As the rain and snow

“My soul makes its boast in the Lord;
    let the humble hear and be glad.” Psalm 34:2

“Thus says the Lord: ‘Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.’” Jeremiah 9:23-24

“Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” “But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.” 1 Corinthians 1:31; 2 Corinthians 10:17; Galatians 6:14

Wisdom, strength, wealth, experiences, awards, accomplishments. All are rich fodder for boasting in today’s world, because they point to me, what I have earned or procured or done or won. They highlight my wits and muscles and expertise and advantage. My verbal and photographic selfies focus in on me and boost my image… but before whom? And for what end?

The scriptures allow, and even invite boasting, but that which is other-worldly, and often not even understood or well-received. The crux is in how we find our identity. When we are hidden in Christ, there is a necessary relinquishment of the vain things that charmed us before. We have been crucified with Christ, to the world. Our mindset is altered from me to Him, from this to that, and it permeates the way we order our lives and interact with others. (Galatians 2:20)

“Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,
save in the death of Christ, my God!
All the vain things that charm me most,
I sacrifice them through his blood.” ~Isaac Watts (1707)

Insecurity leads us to whip out trinkets of personal accolades to dangle for notice in conversation, where security in who we are in Christ compels us to interject the significance of His mark on us. Self-centeredness drives us to make our way well and noticeable, but Christ-centeredness consumes us with how we can proclaim His goodness and reflect His glory in work and service. Self-importance inflates me, where dependence on the cross boasts only in weakness, because that is where Christ’s power shines. Which is it for me? (2 Corinthians 11:30)

“I will not boast in anything: no gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ; his death and resurrection
Why should I gain from his reward? I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart: his wounds have paid my ransom.” ~Stuart Townend (1995)

It takes deliberation to boast in Christ. We may follow Him, trust Him, earnestly try to obey Him, but still be ashamed to speak up and show Him off. What opportunities will I make to boast of Christ Jesus? How might I magnify His perfections, excellencies, love, and grace? Where can I lift high His cross today? (Romans 1:16)

Lord, so captivate and consume me with You that I daily boast of You, in thought, word, and deed, to the praise of Your power and glory.

“Your steadfast love, O Lord, extends to the heavens,
    your faithfulness to the clouds.” Psalm 36:5

“Behold, heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain you.” 1 Kings 8:27

“For thus says the One who is high and lifted up,
    who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy:
‘I dwell in the high and holy place,
    and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit,
to revive the spirit of the lowly,
    and to revive the heart of the contrite.'” Isaiah 57:15

“He has put eternity into man’s heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end.” Ecclesiastes 3:11

“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.’” Revelation 21:1-4

There’s something about riding through the air above the clouds, while sitting still, that warps time and space and plucks at a longing for eternity. How can I be completely at rest, yet flying hundreds of miles per hour? How can I look far down on miniature roads and rivers that open wide to the ocean, bridges and bays crossed by autos and boats with white tails, and feel small myself? How can I be aloft in the midst of clouds of soft cotton, knowing they are heavy with moisture? ‘Tis the touch of heaven that dwarfs, overwhelms, and encircles.

God has indeed set eternity in the heart of man, both concept and soul sense familiar to no other creature. Uniquely fashioned to rule here below while communing with the One who exists uncontained above the heavens, we are most blessed. And accountable.

Am I regularly adoring this infinite God? Do I break away from the banal and worldly to absorb His other-worldly light? Spending time in worship makes an indelible, divine impression on mindset and motivation. It inevitably soaks eternal into my temporal. It lifts, it reorders. How is my interaction with the Lord of lords affecting what I see and seek? Where do I need more supernatural exposure?

And how am I bringing a piece of heaven to my earthly acquaintances and tasks, into conversation and affection and service? Do I hoard the treasures of Christ and blame time restraints or personal needs? Or does gazing at the sky widen my love and compassion for the many who have not had the chance? Would I eagerly offer them a taste of the heavenlies, the hope of eternal life?

Infinite Father, ground my soul in Your heavens, that I might bring Your infinite splendor here below. May Your glory beheld and savored give hope to the languishing, comfort to the sorrowing, and light to those in darkness.

