Reliance
By Kyle Blackwell
It has been a while since my last article but words cannot express the goodness and mercy God has displayed in my life. I have just taken a back seat these past couple months while watching Him work in me along my road to sanctification.
1 Peter 4:7 says to be alert and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. . While this verse truly deserves its own article, doors have been opened to many miracles over the past month. Long story short, I had veered a little off the path God wanted for me. Once I released all my worries and problems to God He started showing His might. Some things did not make sense. Through it all, I have both come closer to God and Ana.
For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. As the Heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. -Isaiah 55: 8-9
It is hard to trust in something you cannot see. But as the grass blows and the sea rumbles, you know there is something much greater causing these occurrences even though you cannot see. Luckily, we have the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, in order to find all truth. Yes, I have faith in something I cannot see, but it is not a blind faith. Jesus said “You search the scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me” (John 5: 39). What scriptures was He talking about? The Tanakh, or the Old Testament is where we go to find all the prophecies about Jesus. It is because of these ancient texts that I do not have a blind faith in the provision of God.
I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. -Philippians 4:13
One way to look at this, and it is true, is to realize that Jesus will get you through all circumstances no matter how big or how small. Another way, which is really the same as the previous, is to know that I have no control over anything because Jesus Christ is the one who has all power and all authority on both earth and Heaven.
One reason we do not have a reliance in God is because we think that God has more important things on His plate than little ol’ me. We think that we are not important. However, we were created a little lower than the angels (Psalms 8:5) and in Heaven we will be a little higher than the angels, and judgment for the angels will come from us (1 Corinthians 6:3).
Since the beginning of time, God planned a way out for all our sins, so we could be with Him in Heaven. Because of our sinful nature, we are not welcome in the Kingdom of God. Thankfully, Jesus was God’s plan to cover the debt of our sins. If He was willing to sacrifice His only son, do you really think He does not want to take care of your daily needs?
As humans, we want to handle everything on our own. But I promise you this: When you let go and let God, He will provide in unfathomable ways.
And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. -2 Corinthians 9:8
Uh Oh! Now we are presented with a problem that many Christians struggle to realize. Paul starts by stating God will provide in every situation. However, he ends the verse by talking about all the good works we are to do. With this, we must realize this world is not our own. As sojourners walking in a foreign land (Philippians 3:20), God created us for a purpose (Ephesians 2:10), and Jesus said our purpose as His followers is not always to live comfortable lives, but there will be tribulation (John 16:33). While this sounds terrible, Jesus did not leave us empty handed.
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. -John 14:27
God never promised His children would not have problems while on this wretched planet, but He did promise we would never be alone. His provision comes in many ways and forms.
I lost my job two weeks ago. While my wife and I have four kids, a mortgage, and all the expenses that come along with everyday life, we are not afraid. As a matter of fact, I was so joyful when I lost my job that I witnessed to about ten co-workers my last day. They felt sad while I felt happiness and peace. God is good!
My wife started treatment to recover from her blindness three weeks ago. It is not a cheap procedure, but not once was I worried. God has blessed us with family and friends from church whom God has used as vessels for His Kingdom to provide all the expenses necessary. Not only that, but the doctor’s office has added many procedures at no charge. Keep in mind, all this is going on when I am out of a job. God is good!
When I was going through divorce four years ago, I was so scared to go into the lawyer’s office in fear of them talking about my kids for financial purposes, child support. I did not want to see them putting a price on the heads of my three boys as they are priceless. Anyways, the Peace of God rested upon my shoulders during the entire debacle, and is still a calmness that I cannot explain. God is good!
In all these instances, God provided in ways more abundantly than I could ever orchestrate. I ask God to increase my faith everyday, and He never fails. Lean on Him, not on your own ways.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. -Proverbs 3:5-6
If you are a Christian, it takes much faith to walk that plank for a God you cannot see or touch. Why don’t you go ahead and continue that faith by surrendering all to Him, and trust that He will provide in every situation, at all times, in various ways. In this, there is true freedom.
If you have not yet chosen Christ as Lord and Savior of your life, please go to the Road to Salvation tab and fill out the form so we can direct you to a relationship with someone who loves you no matter what flaws you may have. You are loved by a God who loved you from before you were even conceived.
-My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge - Hosea 4:6
