Believing God

And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.” Matthew 21:22

I believe in Jesus Christ.  In February of 1974, I heard the amazing story of God’s love for me and I surrendered my life to Him.  In the 38 years since that day, I have called myself a Believer.  So why, after all these years of walking with Jesus, in and out of trials and triumphs, is it so difficult to really believe Him for the daily battles?  Hurt feelings, unmet goals, disappointments, bills, loneliness, and a million other things we secretly stuff inside.

Yes, I am a believer, but what does that really mean?  Believe what?  If a father tells his young child not to touch the pan on the stove because it us hot and will burn him, the child can either believe his daddy, and walk away from it, or he can reach out and touch it.  In both instances, the child will end up believing the truth about the hot burner.  Of course, God prefers we learn by just trusting that what He says is true.  He is a loving Father, and wants us to obey His Word and thereby avoid the pain.  But most of the time, we have to learn to trust Him the hard way...by getting burned.

God wants to teach us how to live our lives’ daily battles by believing He will do what He says He will do.  It is a matter of trust.  Will our lives be trouble free?  No.  But if we truly believe, and we are abiding in the Vine, drawing our strength, wisdom and guidance from Jesus and His Word, we can ask anything and He will do it. (John 15:7)  That means when we pray, we don’t immediately try and figure out a way to answer our own prayers.  We live our lives in Christ, and as we encounter daily battles, we trust Him to answer our prayers in the best possible way for everyone concerned.

Tangled Vines & Deep Roots

Do you ever feel overwhelmed and bogged down by family stuff? 

...Gotta run to this ball practice or that band concert, the debit card won’t work at the gas pump because you made the deposit too late in the afternoon to get credit today, the laundry pile is just as high after the last load as it was before the first one, hubby wants to know what’s for dinner and you forgot to take something out of the freezer...

So, where does all that family stuff end, and a few minutes for me begin?  Wouldn’t it be nice to soak in a hot bubble bath or just lie on the couch and watch a good movie without interruption? 

The other day I was complaining to God that I never seemed to have time for anything I wanted to do.  Even taking time to read my Bible and getting alone with Him was hard.  I prayed, “God, couldn’t you PLEASE just give me a break from my hectic life?”

After praying, I took a walk.  After passing by a pond, I came across a huge oak tree.  At the base of the tree were lots of tangled vines.  Some of the vines were over an inch thick.  And on several, you could see roots growing right into the bark of the old oak tree.  Standing there studying the tree, I finally asked God, “What is that, Lord?”  And I heard Him answer in that still, quiet voice that only comes when I finally get quiet enough to listen.  “Those vines are all the things in your life you’re complaining about...  your kids, your husband, money, and general busyness.  Those things are just life, and they aren’t going anywhere.”

The sweet Holy Spirit then directed my attention to the tree itself.  I was amazed at how big and strong and stately it stood, unhindered by the vines growing all around it.  I asked the Lord, “How is it that those vines aren’t sucking the life out of that tree?”  And His answer was gentle in a reproving sort of way...  “This tree is strong because its roots go deep.”

I realized just then, that if I were going to survive all the hectic demands of my life, I needed to set my roots deeper in Christ.

Walking on past that big oak, I saw another tree.  Entirely covered in vines, it showed no sign of life.  The vines had choked out its life because its roots didn’t have the depth of the other tree. 

Family life can be overwhelming, but our kids, husbands, and day-to-day busyness are just part of this season of life and they aren’t going away.  If we don’t guard our hearts, coveting our time with God, the life can be sucked right out of us too.  So, even if it means getting up a little earlier or staying up a bit later, we all need to soak up His living water, and allow Him to strengthen us through His Word and prayer.  

My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the Rock and firm Strength of my heart and my Portion forever.  Behold, those who are far from You will perish...  Psalm 73: 26-27a