As the rain and snow

“God came to Balaam and said, ‘Who are these men with you?’ Balaam said to God, ‘Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab, has sent to me, saying, “A people has come out of Egypt, and it covers the face of the earth. Come, curse them for me…”’ God said, ‘You shall not go with them. You shall not curse the people, for they are blessed…’

“The angel of the Lord took his stand in the way as [Balaam’s] adversary. He was riding on the donkey… The donkey saw the angel standing in the road, with a drawn sword, [and] turned aside into the field. Balaam struck the donkey, to turn her into the road. Then the angel stood in a narrow path between the vineyards, with a wall on either side. When the donkey saw the angel, she pushed against the wall and pressed Balaam’s foot against the wall. So he struck her again. Then the angel went ahead and stood in a narrow place, where there was no way to turn… When the donkey saw the angel, she lay down under Balaam. Balaam’s anger was kindled, and he struck the donkey with his staff. Then the Lord opened the mouth of the donkey, and she said to Balaam, ‘What have I done to you, that you have struck me these three times?’ And Balaam said to the donkey, ‘Because you have made a fool of me. I wish I had a sword in my hand, for then I would kill you.’ The donkey said, ‘Am I not your donkey, on which you have ridden all your life to this day? Is it my habit to treat you this way?’ And he said, ‘No.’

“Then the Lord opened the eyes of Balaam, and he… bowed and fell on his face… The angel of the Lord said, ‘Speak only the word that I tell you.'” Numbers 22:9-12; 22-31,35

When Israel encamped in the plains, the Moabites feared for their lives. The king’s son sought Balaam, a non-Israelite soothsayer, with divination fees, then promises of honor, to curse Israel for him. Balaam at first refused, then waffled. For him to pretend to be God’s spokesperson, then succumb to pressure and the pledge of reward, revealed his vacancy of true devotion. His foolish antics and angry conversation with his donkey exhibited true folly that would meet God’s sovereignty and ultimate judgment. (Numbers 22:1-8,15-21; 31:8; Joshua 13:22; 2 Peter 2:15-16)

The temptations we entertain and companions we espouse expose our measure of wisdom or foolishness. It’s spiritually dangerous to flirt with greedy ambition or moral compromise, or to get too cozy with those who rebel against God’s word and disdain His people. Every inane conversation participated in, every step in rebellion, every choice of mediocre over God’s best, dilutes and divides the whole heart. The Lord will not be mocked by lukewarm devotion or fickle obedience. His sovereign ways ultimately rule. (Proverbs 13:20; 1 Corinthians 15:33; Galatians 6:7; Revelation 3:16)

What worldly coquetry has led us to fraternize with fools who rebel against truth, and so weakened our faithfulness to God? What causes us to veer away from healthy fellowship? What will we do about it? If we open our eyes and give honest confession, the Lord will redirect our affections and give courage to change our ways. (Hebrews 10:22-25; 1 John 1:6-9)

Father, lead me in Your wisdom, to Your glory.

“You, O Lord, are my hope,
    my trust, O Lord, from my youth.
Upon you I have leaned from before my birth;
    you are he who took me from my mother’s womb.
My praise is continually of you.

I have been as a portent to many,
    but you are my strong refuge.
My mouth is filled with your praise,
    and with your glory all the day…
My enemies… consult together
and say, ‘God has forsaken him;
    pursue and seize him,
    for there is none to deliver him.’

O God, be not far from me;
    O my God, make haste to help me!..
I will hope continually
    and will praise you yet more and more.
My mouth will tell of your righteous acts,
    of your deeds of salvation all the day,
    for their number is past my knowledge.
With the mighty deeds of the Lord God I will come;
    I will remind them of your righteousness, yours alone.

O God, from my youth you have taught me,
    and I still proclaim your wondrous deeds.
So even to old age and gray hairs,
    O God, do not forsake me,
until I proclaim your might to another generation,
    your power to all those to come.
Your righteousness, O God,
    reaches the high heavens.
You who have done great things,
    O God, who is like you?
You who have made me see many troubles and calamities
    will revive me again;
from the depths of the earth
    you will bring me up…
    and comfort me again.

I will also praise you…
    for your faithfulness…
My lips will shout for joy,
    when I sing praises to you;
    my soul also, which you have redeemed.
And my tongue will talk of your righteous help all the day long.” Psalm 71:5-8,10-12,14-24a

The psalmist writes as he speaks, pouring forth words of need, confidence, and praise. Continual praise. With every ardent desire he affirms his Rock’s righteousness, with every shudder at enemy onslaught he hopes in God’s able deliverance and faithfulness. His heart and so his mouth are full of his Lord’s wondrous deeds to be remembered and repeated. Praise is the fuel and focus of his existence. (Luke 6:45)

Our mouths are busy instruments. The world is loud with voices. The words we speak indicate the content of heart and mind. A litany of complaint or castigation reveals ingratitude and entitlement, of wants, self-centered consumption. When we’re consumed with the Lord more than ourselves, we meet the same upsets and opposition with captivated wonder and assurance. Detailing and declaring His perfections and deeds bolsters faith, expectancy, and joy, and invites others to join in. (Matthew 15:18)

Which will it be for me? Do I approach prayer with my list of woes, explanations, excuses, and demands? Or do I come acknowledging who God is in all His greatness and glory, then recite His praises? How will my attitude in prayer change if I concentrate affection on Him instead of self?

Do I enter conversations with condescension, strutting for notice or admiration? With malice, demeaning another’s follies, or whining that spotlights my troubles or victimhood? Or is my goal to elevate the banter, to highlight Jesus, to revere and praise the divine Guest? A correction of heart content and mental concentration will fill what flows forth from our mouths with God’s consistency and goodness. (Psalm 19:14; 139:23-24)

Lord, fill my heart and mouth to overflow with Your worthy praise.

“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come..” 2 Corinthians 5:17

“You have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God.”

“So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander. Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation…

“As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ…

“You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

“Beloved, I urge you… to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul….

“He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness.” 1 Peter 1:23; 2:1-2,4-5,9-11,24

Born again of imperishable seed. The old given way to new. The Christian’s call upon salvation is to come fully in to the new life of righteousness, to embody Christ and effectuate His possession of us in ways that proclaim His excellencies. It is no stagnant existence to which we are born, but a continual coming and growing, putting away and putting on. (Colossians 3:5-8,12-14)

In the bustle of a daily grind or the casualness of seasonal malaise, we can forget the new life altogether. Subconsciously, a spiritual transaction has taken place, but practically, we are not energized by it or even aware of the power of our life in Christ. Complacency overcomes initial zeal, and taking-for-granted swallows gratitude and vibrancy.

Yet, the living and abiding word of God is active, not passive. The Spirit kneads truth into our souls to stimulate holy desire and spur us to grow, love, and do good. He chafes our consciences, identifies all that does not please Him, and gives strength to put it away. Every day He offers new morning mercies: we can renounce and redress, invigorated by the realities of imperishable hope and our identity as God’s own. (Lamentations 3:22-23; Hebrews 10:22-25)

Have we come to Jesus? Do we know Him as Savior, and that we have been adopted and made new by Him? Where and how have we experienced His benevolent mercy applied? What old habits, inclinations, language, unhealthy relationships, or bitterness has He made pass away, and how is He making all things new?

For what will we determine to regularly come? When are we partaking of pure spiritual milk by way of drinking in God’s word, developing spiritual disciplines, partaking in rich fellowship with giving and taking? How do our growth markers measure by way of specific and significant differences in passions, proclivities, daily priorities, focus, loves? Continual coming will yield continual growing.

