Author: Tara Powell

1 Corinthians 16:14, “Do everything in love.”

It is so easy to get focused on ourselves. Even those with great intentions can soon fall prey to, what about me? God requires us to do everything in love. If we follow that rule, it answers a lot of life’s pressing questions.

Our culture is “Me” centered. Our television programs are largely focused on someone’s opinion, with popularity of shows like the “View”. We all have opinions however at the end of the day, what truly matters? Did we love? Whether I agree with what you do or how you do it doesn’t matter. We fight for our freedom! God gave us that freedom. God created us to have free will. We have a right to do whatever we want. The Bible warns that way of living has consequences.

When we measure our decisions on did we love, we might choose differently. It is wise to love fully, love often and love well. That changes the “Me” centered into a “We “centered way of thinking. To love naturally pulls the focus off ourselves.

Romans 12:9-10, “Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.” Love is not one of those things you can fake. Can you imagine living in a world that lived up to those standards. Love changes everything. It was love that held Christ on the cross. He willingly gave His love because He loves us. When you look at it like that, how can we not love others?

Isaiah 30:15,”This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel says: “In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength.”

I was reminded of this today, as I asked the Lord for direction. It is wise to submit our days to the Lord for instruction. The problem lies in our eagerness for a reply. When the answer is not quick, we work ourselves up. In review of scripture nothing good comes from anxiety. What God wants from us is the desire for His will to be done. He wants our hearts in prayer and studying His word so that our decisions are His decisions. If we are in tune with God’s heart then naturally we are in step with His plans. This harmony should result in rest for our souls. In quietness and trust is our strength. We gain strength from our trust in Jesus to work it out for us. When we pray it should be about laying our burdens at His feet and walking away lighter for it. Our prayer time should lift our spirits as we give Him praise. Trust that God will guide you.

Luke 5:4-7, “When he(Jesus) had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into the deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.” Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.” When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink.”

Having faith is hard, sometimes exhausting. When I am believing God for something I put my everything into it. I am mentally fixed and physically my posture is standing on God’s word. God’s timing is not our timing. There are several examples of God’s faithfulness after many, many years. Abraham, waited 14 years on His promised son. Are you waiting on something? Did God promise you breakthrough and your faith is waning? I have been there. I have been expecting God for a few things for as long as Abraham and ready to see it in the flesh. I have battled discouragement. I have questioned, will it really happen? Did I hear God at all? If that is where you are today, stick it out. God is faithful. His word will never return void. He is not a man that He should lie. God’s timing is always on time. He plants those seed promises to keep us afloat in rough waters. Be ready when He yells out, “Cast your net again!” In our verse the disciples had been fishing all day. They were tired and ready to come in feeling defeated. Jesus tells them to go out again into the deep. Simon shares his defeat yet, in obedience does as Jesus prompts. Simon reaped a full reward for following His lead. Do not miss your blessing! Be ready to cast your net again whenever He bids.

Acts 10:34, “Then Peter began to speak: I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right.”

Man struggles to realize the truth in this passage. God created men-all men. God’s love is available to every person all the time. We are equal in creation yet, very different in our relationship to God. The defining line depends on you! What are you doing with God’s love? Not all embrace God’s love. Not all will commit to His ways. And even fewer are willing to sacrifice, face the struggles and trust God. Being a Christian is not an easy task. Grace is free, and the process of salvation might appear too good to be true. Most certainly it is, the challenge is taking that faith through the fire. Pressing on to the prize of the high calling of Jesus. If you want to be like Jesus you must be willing to do as Christ did. Pick up your cross and follow.

Our relationship with God is like any committed relationship, you have to go through some hard times to build trust. God will never fail you, but you have to trust Him first. I promise you this, you will never regret what you give to God.