Commissioned

 

Oh, how I love God's Word! It is a gift given to mankind. How silly we would be to not open such a precious gift. It is an inspired instruction manual that provides all we need to live.

This morning, I went to the first four verses in Psalm 139. This is what it says ...

     "O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my every thought when far away. You chart the path ahead of me and tell me where to stop and rest. Every moment you know where I am. You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord."

Incredible words. Inspiring message. But I must admit that it does set me back for a moment. He really knows everything ... about me? My goodness.

That could be a bit intimidating. There is no one else who knows everything. I couldn't safely tell anyone about all the dark places within my soul. With God, I'm completely exposed, unable to hide. And yet, He still loves me. And promises to stay with me. I never need to fear that He will abandon me or turn His back on me. Never. 

I went on to read from 2 Corinthians 1:21 - 22. It says something amazing. "It is God who gives us, along with you, the ability to stand firm in Christ. He has commissioned us, and he has identified us as His own by placing the Holy Spirit in our hearts as the first installment of everything He will give us."

There is so much beauty in those words, but I will focus only on a couple of things. 

We have been living in curious and frightening times. But we do not need to be afraid. God states clearly that we possess the ability to stand firm ... if we stand in Christ. And not only that, but God has commissioned us. I find that rather incredible ... being commissioned by God.

I believe He's telling me/us that we have a duty to share the good news of Christ with the world. It's hard to imagine God, the creator of the universe, asking someone like me to do something that important. Because of Him we can do it. We can fulfill this calling as we go, as we live out our lives. So, we live out our faith as we walk through life and then open our mouths and share God's truths when the opportunity is set before us. What an honor to be called one of God's children. 

There's something more in 2 Corinthians that caught my attention. In verse 22 it says God has placed the Holy Spirit in our hearts as the FIRST INSTALLMENT of everything He will give us. Wow! Does that mean He gives me more and more of Himself? I think so. I pray we will not shut down the work of the Holy Spirit but be open to listen to what He is teaching us, even when it is something new or uncomfortable. I have no idea where the Holy Spirit will lead, but I would be heartbroken to discover that I had ignored something special that He had in store for me. How do you feel about that?

This is an exciting time. I think, we are approaching a huge moment in history. And I trust that God has equipped us to not only survive this change, whatever it is, but to thrive and introduce people to the One True God, who loves us beyond any ability to measure.

I encourage you to be excited. Spend time in God's Word. He speaks to us there. We just need to listen. Find alone time with God every day. And whenever you think of Him reach out. He loves our visits.

Love one another as God has loved us.

Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie