II Thessalonians 3:1
“Finally, brethren, pray for us that the word of the Lord will spread rapidly and be glorified, just as it did also with you;”
Last time we focused on God’s word and how it’s living and active. Today, the emphasis will be how God uses it in our daily lives. He will bring it to our remembrance. It won’t seem holy or special. It will seem like one of our thoughts.
We may have a thought, while it’s origin is from the Lord. If it’s something that we want to do, pray, “Lord, I’m going to do this. If it be Your will, bless it. If not, close the door.” Sometimes it’s a challenge. It may be something that interests us, but scares us some. Then pray, “Lord if this is from You, confirm it and provide the means and courage.”
Some of the ideas from the Lord are prompts to pray. That may be our only part. Other times we have more involvement, but it’s long term. So, the idea may only be the beginning.
That being said, it can’t be proven that it was God. Our thoughts do factor in. It’s like a surfer watching for waves. They appear to be small mounds far off. They are watched and assessed. At times they don’t amount to anything. Other times they become ride-able waves. Just because it doesn’t amount to much doesn’t mean it’s not from God. Maybe our early interest, involvement and obedience were all He wanted.
God can speak through others. Proverbs speaks much about the wisdom in many counselors. We should seek advise, but also be open to that which wasn’t sought. We do weigh these words against the bible. Anything that’s contrary should be discarded.
Listening to these prompts, ideas and commands make up our walk with the Lord. Galatians 5:16 says, “So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.”
Some may see this as being dictatorial. Like a robot waiting for prompts or worse, a captive awaiting commands. Not so. Matthew 11:29,30 says, “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” We are to obey, but not out of harshness or fear.
Most of our actions are self guided. Yes, we are informed by the bible, but most of our actions aren’t cautioned by the Lord. Presently, it’s every few days. Maybe if I were more open to His ways it would be more often. As was stated earlier, I’m not completely sure what’s of God and what’s not. Unless it’s scriptural, they are all hunches. Of course He will never ask us to do anything unscriptural. No matter how strong we may feel about it, if it’s already addressed in the bible, that trumps all.
All of this makes up part of our walk with the Lord. I Corinthians 13:12 says presently we see through a glass darkly, but then (in heaven) we shall see face to face. Our present relationship with the Lord can be a challenge. We are relating to someone beyond our five physical senses. However, as we continue to practice, the glass gets cleaner and our spiritual senses get sharper. Hebrews 5:14 says, “But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil.” All of this is practicing our relationship with God. A toddler stumbles at first. In time and practice, walking is perfected.
Lord, thank You for prayer. Thank You for Your guidance in our daily lives. Help us to seek You and to be open to Your ways. Thank You for the wonderful opportunities that You lead us into.