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 GIVEN BY GOD

In Christ Jesus, we have been given wisdom from God, forgiveness from God, new hearts from God, and power from God that we might live in such a way as to fulfill the designed new nature God has given to us.

Sadly, our faith can seem to falter when we stop or somehow refuse to put our trust in the reality of God's Presence in us. Like the Apostle Peter, we become distracted by the stormy circumstances surrounding us and even our impatience at not seeing the spiritual progress in what we may have anticipated would BE at this juncture in our lives. Our ancient foe is at the ready to fan our short-sighted discontent into flame.

We can act like six-year-olds throwing a tantrum that we are not allowed to drive the family car yet. We will one day, but the present inability of a six-year-old forbids it. Think about it, we are still maturing in the faith God has given us. Even St. Paul told the Philippian church that he had "...not yet arrived or am yet made perfect."

What God has given to us, He will perfect in us. He will never leave or forsake us...ever! He will not, for He IS Life within us, His Living Word is planted in us and will do in us what God says it will. God has not withheld any of His promises from us. They are ALL already given in Christ Jesus, so we can agree with Him even when we cannot yet see. We can say, "Amen!" in a hope that will not lead to shame.

As a brother preacher said a few Sundays ago, "The HOW and the WHAT and the WHEN depend on the WHO!"

Lord help us remember what You have already given to us; what You have already done so that we rest in You in holy confidence and grateful thanks.

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