this way: But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthian 12: 9) Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.Weakness is a reality of every individual. We are limited in our wisdom, capacities, resources, talents, energy and time. The common factor is that we experience victory by walking in obedience to Christ. The Holy Spirit of God is with us always to empower us and provide the right counsel and divine wisdom. He allows His glorious strength to reveal His power through weak and frail people, like you and me. This allows an unbelieving world that is watching our lives, to be impacted and led to follow Christ.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank you for our different areas of weaknesses. Thank you that we are so dependent on you. Help us to draw our strength from you and live a life that is pleasing to you. We pray that you alone would be glorified in each one of our lives. In Jesus Name, Amen!. Amen.
I love reading biographies about famous missionaries that were pioneers, treading into remote parts of the world for the sake of the Gospel. People like Amy Carmichael, David Livingstone, Hudson Taylor, William Carey and so many others. Much like the chosen disciples of Jesus, these were ordinary people who were obedient to answer the higher calling. These people persevered through all kinds of unbelievable hardship, and succeeded for the sake of Christ. They faced many challenges beyond their control or power and may be contemplated on giving up. Yet their unwavering commitment to Christ kept them on the right path to push forward and accomplish the purpose of their creation for the creator. They were able to achieve, because they relied on God's power in all situations and God proved His faithful time after time. After reading their inspirational stories of achievement for Christ, I challenge myself with many questions.
1. "Why do I pass up the many opportunities in sharing the Gospel to people that I come in contact with?"
2. "Why do I make so many excuses on why I neglected to be a true witness for Jesus, even if it means being persecuted or rejected?"
3."Why do I just look at the uncertainty of the outcome and my weakness, rather than knowing that God Almighty is with me as I do His work?"
The apostle Paul is considered to be the greatest missionary of the church. When he pleaded with the Lord for his weaknesses to be removed, Jesus answered this way: But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthian 12: 9) Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.Weakness is a reality of every individual. We are limited in our wisdom, capacities, resources, talents, energy and time. The common factor is that we experience victory by walking in obedience to Christ. The Holy Spirit of God is with us always to empower us and provide the right counsel and divine wisdom. He allows His glorious strength to reveal His power through weak and frail people, like you and me. This allows an unbelieving world that is watching our lives, to be impacted and led to follow Christ.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank you for our different areas of weaknesses. Thank you that we are so dependent on you. Help us to draw our strength from you and live a life that is pleasing to you. We pray that you alone would be glorified in each one of our lives. In Jesus Name, Amen!. Amen.
Thought for the day: “All God's giants have been weak men who did great things for God because they reckoned on God being with them.” J. Hudson Taylor
Joji Koshy, St.Paul's MTC, Dallus