It AIN'T About You!

 

 Most of us, think alot of ourselves--too much even. 

In fact, we're so focused on self, and giving "self" credit, that we forget that the power is not of us, but only of Him Who inhabits us. We're either seeking credit or demanding credit for things that have nothing to do with our talent, ability or intelligence. Of course, God uses what we have, naturally (that He gave us!) in His Kingdom--but, it just ain't about ME. Our sufficiency or competence and ability comes only from God. We can't do any of the things that we think we do, with His all-sufficient power. It's ALL about Him.

If we could just get it. Our faith, or even the lack of it, doesn't amount to anything. If indeed we lack faith, He will provide for us any faith that we need to get the job done. And, furthermore, God has the uncanny knack to see beyond what we are in the present to what we will be, when He comes into the picture. Remember Gideon, in the 6th chapter of the Book of Judges? Fearful Gideon was hiding out in the winepress threshing wheat, for fear of the Midianites. His fear was not unwarranted, either. As full of fear and dread that Gideon was, the angel of the Lord comes on the scene and calls him "a mighty man of valor". How could this be? It is because God sees through us to Himself and His might that will inhabit us. Our fear means nothing--only our willingness. He doesn't choose any of us, based on our attributes, but on His and according to His powerful love. It really isn't about  me  or  you. 

Look in on this scene as Jesus is preparing to leave the disciples (in human form, that is).

Matthew 28:16-20

The Message (MSG)
 16-17Meanwhile, the eleven disciples were on their way to Galilee, headed for the mountain Jesus had set for their reunion. The moment they saw him they worshiped him. Some, though, held back, not sure about worship, about risking themselves totally.
 18-20Jesus, undeterred, went right ahead and gave his charge: "God authorized and commanded me to commission you: Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you. I'll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age."

Jesus confidence in the disciples had nothing to do with their power, their faith or their know-how. He was looking beyond their personalities, their failures, their fears, their prejudices and inadequacies to the vision of Himself, not merely walking with them, but actually residing in them. And that is how God sees each of us as a "mighty man of valor", able to do great exploits--even when fear has us quaking in our boots. In fact, God can do more with the man who is fearful, than the one who is confident that he can do it. God wants us in the position where we have to rely totally on His power, and not our own supposed power and ability.

The disciples were right where God wanted them. So, now that they realized they couldn't do it, they were indeed ready, so "Jesus, undeterred, went right ahead" and gave them a seemingly impossible task. Why, impossible? Remember who He picked as His closest disciples; and who He was commissioning to win the world to Him. There were twelve, and among the twelve were a doubter (even more than the others), a crude and uncouth (at times) fighter (and one who was not unwilling to use profanity), and we know from later Scriptures that he, Peter, also had some prejudices. Jesus had some who wanted to be "first", that sought the glory--and even fought among themselves to get it. You know the type--willing to step on anyone to get what they want--including a friend or a brother. Still, it didn't stop Jesus.

Jesus knows what we are--and what we will be, when He comes into the arena. Where God dwells, he changes the atmosphere. He creates power where none existed. He brings light, where insurmountable darkness once overwhelmed and choked out any slit of light. He causes might and valor to rise and overtake fear. He makes all of this happen, when He inhabits men.

To sum it up, It really ain't about YOU or me--but all about Him. You (and I) are not all that--He is, in us. 

Grace,
Lisa   


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