The Special of the Day… From the Orange Moon Cafe…
"What To Do"
"I don't know what to do!"
We have all thought it, felt it, said it, and lived it. As born again believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, we no less face times of perplexity than those who do not know Him. The present world in which we live presents challenges to every human heart that boggle the human mind. No less than the Apostle Paul confessed…
"We are perplexed" (II Corinthians 4:8).
Thankfully, however, Paul proceeded to affirm, "But not in despair." How did the Apostle overcome hopelessness when he came to what seemed a dead end of confusion and darkness? Doubtless, he remembered the command and promise of Solomon, who realized we do know what to do when we don't know what to do:
"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths" (Proverbs 3:5-6).
One brightly illuminated path always lies before us, beckoning us, "This is the way. Walk ye in it" (Isaiah 30:21). The most important step we take ever lies before us with the glorious light of Scripture shining brightly upon it: "Trust in the Lord." Since we "live by faith," no more practical step can be taken, and in fact, every step should proceed from the trust whereby we live our lives in the confidence of God's promise: "I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with Mine eye" (Romans 1:17; Psalm 32:8).
As with Paul, this does not preclude perplexity in our minds, emotions, and senses. Our brother acknowledged his bewilderment. However, he also remembered that there is always something to do with our hearts when we have no idea what to do with our hands and feet. He remembered the first step of faith that guides all others by the presence, purpose, and power of God: "I will trust in Thee" (Isaiah 26:3). Most of all, Paul remembered that his Lord could not and would not fail in fulfilling His promise to lead and guide. "Thou wilt show me the path of life" (Psalm 16:11). We must remember this also, that when "I don't know what to do" challenges us with perplexity, "I do know what to do" must be our first response, namely, we affirm our chosen confidence in the providence of God.
The most practical step in a life wherein "we walk by faith" lies ever before us, clearly marked (II Corinthians 5:7). All other steps proceed from this, the first step of our hearts, as guided by the light of God's heart. Perplexity challenges us with temptation, but even more, offers to us the opportunity to do that which believers, by definition, do. We choose to believe, to believe that our Father will guide us just as He promises. He will not fail us. He cannot fail us because no one has ever trusted in the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ and been disappointed in doing so. And no one ever will.
"If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering."
(James 1:5-6)
Weekly Memory Verse
My brethren, count it all joy when fall into diverse temptations, knowing that the trying of your faith worketh patience.
(James 1:2-3)
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