“He went away from there and came to his hometown, and his disciples followed him. And on the Sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astonished, saying, ‘Where did this man get these things? What is the wisdom given to him? How are such mighty works done by his hands? Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?’ And they took offense at him. And Jesus said to them, ‘A prophet is not without honor, except in his hometown and among his relatives and in his own household.’ And he could do no mighty work there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and healed them.  And he marveled because of their unbelief.” Mark 6:1-6a

It is hard to imagine that there were great numbers of people who were offended by Jesus. Again and again, instead of rejoicing at invalids made whole, the hungry fed, and the Scriptures explained, people castigated Jesus for the when and hows of His miraculous, benevolent deeds and uncanny wisdom. For the unbeliever, we understand the spiritual component of their confusion, because there was no connection to the divine and deeper purposes for His actions. The holy always rubs the depraved; roaches resist the light. The spirit of this world is always at odds with the Spirit of God. (Mark 2:23-28; 3:1-6; Luke 13:10-14; 1 Corinthians 2:12,14; Ephesians 6:12)

But for us who know Christ, what is it that makes us see and hear His marvelous deeds, yet question, covet, or think we should have been consulted? Why would we any take offense at biblical truth and good works? Because they hit a nerve on pet sins and preferred opinions or outcomes? We play devil’s advocate with God’s design, imposing our ‘better,’ to our detriment.

How about toward others? We can envy another’s advancement or favor, or skeptically accuse of ill motives. We brusquely get our dander up when others succeed or make headlines. Do I inwardly wish it had been I, or been to my credit? Our flesh is cracked with jealousy, nay-saying, and even malice that we may not intend or desire, but is invasive nonetheless. Left unchecked, these tendencies to be offended will erode our spirits and weaken the Body.

The more we examine the Scriptures, the more clearly we recognize our untoward attitudes and are sensitive to our condemnable, dishonoring behavior. Our Father wants to uproot offended self-focus by replacing it with a mindset absorbed in Him, not me. Jesus knew every man, but He always invited faith, loving redemptively and without fault-finding. (Mark 10:47-52; John 2:24-25; 8:3-11)

Where do we need His transforming power applied to indignance or uppityness? What snippy attitudes against Him or others have we allowed to breach our mindset, our conversations? Would we be deliberate to turn selfish defaults toward His majesty, and instead honor Him in word and deed? Would we delight in all God does, even through others, because He is good and deserves our awe and gratitude?

Father, purify me in the deepest places. Give me proper sensitivity to all Your works, and joy in praising You for them.

“Now at Iconium they entered together into the Jewish synagogue and spoke in such a way that a great number of both Jews and Greeks believed. But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers. So they remained for a long time, speaking boldly for the Lord, who bore witness to the word of his grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands. But the people of the city were divided; some sided with the Jews and some with the apostles. When an attempt was made by both Gentiles and Jews, with their rulers, to mistreat them and to stone them, they learned of it and fled to Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and to the surrounding country, and there they continued to preach the gospel…

“But Jews came from Antioch and Iconium, and having persuaded the crowds, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing that he was dead.  But when the disciples gathered about him, he rose up and entered the city, and on the next day he went on with Barnabas to Derbe. When they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch, strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.” Acts 14:1-7,19-22

Poison in the culture is nothing new. Opposing opinions, vehement passions, divided loyalties. In every generation and nation there are people with varying and fervid allegiances, whether to gods or philosophies, diets or political views, that unsettle any semblance of peace and unanimity. How are we to handle the twist and pull and vitriol? What do we say to accusations and jaded attaboys?

The early apostles, in the midst of such an atmosphere, zeroed in on a singular aim. Undeterred by nay-saying, they spoke boldly for the Lord, bore witness to the word of His grace, and preached the gospel. They were so assured of their calling, and so confident in their message, that this was the only way to speak into and counteract opposition. They knew the truth of Jesus was the only message that could shed clarifying light, penetrate the misguided reason, and melt the most rebellious heart. And if that message was rejected long enough, they moved on to preach elsewhere. (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8; 9:15-16)

When we encounter acrid conversations, where words get caustic and critical and ugly, how do we respond? Do our emotions churn into a tit-for-tat? When the atmosphere is tense or toxic, do our defenses and temper rise? It’s vital we prepare ahead for how we can turn the talk to inject truth. How might we elevate the conversation? What questions can we ask that stir thoughts of God? What topics inspire significant discussion over catty chatter? How will we introduce the gospel that transforms by grace?

