The Sasquatch Soul: wandering, searching deeply, and avoiding photos.

Settling.

November 19, 2012 at 8:49 pm (Completion, Devotional, Philosophy, Religious Commentary) (Almighty God, empty, Faith, faithlessness, no faith, power of god, self-reliance, settling for mediocrity)

There are two primary issues that impact every area of my life:
     1) self-reliance
     2) lack of faith

I rely on myself far too often. Why? ‘Cause usually I can get by. I know what people want/need to hear, I know how to assuage others anxieties. It leaves me with an impression of, “Hm, I can get it done!” 

“What’s wrong with that?” you may ask. Well, because in all reality, I am in essence trying to throw God off the throne, thinking I can do just as well. But it gets worse. Much worse. Let’s say you’re like me and you feel like you can solve problems pretty well. You like rising to the challenge and conquering it. Let’s just say you do well at it. So just think: what is it you and I are settling for? So we do a good job – so what?! Perhaps God is wanting to use us powerfully in our position in life, to do something beyond our wildest dreams.

But we hold up a calm hand and say, “No thanks, Lord. I got this.”

What are we settling for by NOT going to God with every need, every challenge and stress, by not inviting Him to truly BE GOD in all situations?!? How are we failing to experience God because of our stubborn self-reliance?

Giving all to God is only half the battle. The other half is believing He is God over our situations. That He can and will show up in powerful ways. That He can move mountains. How often do you and I come to God with a lackadaisical, faithless request? We already know He’s not going to answer it. Perhaps our prayers seem unanswered because we have already pre-determined God’s lack of involvement and presence in our lives. Our faithless pleadings are empty; hollow; unanswered. Why? Because we’re not REALLY asking God. We’re just including Him in our own thoughts about the problem.

It’s time to start believing God is a God of the miraculous. Making something from nothing. Using fools to confound the wise. Making a way where there is none. Showing Himself true, faithful and powerful. 

Let’s stop asking with our lips while the actions of our heart indicate where our true faith lies (Is. 29:13-14). I make it my aim to trust the Almighty today. Everyday. Period.

“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.” – James 1:5-6

“The world has yet to see what Almighty God can and will do with, for, through, in, and by a man wholly and fully yielded to Him and to His service.” – Henry Varley