Luke 9:24 (NIV)
24 For whoever wants to save their life will lose it,
but whoever loses their life for me will save it.
The Israelites had to take a risk when they stepped into the
swollen waters of the Jordan River. Such a risk involves trusting God to go
before us even when we do not see Him. Wandering in the wilderness brought
about the death of an entire generation of people. They were unwilling to
surrender and trust God to take them into the Promised Land, which was to be a
place of freedom. It was the next generation who chose to believe God’s promise
and obey. They were the ones who entered into the freedom and new life that God
had promised them.
In the same way, before we actually risk taking the first
step in obeying what God wants us to do, we must be willing to trust God that
He will be faithful to buoy us as we carry out the decision to be obedient.
Just as God went with the Israelites, He will go with us. It is risky to step
out in faith, believing with our “spiritual eyes” and not seeing with our
physical eyes.
We have been taught to see and then believe, but faith means
that I believe, then I see. The Word teaches us that if I want to save my life,
I must lose it.
This is another “kingdom principle” that defines our
spiritual life. The world teaches us to preserve our lives; the Lord teaches us
to be willing to lay our lives down. Again, risky business!
As the Israelites crossed the Jordan River and went into the
Promised Land, they did it together. Today, we need Christian companions on our
journey of faith to help encourage us along the way. As you cross the swollen
rivers of your circumstances, take a friend along in prayer to assist you as
you lay down your life and cross over. Jesus Christ has promised that He will
lead the way.
Thought for today: Do I limit my blessings by my lack of faith?
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