Going Through

 

Going Through

Romans 4: ¹³ It was not through the law that Abraham and his offspring received the promise that he would be heir of the world, but through the righteousness that comes by faith. ¹⁴ For if those who depend on the law are heirs, faith means nothing and the promise is worthless, ¹⁵ because the law brings wrath. And where there is no law there is no transgression.

 

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Approaching a familiar area of traffic, I decided to go around it. I was not familiar with the side roads but they had to be faster than being stuck in congestion. I was caught by numerous lights and slow speed limits. Finally when I saw a clear road that would move a little faster, I rejoiced. I got on it and got caught by a train.

 

There have been many times when I tried to make my own way even though I followed the rules.

There have been many times when I tried to go around the situation versus going through it.

There have been many times when I just wanted the trip to be over, but my detour caused me to remain a lot longer than if I had just stayed on the right road.

 

Paul continues his explanation of Abraham, whom many Jews held with high esteem because GOD declared him righteous. Paul explains that it was not Abraham’s method of going through the Law of Moses that made him righteous, rather it was how he wrestled with going through the unknown while believing in GOD’s promise.

 

GOD wants me to go through difficult situations, believing HE is with me.

GOD wants me to go through easy situations knowing HE is with me there too.

GOD wants me to go through the unknown, believing in the promises HE has for me.

 

Trying to be “good” to get GOD to give me my way will not work. I mean, HE knows why I am following the Law and will count it as unrighteous. But when I believe that GOD has my best interest in mind, even when the situation looks difficult, GOD sees the faith.

 

When I place my faith in GOD’s promises for me, I do not throw out the Law, but I understand I need GOD because of it. The Law shows the need, faith brings out the deed. I gladly place my trust in GOD.

 

Are you trying to get somewhere in life and want to take shortcuts?

Do you believe you can get “closer” to GOD by following the Law?

Will you stop trying to manipulate GOD and simply enjoy the fact that HE loves you deeply and dearly and allow HIM to guide you “faithfully” through HIS Word today?

Check Marked

Mark 12: ⁴¹ Now Jesus sat opposite the treasury and saw how the people put money into the treasury. And many who were rich put in much. ⁴² Then one poor widow came and threw in two mites, which make a quadrans. ⁴³ So He called His disciples to Himself and said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all those who have given to the treasury; ⁴⁴ for they all put in out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all that she had, her whole livelihood.”

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When I stopped by the meeting, I saw faces I did not recognize. I said what I was supposed to say and left. I could not find my schedule so I called my administrative assistant. She told me what my next meeting was. “Who are these people?” I asked.

• There have been times when I went through the motions.
• There have been times when I did what I was supposed to do then left.
• There have been times when I got something over with, then check marked it done.

JESUS took an opportunity to watch “how” people were giving which many mistake for “what” was given. When HE called HIS disciples over, HE wanted to explain the difference between going through the motions versus true passion. HE says the same to me.

• GOD wants me to be passionate about what I am doing.
• GOD wants me to give my all to HIM on a daily basis.
• GOD wants me to live my life with abundance instead of complaining that I don’t have enough.

For some reason I used to picture this poor widow as being hunched over and old, wearing the darkest clothing and some sort of hood covering her worn face. I pictured her slipping the money shamefully into the till.

BUT GOD says something different. She may have had a smile on her face that brightened up the room because of her excitement that she could give again! When I am stuck on money I see this story being about money. GOD wants me to have passion for prayer, serving others and being able to sing again. HE wants my all!

• Are you going through the motions with GOD?
• Do you look at “going to church” as just something you do weekly?
• Can you stop checking off GOD and live a life with passion and abundance with HIM?