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Random Dialog
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What does it look like?
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One of the problems I have with phrases like "rely on God" or "give it over to God" or "give it up to God" or "live by faith" or "doing it in your own strength" or similar phrases is that--as I've said before--I don't know what it is I'm supposed to be doing when I do it.
Does relying on God mean sit back and do nothing and watch as God miraculously meets your needs?
Does giving it up to God mean that you pray one prayer--"Lord, I give it over to you"--then you never, ever think about it any more and before you realize it, the whole situation is resolved?
Does "living by faith" mean that you believe that God will work things out without you doing anything?
And what does it mean to "do it in your own strength"? If I'm doing whatever in God's strength, does it mean that, without me thinking about it, I stand up off my couch and my legs move in the proper direction without me saying, "go that way"?
What does it look like?
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Tina Seward 08/07/2012 05:28 |
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Tom B
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08/07/2012 10:25 |
Good questions. I think we have all wrestled with these sometimes. For me, it basically means that I am attentive (try to be) to asking God for his will to be done. I don't become inanimate though. I find myself being guided in actions and decisions by God. I hear his voice most clearly when I ask God to Guide me in His will rather than in mine. I'll ponder this and respond more in the future. I don't have much time now.
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Kelley
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08/08/2012 18:45 |
To me it means letting go of expectation of a certain outcome, unpacking it in His presence and letting Him have it, and then listening for further instruction which can come in prayer, during devotions, writing, or like Beuchner calls it "listening to your life".... the sea sort of parts and the next right step becomes apparent. You offer that to God too, saying "stop me if this is not the way" and keep listening, keep releasing the outcome, and step when stepping is required.
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Tina Seward
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08/08/2012 19:34 |
One reason I ask this question is because, I wonder if this whole business of me going back to school is "in my own strength". I've had such discouragement lately, and it's even been suggested that maybe it's God trying to tell me that I shouldn't be doing this. I don't know if God is trying to tell me, I shouldn't do this, or if this is a test of my skills in perseverance.
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Kelley
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08/08/2012 20:44 |
I don't think God tells us things through discouragement! ;)
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