December 29, 2009
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Enabling great actions and events
While praying for two friends a month or so ago I had an epiphany. I know some of you will say “well duh!” about this but hey, it was profound for me in the moment.
Think back to Sunday school. You’re 8 years old and you’re hearing about all those that God did great things through from Noah to Jesus and beyond. I think in most cases we were taught the whole story, but think about what most of us heard: we heard what they did. We heard the action. We heard the building of an ark, we heard the freeing of a whole people from slavery and great military victories, we heard Jesus dying on a cross and rising from the dead, we heard the first christians living together in beautiful harmony. Do, do, do, act, act, act.
And naturally there’s something in us that wants to do great things for God or at least be a part of some great thing he’s doing.
What I was reminded of this morning is what it is that enables a person to participate greatly in a great action or event. Look back at the story of any great “action person” (take Jesus or Noah for example) and check out how they are introduced to us in the story -- what state of being, what attitudes were in place in them or came about before the great action took place.
I want to move, I want to act. I want to change our communities and the world with God. I want to be the one or the group to reach this neighborhood, or change this thing about the world, and all that.
If we look at who God chooses for things like that we see that he chooses spiritual “losers” – people who are anything but holy, but there is one thing they have in place: their wills are submitted to him … and before they take the action they are willing to recognize HIM as the source of the success of the action.
If we want to participate with God in great events, I think we need to be in a place to recognize him as the single source of the success of the action. Submit our wills and ways to him and beg him to have his way in our heart as well as our decisions and choices.
I also think I see a pattern that God’s greatest actions were performed in conjunction with those whose wills and hearts were most submitted to him. Noah, Mary, Jesus, Peter, Paul come to mind.
I welcome your comments. I am also curious who, who reads this, whether or not you think it will have any particular effect, is willing to recognize GOD as the source of the whatever success comes of your efforts.
Comments (5)
Tom, I couldn't agree more. When I remember that he is the sole source of action, it is a very freeing thought. If he is the author and the results are up to him, then our job is way simple...obey. My forever prayer is like Mary's "I am the Lord's servant...May it be to me as you have said." No more, no less...just use me however you want...whatever is in line with your purposes. This helps me keep my ambition and heart in check - though this is a continual battle
Beth
This is what is so appealing about our Lord. He useses amyone willing and submitted. The thing is is He always initiates as well. He is the giver and the motivator and the rewarder. Our righteousness is like filthy rags. It leaves no room for pride or haughtiness. Yet, He is so gracious! So loving and patient. How can we go wrong?
@hisysl - Hi Yvette ! Good to hear from you. Saw you visited Encourager ... is that still Rita's home church? Was she there / leading worship?
i'm chewing on it...
It was a while back since I've visited the encourager. Rita was not there that day. Not sure if she is still there or not. Happy New Year to you and your family Tom!