As soon as you begin to live the life of faith in God, fascinating and physically gratifying possibilities will open up before you. These things are yours by right, but if you are living the life of faith you will exercise your right to waive your rights, and let God make your choice for you. God sometimes allows you to get into a place of testing where your own welfare would be the appropriate thing to consider, if you were not living the life of faith. But if you are, you will joyfully waive your right and allow God to make your choice for you. This is the discipline God uses to transform the natural into the spiritual through obedience to His voice.

Whenever our right becomes the guiding factor of our lives, it dulls our spiritual insight. The greatest enemy of the life of faith in God is not sin, but good choices which are not quite good enough. The good is always the enemy of the best. In this passage, it would seem that the wisest thing in the world for Abram to do would be to choose. It was his right, and the people around him would consider him to be a fool for not choosing.

Many of us do not continue to grow spiritually because we prefer to choose on the basis of our rights, instead of relying on God to make the choice for us. We have to learn to walk according to the standard which has its eyes focused on God. And God says to us, as He did to Abram, “. . . walk before Me. . .” (Genesis 17:1).

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May 25, 2010

Journal Entry for Today-JDV

It is naturally hard to imagine that the very best things come to us as a result of giving up on what we think will provide us the greatest happiness. But, it is simply not in my nature to let go of the desire to reach for the things that I believe will make me happy. It is hard to give up the pursuit of goals I have set for myself.

I have been taught to set goals, visualize the goals and then move forward taking the steps necessary and critical to achieve my goals…all the while mitigating risks and avoiding potential roadblocks. It is what I do! It is even my life’s work. ……..And then I read that I often search for the good at the expense of Your best.

And God says…”That is it exactly. However, that does not mean that you cannot use your skills (talents) to pursue the very best that I have in store for you and yours. Rememebr you are wonderfully made. I gave you these goal setting skills, and I will bless you as you use them….as you give Me the outcomes. You are simply to be obedient and trust Me to provide the result that I want. It may not be the result that you thought or believed would provide you the most benefit. Leave that part to me…there is much you cannot see. Oftentimes I will ask you to step out when you cannot see or even believe there is a way.”

“When you set your goals continue as you have, and begin with prayer and petition asking Me to guide you and provide the direction and confirmation.  Continue to write out your goals, and review them daily-being open and objective about My leading….Be open and accepting of My will for your life.

“And know that I will operate in ways you cannot imagine even as you cannot fathom the depths of My love for you. Trust in Me.  Trust in Me with all your heart and do not rely on your own devices and I will make your paths straight. But first delight yourself in the Lord….and know I will give you the desires of  a transformed heart.”