A stark difference between the first-century Christians and the Christians of today is that they were power conscious, while we are problem conscious. The compelling evidence of this can be found in our first, and continual, response to the problems we encounter. It is far too easy for us to dwell on the issue rather than the One Who has all power over the issue.
Of course, I am preaching to the choir here. Thus, the reason for this 30 Day Praise Challenge! We could all use the invitation and encouragement to look at our faith and honestly assess what we are most aware of: is it God, or is it something else?
I received some bad news about a week ago. Really bad news. News that means there will be a long road ahead of me – one that will require the investment of much time, money, and energy. None of these, by the way, do I feel like I have much of to spare right now. It hit me hard, much more so than I was expecting it to. I have shed some tears, cradled some anger, and wrestled with worry about how it will affect not only me, but the rest of my family.
This morning, as it pressed its way into my consciousness again, begging for more of my attention, God challenged me about it. I realized that, in all my fretting about the problem, I have failed to do the one thing that will make any real difference at all! I have not taken this to God in prayer.
I have not thanked Him for the challenge, and asked for His help in moving through it, so that I will see all He intends to bring out of it as a blessing – not only for me, but for all those around me. I have failed to praise, because I’ve been more conscious of the problem than of the power of God to deal with that problem! I literally have access to the cure for this problem, in prayer and in praise!
I wonder if I’m not the only one who forgets such a truth? With this 30 Day Challenge, I believe God wants us to be reminded, daily, that He is bigger, stronger, and more powerful than anything we will ever face. And that when – not if, but when – we face the hard things in our lives, they are an invitation to know Him and His power more…to become more aware of Him than we are of anything else in our lives.
May we become God-centered rather than problem-centered believers. May we possess a faith which looks immediately to God, fully aware of and fully expecting His power to be demonstrated on our behalf. And may we see a great reward for our determination to see more of Him and less of everything else.
“The eyes of the Lord search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him…” 2 Chronicles 16:9
“And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to Him must believe that God exists and that He rewards those who sincerely seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6
She Dances Over Graves 