Father, keep me coming to You for renewal, so I’ll consistently put off my old and put on the new, and so reflect Your image and excellencies. (Colossians 3:9-10)

“You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light…

“Beloved, I urge you… abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. Keep your conduct honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God…

“For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people…

“Wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives, when they see your respectful and pure conduct…

“If you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed… In your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,  having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.” 1 Peter 2:9,11-12,15; 3:1-2,14-16

“Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16

“Thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere. For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life… We are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us.” 2 Corinthians 2:14-16; 5:20a

The scriptures give many guidelines for conduct in a world that opposes righteousness and can be harsh against those who practice it. God’s economy proves that a godly witness stands out, and while many demean, refuse, and reject it, the Lord uses that witness to draw some to Himself. The Christian’s responsibility is to be faithful to the call and leave reactions and results for the Lord’s tending.

The Word of God is itself a window that opens to all readers realities of life. Not only does the Lord keep watch on everything, but the world watches His people with scrutiny. We need remember we live in light as His holy people, and walk here below in triumphant procession as His children.

Our conduct, in honorable doing and gentle attitude, should be giving off a pleasant fragrance to those drawn to Christ, and a stench to those who oppose Him. The Lord would have us be consistent, always ready to explain our hope and proclaim His excellencies while remaining pure and respectful. In watching ourselves, and taking care not to yield to pesky temptations, it is really the Lord whom we serve. (Colossians 3:23-24)

What reactions have we met when we exercise Christ-like conduct? How well are people around us able to see and sense the Lord’s presence in our words, care, and occupations? Do they whiff disinterest, aloof selfishness, or genuine love for Christ? How can we better reflect the motivations and character of Christ Jesus so the watching will want what we have?

Lord, as others watch me, keep me watching and honoring and reflecting You.

“The people of Israel, the whole congregation, came into the wilderness of Zin,.. and stayed in Kadesh. And Miriam died there and was buried there.

“Now there was no water for the congregation. And they assembled themselves together against Moses and against Aaron. And the people quarreled with Moses and said, ‘Would that we had perished when our brothers perished before the Lord! Why have you brought the assembly of the Lord into this wilderness, that we should die here..? And why have you made us come up out of Egypt to bring us to this evil place? It is no place for grain or figs or vines or pomegranates, and there is no water to drink.’ Then Moses and Aaron went from the presence of the assembly to the entrance of the tent of meeting and fell on their faces. And the glory of the Lord appeared to them…

“Then Moses… said to them, ‘Hear now, you rebels: shall we bring water for you out of this rock?’ And Moses struck the rock with his staff twice, and water came out abundantly, and the congregation drank… And the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, ‘Because you did not believe in me, to uphold me as holy in the eyes of the people of Israel, you shall not bring this assembly into the land I have given them.’

“Moses sent messengers to the king of Edom:.. ‘Please let us pass through your land…’ But he said, ‘You shall not pass through…’ [and] came out against them with a large army and strong force.

“And they journeyed… to Mount Hor… And Aaron died there on the top of the mountain…. All the house of Israel wept for Aaron thirty days…

“From Mount Hor they set out… around the land of Edom. And the people became impatient on the way… [and] spoke against God and Moses… From there they continued to… the well of which the Lord said to Moses, ‘Gather the people together, so that I may give them water.’ Then Israel sang this song:

“‘Spring up, O well!—Sing to it!—’” Numbers 20:1-6,10-12,14,17,20,22,28-29; 21:4-5,16-17

Could Moses have endured a more trying season? Sudden sad death of his sister… then brother. In between, a constant whine of unreasonable, unanswerable complaining. God’s harsh consequence for one outburst of temper in a slammed door on the promised land. Rude rejection by Edom. God’s leader was sorely tried… and the Lord met his weight of responsibility, sorrow, and loneliness with refreshing mercy.

