Moment by moment, oh Lord, I am Thine.
We have this treasure (2 Corinthians 4:7) the Divine Light of the Gospel in earthen vessels. What does that mean to me and especially now? Does it mean that because I am an old cracked pot, I am to be put on a shelf of self-interest retirement? Not at all! In no way! It means that because the Shekinah glory of God’s living Presence dwells within me, God intends for that glory to always shine through the cracks. That is why the Lord allows the cracks of physical infirmities and aging. The power of God reveals that the glory is all of God and nothing of us. We need to keep this in mind and live in the light (1 John 1:7) of spiritual understanding. Then we will not stumble (1 John 1:6) in the darkness of confusion. The greatest darkness (John 12:35-37) is light rejected or light disobeyed. Then (Oswald Chambers) “dry rot begins in the spiritual life.”
Sometimes we find ourselves, rather surprisingly, in a place in which we were not expecting to be. Instead of the darkness of grumbling about the inconvenience and difficulty, we should seek the light of understanding as to why God has placed us there. God does nothing without purpose and He always has a holy purpose in where He places us.
(Oswald Chambers} “When the waves and billows of life threaten to sweep away our confidence - - look into the face of Jesus and see HIS UNDISTURBEDNESS.” Nothing God does in the life of an obedient Christian ever upsets Jesus. He knows why it came and, how long it will last and how it will turn out. He is not disturbed. Recently I was unexpectedly in just such a difficult place. Eventually, I was able to speak to a lovely professional woman, who was of a false religion, and during our conversation she said something to me. Her words instantly made me understand why God had brought me to that place. Her words opened the door for the glory of God’s eternal Truth to shine out through my cracks. Anything I go through is nothing compared to the worth of one soul, the salvation of one person. It is also nothing in comparison with the suffering of Christians in the Persecuted Church and prayer deepens in closeness and oneness with the heart of God. These experiences are not just for me but also for you and for all believers.
Wherever you are, be alert, stay in constant touch with the Lord. God knows there is someone in ‘your world’ who needs to hear the Good News of the Gospel of salvation through Jesus Christ alone, by His precious shed Blood and Atoning death.
Jesus said (John 14:27) My peace I give to you. What did that peace do for Jesus? He was never perplexed, never upset, never disturbed and never afraid. In the midst of many uncertainties, if I receive from Jesus the very peace of Jesus, there is NO reason on earth, apart from sin, for me to continue to be perplexed, upset, disturbed or afraid. It is a daily drawing on God’s unfailing Grace. To draw from the always-full well of Grace, we need a clean bucket of faith. As we inhale God’s amazing Grace we can exhale love, obedience and gratitude. Never forget that God’s Grace comes by His riches (Philippians 4:19) in Christ Jesus. Never forget the cost to Jesus for the riches we so freely receive. How far did He come, how much He gave, how much He suffered, how much He paid, how much He loved. Never forget! Faith is an essential ingredient of obedience. We obey the Lord because we trust Him and we trust Him because we love Him. Because we know the holy, unchanging beautiful character of God, our faith and love flourishes and grows and grows abundantly. I have found that things which might seem to be as an interruption in my day often turns out to be personal provisions and encouragements from my loving heavenly Father.
Ezra had a heart (Ezra 7:27-28) and mind to beautify the temple of God and he entreated others in Israel to go with Him to Jerusalem. Now we are (2 Corinthians 6:16) the temple of God and the beauty of our God (Psalms 90:17) should be upon us. God will be with us in every hardship. Hardships build character. We can be more than conquerors (Romans 8:37) if we (Warren Wiersbe) “Step up on the bumps of life and go higher.” Nothing can ever or will ever (Romans 8:35-39) cause God to stop loving us. We talk rightly about taking one day at a time but if things are really tough, try going it one moment at a time. Actually, that is all we have so let every moment be filled with Jesus. I’m sure you remember that wonderful old hymn – “Looking to Jesus ‘til glory doth shine, moment by moment, oh Lord, I am Thine.”
Keeping in step with Jesus means to agree with Him about everything. God is more concerned with character than convenience. Maintain a right and righteous perspective. Fix your focus and keep it fixed. Turn your eyes (Hebrews 12:2) upon Jesus.