The life in Jesus, together, is a living, dynamic and moving reality having its being in Jesus himself, as we his Body live out his life here on earth, by the Spirit.
This is a reality in which many number of things are going on at the same time. God is working on the individual parts in getting along with each other in love, in holiness of life. And there is a work of learning how to grow, live and serve together, in mission to the world.
All of this involves becoming established in uncertainty. We don't know what lies ahead in a day, or a week, a month or a year- and beyond. But we are willing to trust that in it all God's will can be done in our lives, as we seek and choose that will over our own and for the true good of the world, including ourselves.
We like predictability and easy "cookie cutter" ways. But God's ways are different. We inevitably will meet new struggles, opportunities, issues, etc., in those around us we know, as well as in our own lives.
This necessary establishing we need in Jesus involves both faith and works, practices of love which we do regardless of the day and circumstances we find ourselves in (of course barring special periods of rest or waiting on God). The more different or great the problems we face, the more the same we need to humbly plod on with our faith, established in Jesus.
Established yet in uncertainty, as we face a new week. Will we be willing to take this path together in Jesus? Or will I insist that things be the same and manipulate life, if need be, to that end? This may be a stretch, today. But I think this thought has validity for us as we live as Christ's Body in mission together, in this world.
What might you like to add to this?
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8 comments:
'We like predictability and easy "cookie cutter" ways. But God's ways are different.' Yes.
He always surprises me.
Julie, I'm being surprised by God in some ways today. And it's not all easy either. But I can trust in him that it will all be good in the end!
Ted:
Good thoughts. I preached on the call of Abraham last Sunday and specifically focused on walking with God, and following even though we are not sure where the path leads.
As I prepare for a move, I am finding the call stories in the Bible to be quite meaningful.
Ted,
This post is exactly where God has me. I like things planned out... but that's not God's ways. You said: "All of this involves becoming established in uncertainty. We don't know what lies ahead in a day, or a week, a month or a year- and beyond. But we are willing to trust that in it all God's will can be done in our lives, as we seek and choose that will over our own and for the true good of the world, including ourselves." I need that reminder. Only by standing in Christ will I be "established in uncertainty". I may not know where I am going, but God does. And, I can trust him and his promises. Now, if I can only release my grip from the wheel and let God take over...
-Alan
Allan, Thanks for the encouragement, and for the good words. Abraham is certainly a good case in point for us, as we are called to walk in the footsteps of his faith. And he went, not knowing where he was going.
Many blessings on you and yours in your upcoming move.
Alan, Thanks for all those words. And great thought there at the end, we need to take our hands off. To let God be God and in control as we seek to closely follow. I know that can be hard; but what miserable "gods" we are.
Ted,
I've linked to this post and applied it to my favorite topic: the meeting of the church. Thanks again!
-Alan
Alan, I look forward to reading that. Thanks.
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