A season, or a day, can heap upon us an inordinate number of burdens. Emotional pain, the grind of duty, the incessant drone of criticism and negativity, physical weakness or disease, fickle commitment, harsh consequences, the hurt of rejection – it can all be too much to bear. Yet God shows up with new mercies every morning. He abides with His own. His living water springs up to cleanse and refresh, restore and heal. (Numbers 21:4-9; Lamentations 3:22-23; John 7:38)

With what are we weary and heavy-laden? Would we come to Jesus, and turn over to Him our doldrums, anxieties, impossible griefs, and sing, spring up oh well! Out of the depth of these pressing burdens comes the light of knowledge in the merciful face of Christ, and His water that gives life. (Matthew 11:28-30; 2 Corinthians 4:6)

Lord, in every burden, help me look to You and sing Your songs and give You the thanks and trust You deserve.

“Sing to God, sing praises to his name;
    lift up a song to him who rides through the deserts;
his name is the Lord;
    exult before him!..
Rain in abundance, O God, you shed abroad…
The chariots of God are twice ten thousand,
    thousands upon thousands;
    the Lord is among them…
You ascended on high,
    leading a host in your train…

O kingdoms of the earth, sing to God;
    sing praises to the Lord, 
to him who rides in the heavens, the ancient heavens…
Ascribe power to God,..
    whose power is in the skies.
Awesome is God from his sanctuary;..
    —he is the one who gives power and strength to his people.
Blessed be God!” Psalm 68:4,9,17-18,32-35

“There is none like God…
    who rides through the heavens to your help,
    through the skies in his majesty.
The eternal God is your dwelling place,
    and underneath are the everlasting arms.” Deuteronomy 33:26-27a

“Have you commanded the morning since your days began,
    and caused the dawn to know its place?..
Do you know the ordinances of the heavens?
    Can you establish their rule on the earth?..
Can you send forth lightnings..?
Who has put wisdom in the inward parts
    or given understanding to the mind?
Who can number the clouds by wisdom?
    Or who can tilt the waterskins of the heavens?” Job 38:12,33-37

The Scriptures are replete with vivid descriptions of the heavens declaring God’s glory and power. Book after book, saint after saint, day after day, God’s word and creation attest to His grand display in the skies. To look and listen is to wonder and praise. (Psalm 19:1-6)

Our trouble is that we go about life with bent posture. Looking ahead or askance or hunched over, we neglect the upward gaze. We fixate on our screens or tasks and do not look out the window. Too much to do, to watch, to study, to follow, to say… we manage and control and forget to stop and look away and up, to hush, be still, and contemplate the Creator. (Exodus 14:13-14; Psalm 46:10)

Pause to consider the power in the skies… Would thick clouds remind us of sin- clogged communion with Him and prod us to repentance? Or of His faithful protection and timely guidance, and prompt us to trust? When the sky is brass, do we revere His justice, or thank Him for discipline that leads to holiness, or persevere in prayer? Do we hear in the thunder His jealousy and might, feel in the dew His refreshment, in rain His compassion, cleansing, and provision? (Numbers 9:17-22; Deuteronomy 28:15,23-24; Hebrews 12:5-11)

Sun breaks through after a storm to remind us of redemption, and stars of His creative, sustaining strength. How have we beheld God’s power? When will we look at the skies to seek and savor it anew? (Hebrews 1:3)

“O worship the King all-glorious above,
O gratefully sing his power and his love:
our shield and defender, the Ancient of Days,
pavilioned in splendor and girded with praise.

O tell of his might and sing of his grace,
whose robe is the light, whose canopy space.
His chariots of wrath the deep thunderclouds form,
and dark is his path on the wings of the storm.” ~ Robert Grant (1833)

Father, keep me in grateful awe at Your power displayed and shared so Your glory is known.

“Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ,

“To those who are elect exiles of the Dispersion… according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood:

“May grace and peace be multiplied to you.

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” 1 Peter 1:1-9

Peter lovingly wrote the Christian exiles who were confused and discouraged by their trials. He opened by affirming their stance in Christ, addressing them as those foreknown, elected as God’s children, and in the process of being sanctified by the Spirit. Their eternal status was certain and in that they could enjoy grace and peace. He reminded them that it was the Lord who had caused them to be born again to living hope, and that in present persecution they had an imperishable, glorious inheritance awaiting.

