Add means that we have to do something. We are in danger of forgetting that we cannot do what God does, and that God will not do what we can do. We cannot save nor sanctify ourselves— God does that. But God will not give us good habits or character, and He will not force us to walk correctly before Him. We have to do all that ourselves. We must “work out” our “own salvation” which God has worked in us (Philippians 2:12). Add means that we must get into the habit of doing things, and in the initial stages that is difficult. To take the initiative is to make a beginning— to instruct yourself in the way you must go.

Beware of the tendency to ask the way when you know it perfectly well. Take the initiative— stop hesitating— take the first step. Be determined to act immediately in faith on what God says to you when He speaks, and never reconsider or change your initial decisions. If you hesitate when God tells you to do something, you are being careless, spurning the grace in which you stand. Take the initiative yourself, make a decision of your will right now, and make it impossible to go back. Burn your bridges behind you, saying, “I will write that letter,” or “I will pay that debt”; and then do it! Make it irrevocable.

We have to get into the habit of carefully listening to God about everything, forming the habit of finding out what He says and heeding it. If, when a crisis comes, we instinctively turn to God, we will know that the habit has been formed in us. We have to take the initiative where we are, not where we have not yet been.

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May 10, 2011

Journal Entry for Today-JDV

Lord, I don’t know about this lesson. I have encountered failure after failure trying to take the initiative in my life.  Every time I grit my teeth and commit myself to do a thing you have lain on my heart, I fail miserably. For years I thought that everyone else was managing to take the initiative and make changes in their lives …except me. And here I go again with one more lesson about how I am supposed to be able to take the initiative and add things my life. And I know from experience, I will fail.

And God says…”The line between initiative and surrender can be confusing.  However there is no confusion when you ask Me to take over your life. There is no confusion when you acknowledge your shortcomings in prayer and ask for forgiveness…… and for Me to change you from the inside out. There is no confusion when you acknowledge that you need Me in every area of your life. The part that is you is surrender……and surrender does take initiative. Acknowledge Me in all your ways and I will make your paths straight.”