And sometimes, we preach best by walking away. Will we trust Jesus for discernment to know, and boldness to go? (Matthew 10:14)

Lord, make my words an antidote to the poison around me. Keep me faithful to proclaim Your good news, and lift You high as the living, saving God. (Acts 14:15)

“A man planted a vineyard and put a fence around it and dug a pit for the winepress and built a tower, and leased it to tenants and went into another country. When the season came, he sent a servant to the tenants to get from them some of the fruit of the vineyard. And they took him and beat him and sent him away empty-handed. Again he sent to them another servant, and they struck him on the head and treated him shamefully. And he sent another, and him they killed. And so with many others: some they beat, and some they killed. He had still one other, a beloved son. Finally he sent him to them, saying, ‘They will respect my son.’ But those tenants said to one another, ‘This is the heir. Come, let us kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.’ And they took him and killed him and threw him out of the vineyard. What will the owner of the vineyard do? He will come and destroy the tenants and give the vineyard to others. Have you not read this Scripture:

‘The stone that the builders rejected
    has become the cornerstone;
this was the Lord’s doing,
    and it is marvelous in our eyes’?” Mark 12:1-11

Listening to Jesus’s parable, we cannot help but feel anger (and disbelief?) at the tenants’ cruelty, violence, and warped thinking. We cry out for justice for all the servants they mistreated and killed. The final blow is their murder of the beloved son. It is all unfair and undeserved! But then Jesus says, this was the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes. How can this be? When we step higher and see the long view- the servants as prophets, and the heir as Jesus- we see that their rejection of both precipitated the satisfaction of perfect justice on the cross. The heinous suffering was not for naught.

What is mysterious and sometimes even seems mistaken to us is indeed marvelous when it comes through the hand of God. What we would reject as wrong and agonizing, He establishes for eternal purposes that outlast, and are far better than, our ways of thinking. We face ravaging illness, innocent suffering, untimely death, and cannot see beyond the present and suffocating emotion. We are broken by destructive or fractured relationships, and cannot see any way for redemption and healing. We hit roadblocks in life and career plans and wonder that any good can come.

Enter our gracious Lord. Have you not read the Scripture? Our Savior was rejected by men, and through that very rejection and condemnation and anguish, carried all of it, and all that causes us horror and pain, to Calvary, for us. Because He suffered and died, we can live free and forgiven forever as part of the church of which He is Cornerstone. Now that is His marvelous doing! (Isaiah 53:3-12)

With what are we struggling? A grief or deep sorrow? Rejection, loneliness, despondency, or fear? It is difficult for eyes filled with tears to see clearly, yet for these present agonies to become marvelous in our eyes, we need to rise up and see God’s long view, with an eternal perspective. His way is perfect. (Psalm 18:30)

Lord, grant me the understanding and faith to believe that even heartbreaking hardship is Your doing, and the eyes to see Your sovereign will as marvelous.

“I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility,.. in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved.” Romans 8:18-24

“We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair;  persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh…

“So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:8-11,16-18

Sufferings of the present time, deep and agonizing afflictions of body and soul, feel as though they are wasted when we see a life waste away. But Christian hope tells us otherwise. Hope borne in Christ says these are not worthy to be compared with the weight of glory to come, they are light and momentary in view of everlasting. We suffer in physical futility, but God mysteriously translates that to spiritual longing for the fullness of what we were made to be. He will, through the pain, so unite us with Jesus that by His grace, we will manifest His life, even in the groaning.

As we wait eagerly for redemption, for release from this world’s bondage to pain and suffering, will we tether our hope to God’s promises? Though weary in soul for all the wretched fallout of sin and death, will we determine not to lose heart? Christ’s love that took Him to death on a cross surrounds and comforts us in an unbreakable grip.

“O Love that will not let me go,
I rest my weary soul in thee.
I give thee back the life I owe, 
that in thine ocean depths its flow 
may richer, fuller be.

O Light that follows all my way,
I yield my flick’ring torch to thee.
My heart restores its borrowed ray, 
that in thy sunshine’s blaze its day 
may brighter, fairer be. 

O Joy that seekest me through pain,
I cannot close my heart to thee.
I trace the rainbow through the rain,
and know the promise is not vain,
that morn shall tearless be.” ~George Matheson (1882)

Loving Lord, help me trace Your rainbow through every downpour of suffering and sorrow, with eyes fixed on the tearless morn that is to come. All glory is Yours.

“From there he arose and went away to the region of Tyre and Sidon. And he entered a house and did not want anyone to know, yet he could not be hidden.  But immediately a woman whose little daughter had an unclean spirit heard of him and came and fell down at his feet. Now the woman was a Gentile, a Syrophoenician by birth. And she begged him to cast the demon out of her daughter. And he said to her, ‘Let the children be fed first, for it is not right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.’ But she answered him, ‘Yes, Lord; yet even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.’ And he said to her, ‘For this statement you may go your way; the demon has left your daughter.’  And she went home and found the child lying in bed and the demon gone…

“And Jesus charged them to tell no one. But the more he charged them, the more zealously they proclaimed it. And they were astonished beyond measure, saying, ‘He has done all things well. He even makes the deaf hear and the mute speak.‘” Mark 7:24-30, 36-37

The tension between what Jesus initially wanted and what happened reveals the Son of Man, who needed rest and time alone with His Father, and the Son of God who was bent on fulfilling every iota of His purpose here on earth. There is no inconsistency between the two, only perfect, inexplicable harmony in the flesh of our Sovereign. He could not not be merciful to one who had not been His focus, but providentially approached in faith. He could not not be a Savior.

