by Ricky Doc Sauceda
As I headed home from church today, I encountered strong opposing winds. It was difficult trekking home due to this and I was tiring quickly. I called out to the Lord to help and He said,'I will carry you.' Immediately, I felt a force take over the peddling - it was amazing.
I still had to put forth my own effort, but the difference 'in ease' was very noticeable. I reflected back on my running sessions - where He would say,"Go another lap. I will carry you." So, I did and amazingly made the extra distance that He asked of me.
I also wanted to input the value of living one day at a time here. The Lord says that each day takes care of itself, and not to worry. We are to FOCUS and rely on Him each day. I realize that He also shapes and molds us each day and prunes us to grow.
John 15:1-4
The Vine and the Branches
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.
So, not only do we have the day in front of us to contend with...we also have to handle what the Lord designs for our growth. It is a lot to bear and it is vital we focus on Him each day. He will enable us to endure anything in our lives.
Take the example of Balaam in The Book of Numbers. Balaam is summoned to assist a king against the army of Israel which is overpowering every territory in their path since their arrival from Egypt. Balaam is directed by God to do His will. (Numbers 22)
Balaam is on the way to do his work and he is confronted by the Angel of the Lord, who seeks to kill him. God has asked Balaam to go forth with instructions, and regardless the Angel is there to confront him. This signifies that we are being 'tested' as we do the will of God in our lives.
Numbers 22:34-35
Balaam said to the angel of the LORD, “I have sinned. I did not realize you were standing in the road to oppose me. Now if you are displeased, I will go back.”
The angel of the LORD said to Balaam, “Go with the men, but speak only what I tell you.” So Balaam went with Balak’s officials.
Before Balaam was a test that Moses endured. Moses had received instructions from the Lord in Exodus 3 and 4, and near the end of 4...he is on his way to carry out the Lord's will - to Egypt. During this journey God encounters him and only his wife is wise enough to know how to appease the Lord.
Exodus 4:24-26
At a lodging place on the way, the LORD met Moses and was about to kill him. But Zipporah took a flint knife, cut off her son’s foreskin and touched Moses’ feet with it. “Surely you are a bridegroom of blood to me,” she said. So the LORD let him alone. (At that time she said “bridegroom of blood,” referring to circumcision.)
The Moses story illustrates that he wasn't circumcised - his wife symbolically circumcises him in spirit. This satisfies the Lord's anger. In our Christian faith, it is Jesus Christ who satisfies the Lord's anger.
Romans 2:29
No, a person is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a person’s praise is not from other people, but from God.
Don't take God lightly. Do exactly as He asks of you. Amen.