Responsibility without power leads to frustration. Unanswered frustration causes worry. Isn’t it funny how we worry about all the things we can’t change, yet neglect the things we can? Isn’t also strange that we always expect the worst, neglecting faith in God to work things out for the best?
Luke 12: 22-31
22) And he said unto his disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on.
23) The life is more than meat, and the body [is more] than raiment.
24) Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls?
25) And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit?
26) If ye then be not able to do that thing which is least, why take ye thought for the rest?
27) Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
28) If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more [will he clothe] you, O ye of little faith?
29) And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind.
30) For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things.
31) But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Jesus instructed His disciples not to worry about what they should wear or eat. Essentially, God knows what we need and has taken the responsibility to provide us these needs. Since God has the responsibility, we also recognize that only He has the power. Our Father is our source. The only thing we can do is follow His commandment to seek the Kingdom of God FIRST. Then, the Lord is obligated to provide all our needs!
My God! That is so powerful. God MUST fulfill His word. He cannot lie! So, why are our needs not met? Why do we still get frustrated? It must be because we’re not covering our end of the deal.
If we have any lack in our lives, it’s because we are not fully seeking God and His Kingdom. What does that mean? Prayer, fasting, Christian fellowship, Bible Study, obedience to the Word of God – these are all ways we seek Him. It seems so simple, yet it’s so difficult for us. Perhaps we lack the main ingredient in these areas – FAITH. Without faith, it’s impossible to please God! How can we truly seek His presence if we don’t please Him? Many of us attend church services faithfully. We pray regularly, study the Word, and even fast continuously. Yet, if these things are not done in FAITH, they are not pleasing to our Father. In the same manner, if we are seeking him in FAITH, doubt will not creep in. We won’t have anything to worry about, and frustration will not have a stronghold in our lives.
Glory to God! He has given us the solution. We must condition ourselves to have FAITH in God, or have the faith of God! Then, we will be at peace. As the Word of God says, “Godliness with contentment is great gain.” Praise the Lord!
I admonish us today to work on pleasing God. We must build our faith. In order to build our faith, we seek His Kingdom. As recorded in the book of Romans, “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.” Seeking the Kingdom requires prayer, fasting, fellowship and studying the Scriptures. In the same manner, these things increase our faith because they expose us to the Word. The result is increased faith, which pleases the Father. It’s a huge spiritual cycle, and we must jump on board!
I am guilty of stressing over things I cannot change. I am guilty of trying to take responsibility for things over which I have no power. Today, I am reminded that I must seek God on a different level. I must build my faith through the Word of God. Won’t you join me?
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