Saturday, January 19, 2008

Having Been with Jesus

Thursday, January 17, 2008

“Now as they observed the confidence of Peter and John and understood that they were uneducated and untrained men, they were amazed, and began to recognize them as having been with Jesus.” Acts 4:13

Peter and John were uneducated and untrained men. They were mere fishermen. Yet the people saw something different about them, especially their critics, all who were of high priestly descent (v.6). They saw a confidence and assurance which, they had to acknowledge, came from a source outside of them. They began to recognize them as having been with Jesus! Who can dispute against a changed life? Who can refute against a personal testimony and win? The rulers and elders and scribes of that day couldn’t. Surely it must be true for today, too.

But then I think, “Do I live as one who can be recognized as having been with Jesus? Can people observe the confidence that comes only from You, Lord?” I do pray that this would be true of me; I pray this all the time, it seems! And yet, at times, I still have my doubts. There has been enough circumstances lately that make me feel quite at a loss and not too sure how my weaknesses and inadequacies are supposed to look like God’s strength and power. Sometimes I do get it, usually when someone else is going through a fiery trial and I see that He is their Strength and Refuge but it surely is another thing when I’m going through it and I’m in such great need to experience His very real Presence of Help and Strength and Peace in time of trouble.

“LORD, please gird me with Your strength and put within me Your confidence that I am so desperately in need of!” Everyday I face opposition!
I battle with fear of what’s to come and what to do when the unexpected happens.
I battle with my inability to understand cancer and chemotherapy and its scary side effects.
I battle with time management of what should be my “normal routine” as I feel pulled in different directions. Is there really such a thing as “normal”?
I battle with feelings of inadequacy and ineffectiveness.
I even battle feeling guilty for being so overwhelmed by my present circumstances because I know that there are many whose struggles are far more greater than ours.

But if there was one who could tell you not to worry or be afraid because he’s got everything in control and won’t allow you to have more than you can handle (Matthew 6:27; 1 Corinthians 10:13)
Or if there was one who told you that you don’t have to try to understand it all and become a pharmacist overnight because he’s intimately acquainted with how our body works and knows exactly what it needs (Psalm 139:13-16)
If there was one who told you that he knows all the deeds that must be accomplished by you because he’s ordained them & made you perfectly fitted to do them, not one more nor less (Philippians 1:6, 2:13; Ephesians 2:10; James 1:2-4)
If this one told you that your abilities and accomplishments or lack thereof doesn’t change his love and acceptance of you (Jeremiah 31:3; Titus 3:4-5)
If there was one who told you that every single little care and concern of yours down to losing one single strand of hair was his genuine concern too because he’s compassionate and mindful of our frailty (Matthew 10:30; 1 Peter 5:7; Psalm 103:13-14; Matthew 6)
Then I would have to say that I do know of One who has told me these things; He told me again of them today. I have been with my Jesus and He’s not going to let me go.

1 comment:

Myra said...

So glad that our Great Physician is holding you tenderly and safely in His hands! It is encouraging to your sisters and brothers to see you trusting Him and resting in His care. We are continuing to pray.