CAROL ROUND, in an article via ASSIST News Service, looks at what it means to live ‘our way’ – and ‘God’s way’…
Grove, Oklahoma, US
ASSIST News Service
“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see” – Hebrews 11:1 (CEB).
Which way are you choosing? PICTURE: Chris Johnson/www.freeimages.com
The lyrics to an old Frank Sinatra tune come back to haunt me sometimes. Part of the song goes, “I planned each charted course, each careful step along the byway and more, much more than this, I did it my way.”
Why do these words resonate with me? Before Jesus got ahold of me, I tried to chart my own course. I tried to do things my way. Looking back, I can see my way wasn’t always the best. I didn’t consult the Maker of the Universe before making a decision, especially those affecting not only me, but others as well.
My confidence was in my own ability to get things done. My faith and hope and assurance rested solely on what I could perceive with my own eyes. I resisted change unless I was in control.
In 2001, a life-changing experience opened my eyes. I began seeking God. As I have grown to trust Him more, my confidence now lies solely in Him. Do I still I have doubts sometimes? Yes. Do I still question God? Yes.
However, if I hadn’t taken a leap of faith and trusted Him to catch me if I failed, I wouldn’t be on the path that has led to my current writing and speaking ministry. If I hadn’t trusted God, I would never have left the comfort of family and friends and moved to another community in 2005. That move led to more adventures, including mission trips overseas and a trip to the Holy Land.
Being obedient and open to change has led me to move several times. Just about the time I get comfortable, God opens another door. In the past, I would have dug my heels in and refused. Even though God gives us free will, I want to do life His way.
Without being open to change and doing life God’s way, we miss out on opportunities we never dreamed we would have. Is it always easy? No. I continually remind myself He will never lead me astray.
Below are 10 Biblical truths affirming our God will never leave us or forsake us. When you need encouragement, look them up. Write them on cards. Post them in places as a reminder. Memorise them.
1. Deuteronomy 31:6
2. Deuteronomy 31:8
3. Joshua 1:5
4. I Kings 8:57
5. I Chronicles 28:20
6. Psalms 37:28
7. Psalms 94:14
8. Isaiah 41:17
9. Isaiah 42:16
10. Hebrews 13:5
We need to stretch our faith, trusting God with the future. But it requires us to surrender our will to Him each morning. It’s hard, however, to surrender to God’s will when we insist on doing things our way.
While two-year-olds may insist on doing things their way, if we are true followers of Christ, we should be doing things His way. If we believe God has a better way of living life, we should have “confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see”.
