Although I’m often fascinated with life itself—its ups and downs, generous surprises, vicious behaviors, trying persons or groups, controversies, and wins—whenever the spring season arrives, it gives me an enhanced sense of wonder and joy. Other marvels somewhat surpass my human desire to know why this happens yearly. Then in autumn, I attempt to journal about such reasons, and I am again taken aback by nature’s beauty.
The words above are basic examples of my life in the last few weeks. At this juncture, I no longer feel compelled to write or do unless the Holy Spirit indeed leads me. Then there are periods when my schedule is not permitting, creating a more sensible, reasonable path for that week and the other. I knew I had a few hours to spare this week, and yesterday afternoon, I considered a topic I’d been mulling over for a while. But with the buoyancy of this season, I decided to wait a bit to share on such things.
In life, letting go of control is complex and it is strenuous. However, we see God’s grace when a journeyed path is created and likewise appreciated. We know His good!
Let’s read a brilliant reminder.
“Send them away to go into the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat.” 37 But he answered them, “You give them something to eat.” And they said to him, “Shall we go and buy two hundred denarii worth of bread and give it to them to eat? And he said to them, “How many loaves do you have? Go and see.” And when they had found out, they said, “Five, and two fish.” 39 Then he commanded them all to sit down in groups on the green grass. 40 So they sat down in groups, by hundreds and by fifties. 41 And taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and said a blessing and broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples to set before the people. And he divided the two fish among them all. 42 And they all ate and were satisfied.”- Mark 6 vv. 36-42
After reading this verse, it is impossible not to admire and grasp this entire story and come to understand that no matter any situation, God multiplies for the good of His people. And He continues to do this today.
On this verse Alistair Begg prompts us through his understanding:
“As you look out on your day and your week, offer yourself to God. Your inability is His opportunity. Your weakness and your sense of dependence form the basis upon which he shows Himself to be strong. With nothing but mere loaves of fish, He satisfied thousands. Be in no doubt that He can use you to do great things of eternal worth, if you will only ask Him (pg. 83).”
Every destination for us is guided by God and more so pleasing when we put His Word into practice. Never read the Bible as another accomplishment each year. Sit with it, understand it, and find Jesus in its entirety! All aspects of living within the life I discussed above should be evaluated from His biblical perspective. Not mine, not yours! His Word equips us for every good work (2 Tim. 3 vv. 16-17). We can only truly comprehend God’s greatness when we remove corrupt hindrances (Gen 6 vv. 11-12, Romans 8 v. 21, Gal. 6 v. 8, Eph. 4 v. 29, and more) from our own lives.
Friends, with utmost dedication, we can do this. Yes, life continues to throw stuff at us. But we can overcome the crippling aspects that constrain our thoughts, speech, and actions. We do this with discipline and obedience.
Based on the interpretation of Augustine’s view concerning grace and liberty, R. C. Sproul wrote:
“The grace of God operates on the heart in such a way as to make the formerly unwilling sinner willing. The redeemed sinner chooses Christ because he wants to choose Christ. The person now wills Christ because God has created a new spirit within the person (pgs. 63-64).”
Reader, no matter what is upon us and before us, let’s step into newness with the Spirit (Galatians 5:25). He is the ultimate interpreter of God’s Word. Let us accept Him and trust in Him (2 Tim. 1 v. 14), always.
Growing together, inside, and out,
Char
Sources:
Begg, A. (2022). Truth for life: 365 daily devotions. Vol. 2, Pg. 83. The Good Book Company
Sproul, R.C. (1997) Willing to believe. Pgs. 63-64. Ligonier Ministries.
Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Thank you, Char, for spelling out Augustine’s view of grace and liberty. A new spirit of willingness, wanting to belong to Christ, is my reason to wake up and get out of bed.
It applies in every moment of my day, as well!
Hi Susan,
I am so happy these reflections continue to help you.
In grace & in gratitude,
Char