Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – December 6, 2016
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6
In 2010, I read Tramp for the Lord by Corrie ten Boom. In the book, Corrie tells about a single missionary who left her home and possessions to go to China. “Are you not afraid?” a friend asked. “I am only afraid of one thing” she said. “That I should become a grain of wheat not willing to die.”
When I read this quote, I sensed the Lord pressing me to leave my home and give up—or sell—my possessions. Not to go to China like this woman, but to travel to different parts of the country and speak to groups without charge. In my 20s and 30s, I was an adventurous soul and would have jumped at the thought. When I got the bug to move to London, England to go to college, I did. When Germany tugged on my heart, I moved there for a year to teach English as a second language. I trusted God for provision as He had always taken care of me. I loved running headlong into adventure and watching Him show up. But this time was different.
I was 42 and comfort had become more important to me than a fresh faith adventure. So when God kept impressing on my heart to pack up and travel, I bristled. But then the Lord reminded me through a friend that God would continue to provide for me, and that life is not about me or my comfort, it’s about glorifying Him.
“Worthy are you, our Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power. . .” (Revelation 4:11).
On September 10, 2010, I wrote the following in my journal:
“Lord, in the past you taught me how to live by faith. I jumped out there even when I didn’t know how you would catch me. Now it seems like this season is about lordship, about learning to follow you, even though I don’t want to.”
The question was: Would I become a little grain of wheat that would die and produce fruit, or would I hold onto my comfort?
Around this time, I read the words of Paul. . .
“But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things” (Philippians 3:7).
Paul truly loved God, so he was willing to lose all things. So, if I was unwilling to give up the comfort I treasured, my love for Him would be lacking. I told God I would go, and though I had the money to get started on my journey, I had no idea how I would get home.
Not only did the Lord give me just enough money to make my way from Colorado, to California, Idaho, Wyoming, Tennessee and back, He gave me a faith upgrade. He taught me afresh that there is fulfillment and blessing in following His lead and being the little grain of wheat that falls onto the ground and dies. It’s only then that fruit is produced.
Are you willing to let Jesus be Lord? Will you follow His call even if you don’t feel like it or even if it’s uncomfortable?
“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matthew 6:33).
Prayer
Lord, thank you that I can trust you with my whole life! Help me to follow you and glorify you no matter what you are asking me to do. Amen.Application
Where is the Lord leading me to leave my comfort zone and trust Him?Related Reading
Zechariah 4:6; 1 Chronicles 16:11; Isaiah 41:10; Matthew 6:25Post/Tweet today
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