In Mark 10:21, the Lord said, "You lack one thing; go, sell what you have, and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me."
Christmas is fast approaching and if things does not went well for me, my family may end up having a "dry christmas". Our savings is almost depleted because business transactions had gone sour for quite a long period of time. I was hoping to close a good business deal with a long time contractor client that could have replenished our lost savings but upon following up, he informed me that bidding for the said project was reset to next year. I was even forced to request my Principals for a moratorium regarding payment of business remittances but the compromise is to come up with at least half of the amounts due. On top of this, I have to pay my daughter's monthly tuition, utilities and rent. I spent most of my time serving the Lord in the hope that He will fulfill all His promises and grant the desires of my heart. Experiencing such difficulties brings me to doubt whether I am really doing the right thing. Whenever my heart cries for help in a state of crisis, my mind rebels.
Being at journey with God is not as easy as a "walk in the park" so to speak. You may think that what you are today or whatever you do to serve the Lord is good enough to receive whatever you ask from the Lord. The reality is that "God grants our petitons out of the goodness of His heart and not as compensation for the things that we do for Him."
Even God's own beloved son, who is our Lord Jesus Christ never thought that what He was doing for His Father is good enough. "Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone (Mark 10:18).
God is not blind to see the goodness in us. On the other hand, such is a manifestation of the Lord's own Spirit that dwells in our hearts. When the Lord said "No one is good but God alone", He speaks of "God that is in Us" or "Immanuel" (Matthew 1:23), which is also fitting for us to understand the meaning of celebrating Christmas. I repeat, the goodness in us simply means "God in Us" for no one is Good but God Alone.
On the surface, what the Lord says regarding your life situation today may not apply in the sense that "How can you give to the poor when in fact, you too have so much financial obligations to settle?" Let us study His Words carefully for no word returns to God void.
The Lord said, "You lack one thing". This is a revelation that in the sight of God, you are missing one vey important component that refers to material blessings that you have received from Him in the past. How did you manage such resources in the light of being a good steward of the Lord's properties? Can you face the Lord today and say, "I made profit in trading" or "I shared them with my less fortunate brothers"? If so, then be rest assured that God will give you even more than what you ask for. If not, I guess you should do something in adjusting the management of your financial affairs given this revelation.
Let us go to the next where the Lord said, "You will have treasure in heaven". It is common to man to see clearly what is "Near" because those that are "Far" is more often beyond his sight. We always look at life based on what is in store for us today, yet the Lord gives us a picture of a brightful future that is far more lasting and permanent. He bring us to focus not only today but equally gives importance to the "vision of tomorrow". One can not simply expect that at all times, it will be bright and shiny for there will days when the weather will change, bringing storm and darkness. What matters is to hold on to the hope that as night falls, a new day will begin. This is a cycle of life that each of us must face as we journey in this world.
Lastly is that very important part where the Lord said, "Come, follow Me". Whenever everything seem to fail or things do not work well, we should never allow our minds to rebel thinking that God may have abandoned us. Athough in truth He punishes or allows trials to come our way, there is also that greater possibility that "what we are experiencing today is born out of our own making". This is the essence of a "looking forward attitude" to always follow Jesus. Thoughts and emotions can be very deceiving and the best way to counter such deceptions is to continue walking with Christ. Surrender all your cares to Him and He will surely carry all those burdens that is upon you today.
PRAYER
In your mercy O God, please forgive me. I have failed miserably in being a good steward of your graces and blessings that led me to suffer a lot of difficulties in life today. I blame you when in truth and in fact, I have shamed myself before you.
You are my God who is the source of all that is Good in me. I cast all my cares upon you as I cry for help in the midst of all these burdens that seem to envelope me today. I know that I am not worthy but I believe that regardless of who I am or what I am, I can be what I want to be; only through the power of your word.
I humbly offer my thanksgiving for your continued grace in spite of my unworthiness. To the many gifts and blessings of ensuring a good health and peaceful living, thank you dear Lord. In my hour of need, you are always there to comfort me. All these I ask and pray, in Jesus Name. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment