by David Brenneman
"Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not quench the Spirit; do not despise prophetic utterances. But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; abstain from every form of evil. Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24.
It's easily found in the Gospels where Jesus said that the Jews seek for a sign and the only sign they will be given is the sign of Jonah.
But this isn't exclusive to the Jewish people. Many people who are Believer's are just as much looking for a sign as the chosen people of God.
Much is said about casting aside doubts. Poor Thomas has been wrongly accused throughout history as the foremost in regards to doubts.
"Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways." James 1:2-8.
What typically happens is people couch seeking for a sign within a doubt. People want to have absolute certainty before making a decision.
"So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ." Romans 10:17.
Let's dig deeper.
Sanctification is the result of the work of the Spirit in each Believer.
It's the prerogative of God to either explain why something is allowed to happen in your life or why something hasn't or will be kept from happening.
We need to really consider the writings in the Bible concerning the potter and the clay.
We come to Christ for salvation...and a new life in Christ.
We come with certain expectations.
We should realize that changes will be made by the Spirit of God concerning sins that have impacted our life to date.
Sometimes His work in us requires our implicit trust...with no explanation given. Trust in the Lord with all your heart. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight. This means when you understand and when you don't.
Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks.
Peter only stood on the water...a physical feat that's impossible by the laws of physics with regard to common man...but not impossible when faith in what Christ can do is applied. Did Peter get a sign other than to simply be told to come?
We often want a complicated explanation from God. News flash that's the same thing as seeking a sign.
We, in our coming to Christ, are learning how to live life in a way unseen and unheard of outside of salvation in Christ. It's ways are only understood by way of the Spirit. It's benefits are only understood in context of the Spirit.
We are not just going about our day.
We are learning daily how to do life.
We are learning how to spiritually eat.
We are learning how to spiritually think.
We are learning how to spiritually clothe ourselves.
We are learning how to spiritually crawl.
We get to the point of learning how to walk by the Spirit.
Many times we get an opportunity to have things explained to us. Many times trust is essential.
Leaning not on my own understanding is essential, not optional.
“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” declares the LORD. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways And My thoughts than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:8-9.
We are His workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works that we might walk in them.
It may frustate you to no end to not fully understand the mind of Christ right now. My Dear Reader...you DO have eternity to learn.
Our sin nature is at odds with our new nature in Christ.
It's ok not to know. It's ok not to fully understand. It's something that I have been learning.
The supernatural things of God are only that on this side of Heaven.
The peace of God that passes all understanding...think about that.
Martha just sat at Jesus's feet...listening and taking it in.
King David wrote often of meditation on the word of God.
Jesus spoke of His peace He brings to us, not as the world does. It's different because His peace is perfect and holy and complete.
If your life is so complicated that you don't have time to sit down with Jesus...then don't be surprised by your frustration levels.
Don't be surprised by what all you don't understand. Jesus may be wanting to talk to you about your concerns but He isn't on your schedule.
Jesus said that we must come as a child. Adults complicate things.
It's ok not to understand right now.
In time you might gain understanding. You may not.
The key is to trust in the Lord with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.
All NASB 1995 and NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission. (C) Lockman Foundation.
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