Confidence In God

So, Monday was... let's just say I dropped the ball while at work. It was totally my mistake. It made me look bad. And the company for that matter. And as I dealt with my own frustration while not yet knowing the full reaction from the bosses, I wrote yesterday's prayer post on grace, when we really should be hauled out to the woodshed for a "come to Jesus meeting"

As yesterday progressed, I began thinking just how much, God loves and is willing to fight our battles for us. Even when it's our mistakes. Not only that, but as we go through life... to not have Christ be a daily part of that. What can you rely on if not One who would give His only Son just for a relationship with humanity?

The app on my phone showed yesterday's quote of the day from Socrates:

"The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing."

Compare that, to the Apostle Paul, in writing his first letter to the Corinthians:

"For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified."

He goes on to write that his message and preaching was not done with wise and persuasive words. It was a demonstration of the Spirit's power. The reason? So that one's faith would not rest on human wisdom, but on God's power.

Such is how I found myself, considering the potential aftermath of my mistake(s). Having been in this position before, I do not boast in my own strength, for clearly I miss the mark. And to my frustration, will inevitably do so again. So I have nothing, but to trust God. For truly, I can not rely on my own.

Interestingly enough, I have so many moments, where privately, I think I know what I'm doing, that I am doing things right, taking care of business, trying to learn how to do life better and occasionally making "progress".  Then, I stand in the room publicly and the temptation to compare encroaches.

And I realize... I don't have a clue.

Jesus Christ is not a crutch. He is the friend standing beside you every step of your life, should anything come against you. And like any friend, the less you want Him to be a part of the picture, the further back He'll stand. He hasn't left you. But if He whispers to you and you have pushed Him away... the chances of you hearing Him?  He hasn't remained silence. You are simply out of earshot! Why. That's the relationship all of us have a choice in making regarding faith in God.

My confidence is in Him. Daily. The past is behind me, why regret it? Tomorrow hasn't arrived, why be anxious?
Thus, as I started Tuesday afresh, relied on God, trusted Him for just that day that was in front me.... it worked out.

Sure, I had to have a woodshed conversation with the boss. But inserted into the conversation was the miraculous hand of God's provision... in an envelope with a bonus check. And a "yesterday notwithstanding" opening line. God's grace in the midst of failure. What better lesson to instill in those yet to enter adulthood? It's who are you in relationship to God that matters. Not how you see yourself. Not how the world sees you. Not what you do. Where you go. What you say. Not even how you identify.

There is simply this.... knowing you nothing. And knowing you know Christ.

Pray, this #youthPastorWednesday, for kids and teens... may there be a prompting in their spirit to seek the truth, not relative to their situation or what culture is pushing on them; but a drawing to a Heavenly Father, full of grace and truth. May they experience a love that is unconditional. Pray for the supernatural, that past all the physical, mental and psychological changes we and society try to affect; that their would be a change of heart, for the things of God. May their be a shift in focus... not on our failure rate or success factor, but the simple act of seeking God first. May they not navigate this life alone, swayed by media, convinced by politics or coerced by agendas; but that early on, they would develop a steadfast faith in God; for His plans and purpose to be carried out in the lives of those who love Him and are called to His purpose. May they know it's not our identity, intellect or instinct whereby we are known, but that one day all that will matter is the existence and extent of a relationship with Jesus Christ. Pray for God's forgiveness and mercy on the church as a whole and a society that has lost this most critical element of what we call the Christian faith.

For the glory of God. We rely on You and You alone. Daily. For everything.

- PNC

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