''..A man must be content to receive the gift... given him from heaven...''
John 3:27
We love to quote the promise, 'I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me' (Philippians 4:13 NKJV). But that promise doesn't mean you can do whatever you want, or what somebody else does. No, Paul is saying you can do anything God calls you to do, for with each of His assignments comes His assistance. This verse actually teaches you to stay within the boundaries of what God's called you to do, and not try to undertake things that are not part of His will for you. That's not negativism, it's wisdom. God wants you looking to Him for your answers, not others. That doesn't mean you can't learn from others, it just means the plan that will lead you to success must come from God. What is God's will for your life? Find it, do it, otherwise you'll live in frustration, competing and comparing yourself with others.
John the Baptist said, 'A man must be content to receive the gift which is given him from heaven.' Read the previous verses and you'll discover that some of John's disciples were getting upset because Jesus was baptising too, and the crowds were leaving John and flocking to Him. If John hadn't been secure in his God-given identity and calling, he might have become fearful and jealous. But he displayed a different attitude - one you need to take to heart. He said, '[I] can receive nothing [he can claim nothing, he can take unto himself nothing] except as it has been granted to him from heaven. [A man must be content to receive the gift which is given him from heaven...]' (John 3:27-29).
Used with permission from UCB Word for Today. Free issues are available here for the UK and Republic of Ireland.
Comments
Again a good post Mike.
I need to study that verse some more.