The Special of the Day... From the Orange Moon Cafe...
"Well Able"
My natural personality tempts me to make mountains out of molehills. The tendency seems to be genetic as a number of relatives on both sides of my family share the same trait. A learned element plays a role as some of those family members have been a part of my life since childhood. Losing my beloved father very early in life may also prompt me to sometimes see problems as bigger than they are. Whatever the source, the challenge presents many opportunities for faith and ministry to others.
"What time I am afraid, I will trust in Thee" (Psalm 56:3).
Becoming a born again believer when I was eighteen years old began the Lord's redemptive process in my life, first regarding forgiveness of sin and newness of life in Christ, and then in countless other ways all believers experience in our walk with God. For me, joining King David in learning to use temptations to fear and insecurity as opportunities to trust and submit to God has been, and continues to be, a major aspect of the ongoing project I am for our Heavenly Father. I still sometimes view molehills as mountains in my initial response to challenges, and sadly, also sometimes construct a pretty large mound before coming to my senses and committing matters to the Lord. Thankfully, He has been very patient with me, and I continue to seek growth in seeking to view problems, difficulties, pains, and annoyances in the light of Christ and His involved presence in my life. "Grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" (II Peter 3:18).
I often think of Caleb along the lines of this consideration. He saw the same giants as did the others with whom he did reconnaissance in the promised land (Numbers 30:17-33). However, by faith, Caleb also saw the God infinitely greater than any foe of Israel and her Lord. "We are well able to overcome it!" declared Caleb regarding the molehills others saw as mountains. The same is true of every challenge in our lives as believers. Regardless of their mode or measure, through Christ we are always "well able" to face and overcome whoever and whatever threatens us. Our faithful Heavenly Father continues to teach me this lesson, and I am grateful He promises to continue the work of grace He began long ago. "Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ" (Philippians 1:6).
A final thought. When tempted to make challenges bigger than they are, a primary response the Lord has taught me involves prayers for others who face difficulty. God delivered Job when he "prayed for his friends" rather than continue to dwell on his own challenges (Job 42:10). I am learning that an altar of intercessory prayer stands before me whenever I start making mountains of fear in my mind. I can pray for others who face challenges, asking the Lord to lead them to Himself for initiation or strengthening of their resolve to trust Him. This helps divert my focus from myself, and more importantly, fix my focus on the One far greater than any supposed giant I perceive to threaten our well being. It also provides a wonderful opportunity for ministry to others, first in prayer, and then, in perhaps helping others to see molehills as molehills, and mountains as stepping stones for the God who makes His children "well able."
"In all these things, we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us."
(Romans 8:37)
Weekly Memory Verse
Pray without ceasing.
(I Thessalonians 5:17)
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