There are things we, while living in the flesh, can’t not do. This side of heaven, we will yield to temptations of flesh and mind. We will sin. We will suffer. We will regret. We will grow older.

But for Christ Jesus, what He can’t not do is always good, redemptive, and holy. O, to be like Him! Always full of love and compassion, always selfless and giving, always appropriate and kind! Always grateful, sensitive to needs and able to meet them perfectly. Always in tune with the Father, always yielded to His will. Always in control and zealous for God’s honor. Always doing all things well!

Holy God hates sin, but He can’t not be gracious- He does not always accuse nor harbor His anger forever. He allows helpless sheep to wander, but can’t not extend compassion and hold them tight. He disciplines us for good, but grows impatient at our misery, and can’t not be merciful. He sends us into storms, but can’t not be faithful to bring peace in the midst. He can’t not love, or rule, or abide as our dwelling place. His character and attributes are consistent and constant, unchanging and righteous, infinite and divinely balanced. (Judges 10:16; Psalm 90:1; 103:8-9,17; Matthew 14:22-27,32; Mark 6:34; John 10:28-29)

What default habits can’t we not do that we can humbly bring under Christ’s sway? Would we choose to appropriate what is true about God to each?

Lord, tether me to You and Your sure promises. May I glorify You by standing stable in all You can’t not be and do.

“Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, ‘Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!’ And having said this he breathed his last. And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. The earth shook, and the rocks were split. The tombs also were opened. And many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised… When the centurion and those who were with him, keeping watch over Jesus, saw the earthquake and what took place, they were filled with awe and praised God and said, ‘Truly this was the Son of God!’” Matthew 27:51-52,54; Luke 23:46-47

“I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ  and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death.” Philippians 3:8-10

Physical, emotional, and soul suffering open many windows. We see through them the sufferings of Christ, the victories of Christ, and the fellowship of our suffering with him. There is a mysterious and exquisite beauty in watching another in Christ endure with grace and unflappable faith- we glimpse the surpassing greatness of knowing Jesus, we sense the rumble of resurrection power, we gaze through the rent veil of pain and say, Truly this is the Son of God! Christ in them, Christ in us, the hope of glory. (Colossians 1:27)

Suffering also may expose areas of our hearts we do not like. It can reveal impatience, stubborn self-determination, and pride that erupt when pain presses hard. But the suffering of Christ Jesus appropriated there transforms and restores. He touches the agonies, applies His It is finished!, and draws us alongside to learn the meaning of the cross. Ex-cruciating, ‘out of the cross.’ He died for all of this, and arose to assure hope of ultimate restoration. Will we allow Him to have His way? (John 19:28-30)

Nothing we suffer is a surprise to God. Our ability to endure is a gift from His Spirit. He wastes no suffering, instead working in and through us love and character and hope that are pleasing to Him. This is a gracious thing. Can we step back to see God’s broad perspective on what is to us now all-consuming, and say Truly, this is the Son of God, teaching me what it is to hope by knowing the power of the resurrection? (Psalm 42:3-9; Romans 5:3-5; Hebrews 13:20-21; James 1:2-4; 1 Peter 2:19)

Would we open the window of our heart and allow Jesus to flood in with His love and light? Sharing in His sufferings brings a communion with the Divine that is inexplicable, and precious. Would we trust Him to bloom radiant beauty from the deepest pain and sadness, spilling blossoms that cause others to say, Truly this is the Son of God!?

Father, for those I love who suffer, help them endure with hope. And Jesus, in any suffering You call me to share, may others see that You, the Son of God, are glorified. (2 Corinthians 4:16–18)

“Immediately he made his disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. And after he had taken leave of them, he went up on the mountain to pray. And when evening came, the boat was out on the sea, and he was alone on the land. And he saw that they were making headway painfully, for the wind was against them. And about the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. He meant to pass by them, but when they saw him walking on the sea they thought it was a ghost, and cried out, for they all saw him and were terrified. But immediately he spoke to them and said, ‘Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.’ And he got into the boat with them, and the wind ceased. And they were utterly astounded, for they did not understand about the loaves, but their hearts were hardened.” Mark 6:45-52

