Jesus was not rebuking the disciples in this passage. Their faith was real, but it was disordered and unfocused, and was not at work in the important realities of life. The disciples were scattered to their own concerns and they had interests apart from Jesus Christ. After we have the perfect relationship with God, through the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit, our faith must be exercised in the realities of everyday life. We will be scattered, not into service but into the emptiness of our lives where we will see ruin and barrenness, to know what internal death to God’s blessings means. Are we prepared for this? It is certainly not of our own choosing, but God engineers our circumstances to take us there. Until we have been through that experience, our faith is sustained only by feelings and by blessings. But once we get there, no matter where God may place us or what inner emptiness we experience, we can praise God that all is well. That is what is meant by faith being exercised in the realities of life.

“. . . you . . . will leave Me alone.” Have we been scattered and have we left Jesus alone by not seeing His providential care for us? Do we not see God at work in our circumstances? Dark times are allowed and come to us through the sovereignty of God.Are we prepared to let God do what He wants with us? Are we prepared to be separated from the outward, evident blessings of God? Until Jesus Christ is truly our Lord, we each have goals of our own which we serve. Our faith is real, but it is not yet permanent. And God is never in a hurry. If we are willing to wait, we will see God pointing out that we have been interested only in His blessings, instead of in God Himself. The sense of God’s blessings is fundamental

“. . . be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Unyielding spiritual fortitude is what we need.

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April 4, 2011

Journal Entry for Today-JDV

Father God, it seems like obstacles are lined up against me….all around me and I cannot seem to get an answer to my prayers. And then this devotional shows up teaching me that You will allow me to stay inside my circumstances and obstacles long enough to understand that blessings and rescue are not the issues nor do they provide the answers to my life questions. Our relationship is the issue. …OK I get it, but why does this feel like just one more time of blessings and or promises being delayed so I can go through more pain?

And God says…” Your life with Me and our relationship must be about more than just blessings and rescue if you are to truly live in abundant life. If I was your “cosmic genie” at your beck and call, would you live a life of faith and commitment to Me or would you simply show me you list of wants and needs and wait for Me to deliver?  Do you notice that when you are surrounded by difficult circumstances you are more attuned to my voice, more acutely aware of Me in your life? You are less distracted by the routine of your life and more focused on Me. Have I not always delivered you at the precise moment and time of your need? Trust in Me and rest in me, regardless of your circumstances or feelings. Delight yourself in the Lord….and He will give you the desires of your heart. When have I NOT shown up to answer your prayers? Perhaps NOT when you first called or cried out in fear, but at the precise time when my response would have the most impact. “