Walking by Faith, not by Sight

I was reading a book review today and came across this statement:
          A Dream So Big is not a theology of missions or a deep, doctrinal examination of the
     need the methods of mission. Neither is it meant to be. Instead, it's a ground-level look at
     one family's work in a needy place. It is real and honest: "As a missionary, I am ashamed to
     admit I don't like living by faith; I'd much rather have the money in hand than to know I'm
     going to have to trust God for it. But when I see him move, and know it could only be him,
     that is perhaps the sweetest experience on earth." It is wonderfully-written and thoroughly                  enjoyable; I highly recommend it.

So many times when I served at Faith, we would comment that sometimes it would be nice to be at Sight Baptist Church; then we might see what God was doing and how He was going to work. But, indeed, we live by faith and not by sight. I need to trust in His leading, even when it may not make sense to me. I must always remember that while I cannot see the end of the path on which He is leading me, He knows the beginning from the end. I need to trust Him in all things at all times.

I have been taking 1-2 weeks per chapter as I pore over Paul's epistle to the Philippians. Here are some of the concepts from Phil 2 that stuck with me as I read that chapter over and again a couple of weeks ago.

• God desires that HIs church be single-minded. We should all be focused on Christ.
• We must NEVER allow selfish ambitions to enter into our lives. 
• God defines, in skeletal form, what Christlikeness is.
• Salvation should result in practical, daily living.
• There is no place in the Christian life for dissatisfaction.
• Paul cared deeply for those with whom he ministered.

Of course, there are more principles included in the chapter, but these lodged in my mind as I read and caused me to reflect on them. God's word provides me with the counsel that I need to live a life that is pleasing to Him; it my job to live such a life.

Walking Uphill

Ever had a day that seemed uphill, no matter what direction you were going? Even after cresting the hill, it is still uphill. What an exciting time, indeed. Yet, in the midst of the unending uphill climb God continues to show Himself to be the One that provides and protects. Even in the days that feel like you are treading water with weights on, God is still good.

Justin recently graduated from high school. He is now making plans to attend college and study engineering. It was a busy time, but it was very enjoyable. My parents, sister, and her girls came for a week and a half. It was wonderful to have them here. Then, on Saturday, a friend from Texas stopped by. It was a terrific surprise.

Now that Justin is through with high school, we focus our attention on college and all of the preparations that need to be done. There is much to get ready as we work through the summer and get ready for fall.

As I was reading in Philippians 1 this morning, I was again grabbed by some of the statements that Paul made and how poignant they are.Verse 6 is a "mouthful," indeed. Paul had absolute assurance that God would work out His will in Paul's life. I may not understand what God is doing and I may not always like how He is doing it, but I can be confident that He is doing exactly what He knows to be right and that as long as I am doing what He wants me to do, it will be accomplished.

Just looking over chapter 1 of the book, there are so many amazing principles to be seen.

• Paul's prayer for the people. I am always intrigued by the things that he prays.
• His acceptance of God's will, even when it appears difficult.
• His willingness to "accept" others that may be in ministry with wrong motives.
• His desire to live before God with no shame.
• The ever-present decision to made between better and best.
• An understanding that God is in control and that others see my reactions/responses to the pressures of life.

Not an exhaustive list, even from only chapter 1, but enough to reflect on as I go through the day. I must determine to be biblical in every instance, regardless of what else is happening around me. It is not always easy, but it is always necessary. And so I return to trudging uphill, trying to get through the tasks before me. Yippee!