FAITH TO DO IT
John Henry Newman was an Anglican priest, poet and theologian and later a Catholic cardinal, who was an important and controversial figure in the religious history of England in the 19th century. From a vast array of essays and lectures, many a quote of his has been left to ponder. "Time hath a taming hand." "Christian! Learn to do thy part, and leave the rest to Heaven." "Keep Thou my feet: I do not ask to see the distant scene—one step is enough for me," are just a few. One of his quotes in particular that I like is this one: "Somehow, I am necessary to God's purpose..." Awesome, right? What a beautiful, humbling reality when we experience that awareness, when we can emphatically and conclusively say, "I am necessary for God's purpose!" Unfortunately, many of us are all too often left stuck in our pondering on what our purpose is, rather than an action-oriented pursuing of it.
I think about when God instructed Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. Moses felt uncomfortable with the assignment. He had a lot of questions. He felt insecure. He didn't want the job. He even suggested that God pick someone else. He wasn't for God's plan at all. What do you think caused Moses' reluctance and hesitation? Was it fear? Was it fatigue? Was it a lack of faith in himself? Any or all of those emotions may have been responsible, but one thing is for sure: he was attempting to bow out. But, it didn't work. After all of his negotiation and debate with God, it was only to discover that there is no bowing out of God's plans.
God has also called us for a purpose. Initially, we may feel less than eager or enthusiastic, especially if the task is a trial we must face, or something that seems hard to accomplish. We may feel apprehensive, insecure and intimidated. We may feel unprepared, helpless, or that we're just not important or significant enough to take on a "job" for God. You think "God couldn't possibly use me." We question our abilities and strengths, just like Moses did. We may even try to get out of it, too. What we must remember is, however many questions and arguments we may come up with, God can and will present to us the assurance of His guidance and His presence. All we need to do is be willing to cooperate with the plan, with the understanding that somehow we really are necessary to His purposes; and, in the midst of all our insecurities, he will always equip us with the faith to do what we've got to do. ~ S.R.F.
"For we live by faith..." 2 Corinthians 5:7
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