After hearing of the horrendous death of His cousin, after ministering rest to his disciples, after feeding the 5000, Jesus got away to pray. Always engaged, always in tune, always compassionate, Jesus remained intimately connected with His heavenly Father, and His people. Refreshed and enlightened by the divine communion of prayer, He saw His disciples struggling in their boat and went to them, walking on the water. We don’t know why he intended to pass them by, but do know that seeing their distress and fear, He stopped. (Mark 6:27-44)

Jesus is infinite and manages everything in perfect awareness and with perfect precision, everywhere. He is at once soaked in prayer, full of love, and all-wise. There is nothing in our hearts, minds, or lives He is not concerned with or does not see. Even when we are in the fourth watch of the night, in the darkest of dark, hardest of hard, remotest of remote, He is there, walking across our tempests to meet us and cheer us to take heart. Take courage! (Psalm 139:1-3,7-12)

Jesus orders our rest, directs our work, and sends us into storms. He is always near, praying for and watching over His beloved children. He knows when we’re baffled, pained, and terrified, and comes to comfort. ‘It is I, take heart. I am in the boisterous wind and choking waves. I see your angst and fear, and they do not ruffle me. I know the limits to your strength, but I am strong. And you can take heart in Me.’

What has the Lord asked us to do that has grown more difficult in time? Where has He directed us into a storm we are too weak to handle? What impossible do we face right now that appears to have no smooth resolution? Picture the Lord, on a mountain above, watching in love, praying for us, and then coming to get in the rocking boat alongside our anxious bodies. How does His very presence make a difference? What comfort, hope, and help does He bring? Where will we take heart because of His promises today? (John 17:9-17; Romans 8:34-39; Hebrews 7:25

Lord, astound me at Your compassion, loving care, and magnificence. May I in faith behold You in every circumstance and fix my heart in Yours, to the exaltation of Your great name.

“The Lord said, ‘Go in this might of yours and save Israel from the hand of Midian; do not I send you?’ And he said to him, ‘Please, Lord, how can I save Israel? Behold, my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father’s house.’ And the Lord said to him, ‘But I will be with you, and you shall strike the Midianites as one man…’

“Then Gideon said to God, ‘If you will save Israel by my hand, as you have said, behold, I am laying a fleece of wool on the threshing floor. If there is dew on the fleece alone, and it is dry on all the ground, then I shall know that you will save Israel by my hand, as you have said.’ And it was so. When he rose early next morning and squeezed the fleece, he wrung enough dew from the fleece to fill a bowl with water.  Then Gideon said to God, ‘Let not your anger burn against me; let me speak just once more. Please let me test just once more with the fleece. Please let it be dry on the fleece only, and on all the ground let there be dew.’ And God did so that night; and it was dry on the fleece only, and on all the ground there was dew…

“That same night the Lord said to him, ‘Arise, go down against the camp, for I have given it into your hand. But if you are afraid, go down to the camp… [and] hear what they say…’ Gideon [heard] a man telling a dream.., ‘This is the sword of Gideon;.. God has given into his hand Midian and all the camp.’

“Gideon… worshiped. ‘Arise, for the Lord has given Midian into your hand.’.. When they blew the 300 trumpets, the Lord set every man’s sword against his comrade… And the army fled.” Judges 6:14-16,36-40; 7:9-10,13-15,22a

When God called Gideon, He committed to making him into His man for the task. Gideon was a mighty man of valor, but he had doubts about conquering the formidable Midianite army, and honestly expressed them. His Lord heard, understood, and dealt with each one. Gideon’s weakness and inability was met with God’s presence and Spirit, his need for assurance that he was indeed God’s instrument was answered with fire and supernatural dew, and then God allowed him to overhear the enemy’s fear. The Lord knew Gideon intimately, and graciously allayed his every doubt and made his way. (Judges 6:17-22,34)

Every time a new calling, or obstacle, or challenging circumstance presents itself, our Lord is in it. He personally enlists our faith, and listens and supports us when we doubt. He knows our earnest ‘I believe, help my unbelief,’ and supplies wisdom and confirmation when we ask, without finding fault. (Mark 9:24; James 1:5-6)

How do we respond to God’s instructions? Do we mask resistance and disobedience by claiming incapability? Do we doubt the goodness of His plan? Or do we step up, confess our uncertainties, and trust Him to provide? Neither inexperience nor unmatched strength remains an obstacle when we advance with Him. Our communion with God trains us for all that is to come.

Lord of Hosts, I commit my doubts and cause to You. Help me trust You more each day, and obey with confidence in Your blessed sufficiency. (Jeremiah 20:11-12)