Choose to See the I AM
January 24, 2019
Remembering Prevents Drifting
February 6, 2019
Last week we saw that when the Babylonian king demanded that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego conform to his culture and bow down to his “I am” statue, they said to him,
“King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, O King, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.” (Dan. 3:16-18)
Did you catch that? “The God we serve is able to … he will … but even if he does not … we will choose to trust him.”
Recently, I had the opportunity to either worry about a situation or relax and leave it in God’s hands. I made the choice to relax and leave it in God’s hands. Specifically, I should say I chose to leave it in the Holy Spirit’s hands. He is the active agent on earth and in our affairs.
I thought through my logic-process as to why I would, and then could, relax and leave it up to the Holy Spirit:
- I do not know for certain what is the absolute best—in any situation—ever. (If you think you do you are delusional)
But here is what I do know:
- I know the Holy Spirit is involved in the details.
- I know God loves me—and the other person involved—perfectly. (1 John 4:16-18)
- I know God is always seeking to conform us to the likeness of Jesus. (Romans 8:29)
- I know God, because of #4, will always bring good out of every situation. (Romans 8:28)
Based on what I know—and what I know I do not know—why in the world would I want, and then pray for, my way? And why in the world would I not leave it up to the Holy Spirit? As a matter of fact, after working through this logic-process, my actual prayer was, “Do whatever you know is best, Holy Spirit.”
How firm are you in the above five statements? Ten percent, forty percent, seventy-five percent?
I am 100 % on #1. No doubt.
I am 100 % on #3-5. No doubt.
I want to say I am 100% on #2, but there is the rub. My feelings rush in and tell me I cannot be 100% certain He is involved in the details—or maybe not in this particular detail. But the facts tell me I can be:
“Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” (Matt. 10:29-31)
This is Jesus telling us, assuring you and me, that yes indeed, the Father is deeply aware of and deeply involved in your details.
The next time anxiety and worry come knocking on your heart, may you remind yourself of these facts, and choose to close the door to those feelings-imposters.
It really will be simply your choice: Jesus’ facts or your feelings.
Note to all who read Oswald Chambers daily devotion “My Utmost for His Highest:” We have put together a podcast of 3 minute summaries of each daily devotion.
If you go to “Understanding Oswald” in Podcasts, you can sign up for it.
It is also on our www.721ministries.org website.
