The Special of the Day… From the Orange Moon Cafe
“Assisted Walking”
One of our ministries involves conducting services for people, many of whom have difficulty or find it impossible to walk unassisted. This often reminds me in spiritual terms of every believer in the the world.
“We walk by faith” (II Corinthians 5:7).
To “walk by faith” means that we walk by the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, based on the truth that no possibility exists of our taking even the first unassisted step in a manner pleasing to God. “Without Me, ye can do nothing” (John 15:5). In spiritual terms, no believer walks unassisted.
Consider the next step of obedience for every Christian. We would all fall flat to our faces apart from the presence and working of the Holy Spirit in us. Be it the most seemingly insignificant act of faithfulness, or the extremity of martyrdom, God must “work in” that which we “work out” (Philippians 2:12-12). We required His motivating and enabling power, which He has already provided by the Spirit’s indwelling…
“His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that hath called us to glory and virtue” (II Peter 1:3).
While it is certainly permissible to ask God for strength to obey, it far more accords with New Testament doctrine to give thanks for enabling already provided by His dynamic presence and guidance. “Hath given” declares the Apostle Peter, joining the Apostle Paul’s affirmation of grace present and vibrantly active: “Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen” (Ephesians 3:20-21).
We awoke today with the Word of God calling us to “be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might” (Ephesians 6:10). This will apply to every step we take, all of which will require divine assistance available and “exceeding abundantly above all we ask or think.” God made and redeemed us to live for Him by living from Him. No other means of walking in faithful obedience exists. No other is necessary. We walk assisted by the power of the God who created and sustains all things. Wondrous, to the degree that even angels desire to look into this life God has given us, namely, His own life dwelling with us, within us, and flowing through us for the glory of the Lord Jesus (I Peter 1:12).
“We shall live with Him by the power of God.”
(II Corinthians 13:4)
Weekly Memory Verse
Sanctify them through Thy truth. Thy Word is truth.
(John 17:17)
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