Repent, Remember and Rest!

Being sanctified doesn't always "feel" good. Let's face it, even though we "know" and "believe" that the test, trial, or refining that we are going through is going to produce Christ like character in us and turn out for our good, in the moment, it's tough. And the Lord, in His love and mercy, tends to sanctify us in areas in which we are least comfortable with in order to REMIND us of our dependence upon Him. I say all of this, because the Lord is refining me in an area that I believe many Christians struggle with, that is with the "unknown". This lack of knowledge displays fruit in fear, worry, anxiety, stress, burden, and the list goes on. And at the root, is a heinous sin, I am ashamed to admit...distrust in the sovereign God.

You see, it is more complicated than it seems. In my mind, and with my lips, I would never doubt God's goodness, His plan, or His provision. I have seen His faithfulness displayed in countless ways that have humbled my heart to always trust. And yet, there seems, at times, to be a disconnect between my head and my heart. What I know, doesn't translate into what I do. More specifically, in how I respond to uncomfortable circumstances in my life.

As of late I have been mediating on the following verse ( and passage in context ) in Matthew from the lips of Jesus himself,
"So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." (v34)
I have learned a lot from this passage, and during this season of sanctification in my life, both from the Word and from commentaries on it. I want to share a couple principles with you in regards to worry, the unknown, and the like, in hopes that it might strengthen and encourage you to press on.

(1) REMEMBER who your Father Is: "If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him!" -Matthew 7:11

Growing up, I had no reason to fear or worry about where I would lay my head at night, when my next meal would be, or if I'd have clothes to wear to school. Why? Because I had unwavering trust and confidence in my dad as my provider. This childlike faith goes hand in hand with the faith we as Christians are called to and enabled to have with our Father. My earthly father doesn't even compare to my Father in heaven, and yet I fail to remember who He is. I forget that He is sovereign, in control, and working everything together for my good and His glory. And although I may not think I have forgotten, the reactions I have in certain situations, or the doubts I experience, are evidence of the reality of my faithlessness. When tempted to worry or fret, stop for a moment, and REMEMBER who your Father is. If He has saved you from eternal damnation, why would you fear He won't provide exactly what you need for today.

(2) REMEMBER His Faithfulness"God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful." -1 Corinthians 1:9

It doesn't take long after starting in Genesis to see the faithfulness of God displayed. All throughout the Old and into the New testament, the Scriptures are filled with an unending story of God's perfect faithfulness. And if you look back on your own life you see the evidences of it even more personally. His faithfulness, as Scripture says, "reaches to the skys". It is amazing to see it in action, and it is consistently perfect. That is an incredible Truth that brings me so much joy and so much comfort! In moments of despair, confusion, and uncertainty, REMEMBER the faithfulness of God throughout all generations and in your life too.

May you see the sin in the fruits of your unknown circumstances, repent, remember and REST in the One who is faithful!

"Children of God... will you not bear witness, that, through all your trials and troubles, the faithfulness of your Savior's love has been the “very joy of your hearts?” You have had many crosses and losses – has He ever deserted you? You have been in severe afflictions, and have seen the flowers of many a “sweet hope” wither and decay – did your Friend desert you then? Others may have proved faithless – all other help may have failed you – friendship’s help, promised help, expected help – all, all may have been but as the foam upon the billow, as the footsteps in the sand – but, has Christ ever failed you? Could you, in the darkest and the saddest hour of your grief, say to Him? “Lord, You have promised what You did not perform.” Will you not bear witness concerning the past? – “Not one good thing has failed, of all that the Lord has promised – all has come to pass.” -John MacDuff