Fresh Wind

Satan's main strategy with God's people has always been to whisper, "Don't call, don't ask, don't depend on God to do great things. You'll get along fine if you just rely on your own cleverness and energy." The truth of the matter is that the devil is not terribly frightened of our human efforts and credentials. But he knows his kingdom will be damaged when we lift up our hearts to God.

Jim Cymbala

Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire

I have been reading, again, the book Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire. The other night as I went to bed with a number of heavy thoughts on my mind, I read the passage above. I was moved to set aside the book - right at the end of the paragraph, without even finishing the page! The Holy Spirit prompted me to pray. I have often been able to pull things off in my own "cleverness and energy". But there are some things before us right now that are beyond the scope of my ability. We need Him to intervene. More and more, He is calling me to trust in Him rather than the people and resources around me. He seems to be providing opportunities for me to choose to trust in Him and to call out to Him or try to resolve things on my own.

God is able to resolve any situation. But for some reason, He chooses to place before us the option of inviting Him to be the solution. I think there is some good insight into His reasoning below:

Any genuine relationship requires that both parties are to some extent empowered over and against the other. This is as true in our relationship with God as it is in our relationships with other people. Monopoly by one person - even if that "person" is God - always squashes the personhood of others. So God ordains things so that we are to some degree empowered in our relationship with Him. He ordains things so that we can actually influence the Creator, not because He needs us, but because He wants us.

Gregory A. Boyd

Letters from a Skeptic

We don't often use this blog for theological or academic discussion, but these seem to be pointing to a theme which the Holy Spirit is pressing in my life. My desire is to trust in Him. But I know that often I say I trust in Him while I strive to overcome obstacles without even seeking His guidance, let alone His assistance.

Grace,
Tom