But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith… —Jude 20
There was nothing of the nature of impulsive or thoughtless action about our Lord, but only a calm strength that never got into a panic. Most of us develop our Christianity along the lines of our own nature, not along the lines of God’s nature. Impulsiveness is a trait of the natural life, and our Lord always ignores it, because it hinders the development of the life of a disciple.
Watch how the Spirit of God gives a sense of restraint to impulsiveness, suddenly bringing us a feeling of self-conscious foolishness, which makes us instantly want to vindicate ourselves. Impulsiveness is all right in a child, but is disastrous in a man or woman— an impulsive adult is always a spoiled person. Impulsiveness needs to be trained into intuition through discipline.
Discipleship is built entirely on the supernatural grace of God. Walking on water is easy to someone with impulsive boldness, but walking on dry land as a disciple of Jesus Christ is something altogether different. Peter walked on the water to go to Jesus, but he “followed Him at a distance” on dry land (Mark 14:54). We do not need the grace of God to withstand crises— human nature and pride are sufficient for us to face the stress and strain magnificently. But it does require the supernatural grace of God to live twenty-four hours of every day as a saint, going through drudgery, and living an ordinary, unnoticed, and ignored existence as a disciple of Jesus.
It is ingrained in us that we have to do exceptional things for God— but we do not. We have to be exceptional in the ordinary things of life, and holy on the ordinary streets, among ordinary people— and this is not learned in five minutes.
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October 21 2015
Journal Entry for October 22 2015
Lord, I’m not certain I agree with Chambers this time. When he says Discipleship is built entirely on the supernatural grace of God. Walking on water is easy to someone with impulsive boldness, but walking on dry land as a disciple of Jesus Christ is something altogether different. You have been teaching us that it is all the same; walking on water or miracles, and the day to day mundane work and service; it all comes from You via the Holy Spirit through us. You have taught us to be and live surrendered, connected, curious and obedient, regardless of the service or circumstance. The outcomes are not our concerns, the methods or circumstances are also non issues but that we are to let You work through us and revel in our relationship; whether it be routine or supernatural.
And God says…”I work all things together for the good of those that love the Lord and are called according to My purpose. Seek first the kingdom of God, which is Jesus, and I will provide everything else you require; strength and appreciation for the routine and mundane, as well as faith and belief in and for the miraculous. Do not seek a miracle or a routine outcome, simply trust in Me with all your heart and do not rely on your own understanding or expectations. Allow Me to be God in your life as you live out of surrender, connection, curiosity and obedience. “
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