The certain hope spelled out in the scriptures is substance for every believer to live by today. We encounter various trials, our faith is tested through health challenges, relational turmoil, financial pressures, and relentless temptation, but in all these, we can take hold of the outcome of our salvation. To live victoriously is to set our hope fully on God’s promises, on future fulfillment, the magnificent effect of all He has set in motion and will bring to pass. (Isaiah 14:24-27; Philippians 1:6; 1 Peter 1:13-16,23)

It is easy to get consumed with things perishing within and without- bodies weakening or minds aging, material resources dwindling or belongings in need of maintenance. It is common to feel beaten down by past shame, failed efforts, or pesky sin habits. In the flesh we encounter resistance to spiritual disciplines and criticism for beliefs and devotion. What if we fixed our minds on things above, and put to memory and reciting God’s promises of ultimate redemption, restoration, and triumph? How might sure hope shed different light on the troubles of this world? Choosing faith in God’s promises for the future gives perspective and strength for the present. (2 Corinthians 4:16-18; Colossians 3:1-4)

What trials currently weigh? What uncertainties cause worry, what fears a persecution of soul? We have been born again to living hope!

Lord, teach me to rejoice and endure in trials of testing as I gladly anticipate Your magnificent outcome.

“In the year that King Uzziah died I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and the train of his robe filled the temple. Above him stood the seraphim. Each had six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. And one called to another and said:

“’Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts;
the whole earth is full of his glory!^‘

“And the foundations of the thresholds shook at the voice of him who called, and the house was filled with smoke. And I said: ‘Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!’

“Then one of the seraphim flew to me, having in his hand a burning coal that he had taken with tongs from the altar. And he touched my mouth and said: ‘Behold, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away, and your sin atoned for.’

“And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?’ Then I said, ‘Here I am! Send me.’ Isaiah 6:1-8

Isaiah’s vision came at a pivotal time. Godly King Uzziah (Azariah), who had led Israel with spiritual integrity and great success over half a century until he declined in pride, had died. The Lord glaringly exposed the prophet’s own pride and reminded him Who was really King. Before the high and Holy One, all fell short, all were unclean, until the atonement of the burning coal. Only the fire and pain of the altar, only the Perfect Offering, only the sting of sacrificial death could remove guilt and free for holy service. (Psalm 14:1-3; 53:1-3; Romans 3:23; 1 Corinthians 15:55-57; 2 Corinthians 5:21)

How carelessly we go about our daily duties. We plan and perform. We promote ourselves and pick at others’ shortcomings. We swoon with emotion at goings-on around us, yet are numb to the inner stain that should unsettle. We fixate on the folly and break of leaders and fellow citizens, yet fail to see that we are foolish and broken.

Once we enter the throne room, once we gaze at the Lord high and lifted up, everything changes. When the foundations of His temple tremble, and His holiness fills the atmosphere, we are undone. What are our lips and eyes before pure praise and glorious light? Wonder becomes woe until the work of the burning coal. (Psalm 73:16-17,21-22; Habakkuk 2:1)

Have we sought this vision? In pivotal moments, or times of change or decision, where do we look for meaning and direction? What distractions, what lesser things steal our sight and attention?

The enemy’s ploy is to keep us in a stew of complaint against those around us and a state of complacency about ourselves. The Lord calls us to be shaken, to fill our sight with Him and humble ourselves before His supremacy. When will we look and bow and receive the burning coal, and so surrender to His righteousness and holy assignments? (Psalm 51:1-15)

Lord, here am I for You to cleanse and send for Your purposes and glory.

“There are many who are insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision party. They must be silenced, since they are upsetting whole families by teaching for shameful gain what they ought not to teach… Both their minds and their consciences are defiled. They profess to know God, but they deny him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work.

