Blessed is the man... whose confidence is in [God]
Jeremiah 17:7
It takes courage to be led by God. It's not easy to 'break the mould' and rise above the limits others place on you. When you do, you'll face disapproval. Jesus did. When the folks He grew up around said, 'Isn't this the carpenter's son?...' (Matthew 13:55 NIV), they were really saying, 'He should stay in His place!' When they tell you that, don't listen. '...each of us will give an account of himself to God' (Romans 14:12 NIV). In the final audit you'll discover that not only is it wrong to be judgmental of others, it's also wrong to permit their opinions to control you.
'Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him.' To follow God's leading you must have confidence that He loves you in spite of your shortcomings; He has a definite plan for your life; you are capable of hearing from Him for yourself; and whatever He asks of you, He will enable you to do. Once you've heard from God, be resolute! Things worth having never come easy. If you find yourself weakening, ask God for determination and He will impart it to you through His Spirit. If you find yourself being in two minds, go back and ask yourself what God told you in the beginning - then stick with it. Don't go in a different direction because of worry, discouragement or the sentiments of others. Remind yourself that you have what it takes to succeed in whatever God has called you to do. If you've made Jesus Lord of your life, His determination lives in you - because He lives in you.
Used with permission from UCB Word for Today. Free issues are available here for the UK and Republic of Ireland.
Comments
I’ve been following and enjoying your blog for a while now and would like to invite you to visit and perhaps follow me back. Sorry I took so long for the invitation.