Sorry I've not posted for a time -- I've been a bit under the weather. To remind you of where we've been, Hebrews 11:6 says:
"And without faith it is impossible to please God. For anyone that comes to Him must believe that He exists and that is rewards those who diligently seek Him."
Two words that strike me from that verse are faith (which pleases God) and diligence (which He rewards). I believe that they are closely tied as we are most diligent seeking Him when we act in faith.
When is this diligent faith most clearly applied? Isn't it in times of difficulty or hardship? When our lives look bleak and yet we doggedly say that there is hope. When pain shrouds us and we hopefully (even if we don't feel it) remember that a Day of Relief is coming. To be quite personal, when we joblessness and lack of direction seem to choke out the future, I call out to God and assert that I know He has led me this far and I will continue to wait on Him until I hear His voice clearly -- even if the waiting makes me very uncomfortable. I love Wormwood's comment on this in the Screwtape Letters:
"Our cause is never more in danger than when a human, no longer desiring, but still intending, to do the Enemy's will, looks round upon a universe from which every trace of Him seems to have vanished, and asks why he has been forsaken, and still obeys (47)."
The Proverb of the Day:
"In the fear of the Lord one has strong confidence, and his children will have a refuge" (14:26).
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
2 comments:
John, Wormwood's comment (written today in your blog) struck me to the core - how much I am learning about and thinking on your comments from the journey...pursuing God's heart. Need to read CS Lewis, I think. All of you are in our prayers daily, and how often the Lord brings you each to my remembrance! I look forward to each blog section you write. Love to Jessica, Will, Clay, Joe, and you...we love you all.
mom
Yay, I'm finally on John Stone's blog!
Your words in this post are definitely something I could use right now. I am (as usual) having a bit of trouble in school, and was beginning to give up. Thanks for posting this, it means a lot.
Post a Comment