“But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine. Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness. Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled. Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled. Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us. Bondservants are to be submissive to their own masters in everything; they are to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, not pilfering, but showing all good faith, so that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior.” Titus 1:10-11,15b-16; 2:1-10

Paul, after affirming Titus in his faith, delineated what he was up against in Crete. He would face many talkers, either deceptive with false teaching, or detestable with false claims of knowing God that matched not action. As for him, teaching and modeling sound doctrine was his right antidote and vital responsibility. He needed to proclaim and show God’s way in stark contrast to the world’s.

And so must we. Living in the world immerses us in a stew of empty words and shameful behavior. God’s grace not only brings salvation but training in godliness. He who redeems also purifies. The struggle in the present age is real, and the Lord does not leave us alone to contend. He convicts and guides and gives grace to obey and adorn His doctrine in our behavior. (Titus 2:11-14; 3:4-7)

Where do we find the most difficult challenges and temptations to worldly thinking and choices? How well trained is our spiritual discernment to know true from false, sincere from deceptive? How courageous are we to heed what we discern? Does our conduct reflect respect for God and His image-bearers, or a meaningless, vapid life? Do we entangle ourselves in foolish or meaningless controversies and argument, or entrust our thoughts and conversation to the Lord’s inspiration and superintending? Where do we need to focus devotion, and what need we avoid? (1 Corinthians 2:16; Philippians 2:5; Titus 3:8-9)

Moment by moment, day by day, we will make decisions what to do, how to respond, which way to live. The options are ever before us, with magnetic pull from enemy crowds, and we must choose and live with the consequences. Will we succumb to the ways of the world, or set a different, righteous path? As for us, how will we implement the clear, practical ways the Lord prescribes? TO whom will we be an example and encouragement? (Joshua 24:15)

Worthy Lord, keep my thinking lofty and my doing honorable, so I shine distinctly in the world and so exalt You.

“Now Barnabas wanted to take with them John called Mark.  But Paul thought best not to take with them one who had withdrawn from them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work.  And there arose a sharp disagreement, so that they separated from each other. Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus, but Paul chose Silas and departed, having been commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord.” Acts 15:37-40

“As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

“For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.

“Do your best to come to me soon… Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is very useful to me for ministry.” 2 Timothy 4: 5-9,11

Paul was near the end of his life and ministry, awaiting execution in a Roman jail. In writing to Timothy, his beloved son in the faith, he reflected on the hope he had in Christ at this stage in his life, and desired just one more visit from this faithful spiritual son… and Mark. Years prior, he had rejected Mark for a journey because Mark had abandoned them in Pamphylia. It is not told why, but for whatever reason- Mark’s doubt, immature relational skills, fear, or inexperience- Paul had deemed him unsuited for the assignment. Barnabas the encourager took him along, and God worked to develop this questionable young man into a useful servant and a blessing to Paul. The Lord finishes what He begins. Who knew this better than Paul? (Philippians 1:6; 1 Timothy 1:2; 2 Timothy 1:2)

We often hesitate in confidence, for ourselves and for others. Personally, we can stew in the scrabble of past failures or feelings of inadequacy. Comparing ourselves to others, there are many more qualified, prepared, talented for the task at hand. When we stay stuck in the past, we cannot move forward in Christ and grow. It takes stretching, leaving regrets behind and plodding ahead in faith to develop strength and effectiveness as we prove the Lord’s sufficiency. (Isaiah 43:18-19; Philippians 3:13-14)

In others, we can tend to focus on weaknesses, shortcomings, long-ago poor decisions. With our own children or co-laborers, we can be negative, fatalistic, and fail to expect the Lord to work. We might simply be impatient, or arrogant, and avoid taking the time to nurture, train, or pray, thinking it better to do a job ourselves. In our pessimism, all miss out on the opportunity to develop character and skill through discipleship and experience. The Lord may intend to teach each party through mentoring relationships.

Whom do we dismiss as questionable or inadequate for ministry? Where are we failing to progress in hope of God’s redeeming work and grace? What might we be missing, in our own or loved one’s increasing maturity and sanctification, because we refuse to move out in faith? The Lord does mighty things in those who make themselves available to Him.

Father, work in and through me to Your purposes and glory.