Why is it that we ask God for a man size task
when only a God size task will do? We want to make a difference
but but not a change. A difference happens outside of me, a
change must include me. In fact, it starts in me. I must be
changed before I can bring change because "If you always
do what you've always done, you'll always get what you've always
got." But no matter how many "Disciplines" I practice
in my life, I lack the self-control that brings change. The
Apostle Paul put it this way "The good I would I can not do
& the evil I do not want to do, I do anyway. Who will save me
from this body of death". The Apostle led a very
disciplined life yet he recognized the lack of power in himself
to be change or bring change. His answer? "Thanks be to
God for in Jesus Christ we have that power." He goes on to
say that this power to change & be changed is found in the Holy
Spirit who Jesus gives to everyone who accepts His Salvation.
He says that the Holy Spirit must live in us, lead us, & help us
in our weakness.
We look at ourselves & we ask God for a task we can accomplish.
God looks at us & gives us a task only He can accomplish through
us. Why? Because we look at our strength & see our limits.
God looks at His strength & sees no limits. According to Romans
chapter 8, God's work in our lives through the Father's will,
the Son's (Jesus) work, & the Spirit's way is to transform God's
people into the image of The Son (Jesus). A reflection of who
Jesus is in presence, power, & glory. If that is true, then God
will only give us tasks that reveals God size presence, power, &
glory.
And so I ask myself, "What do I really seek from God?" It is a
good question for all of us to muse over. Do I seek only what
I believe I can do or do I live by faith & seek what only God
can do through me. Holy spirit empowered faith takes what we
believe & makes it a reality. Not our dreams but God's dreams
for us. Not our desires but God's desires in us. The Holy
Spirit changes us & then brings God's change to bear on the
world around us challenging all of us to stop trying to use God
& become used by God.
Oh, Lord Jesus, give me the eyes to see you & Holy Spirit give
me the power to live out what I see!
