First Steps

I have often been faced with an overwhelming task, something I have never done and cannot see how it can be accomplished. Sometimes, I do the research and find possible solutions, but they still seem beyond my abilities. Tentatively, I take the first step, hoping and believing that some progress will be made. Then, a second step becomes apparent and I take it. The process continues with one tentative step after another.

Hebrews 11:32-34 says, “And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets, who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight.” God does wondrous works through our availability, not so much our ability. You plus God makes a majority, where He has the power to do anything. All we have to do is believe and take that first step of faith. He will direct all each step along the way, until His purpose is fully achieved.

What Does That Do?

I am the type of person who looks at something and wonders what that thing does, if I don’t already. I maybe in a store and see some new device that stirs my imagine to wonder how I could use that thing. Or I may be driving and see something along the road that I have never seen and immediately I will ask myself what that thing may be useful to do. Most things have well defined uses, it is up to us to use them according to their original design or find some other useful utility.

Proverbs 16:4 says, “The Lord has made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the day of trouble.” Everything and everyone has been created by God and all will bring glory to God. You and I have been made by God for specific purposes, and it is our task to explore those purposes and fulfill them.

A City Prepared

These days, some people question patriotism as a good value to possess. People displaying our country’s flag or wearing a t-shirt with an embroidered flag are often verbally, if not physically, assaulted. Other versions of the flag are proudly paraded around cities. Every country has weaknesses and are by no means perfect.

Hebrews 11:16 says, “But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city.” It is good to be proud of your country. However, those who trust God are called to a heavenly country that far exceeds anything on earth. One day, He will welcome us to our true home to live with Him forever.

Postpone And Avoid

As I am sitting in the dentist’s chair, I am thinking about how I often postpone or try to avoid handling my problems. If I neglect to address my dental issues, they just get worse, and then comes the pain. David had a big problem ahead of him, Goliath wanted to kill him. But David trusted God and knew that the battle belonged to God.

I Samuel 17:48-49 says, “When the Philistine arose and came and drew near to meet David, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet the Philistine. And David put his hand in his bag and took out a stone and slung it and struck the Philistine on his forehead. The stone sank into his forehead, and he fell on his face to the ground.” When we fully believe that the battle belongs to the Lord, worry and fear are cast away, and we will meet our problems with confidence in the strength of the Lord.

When We Are Hurt

When we are injured, we go to a physician for healing. When someone does something that breaks our heart, we try to heal the relationship. When we suffer financial loss, we try to recover and may seek expert advice to correct our situation.

Psalm 147:3, 6 says, “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. The Lord lifts the humble; he casts the wicked to the ground.” When we are hurt by someone else’s actions or our own failures, God responds with healing and revival, if we allow Him to do so. God loves and renews those who will humbly trust Him.