Dear Ones:
Often TIME is our “enemy,” or so we think. We are beset with the notion that all must be put in a nice package, one that is defined and clearly delineated. But here, the old adage must be respected, “Do not put God in a box.” Why? First of all, we must acknowledge that we are not the Lord with regard to the enormity of His wisdom, power, and authority over all. But secondly, we must realize that God is ALWAYS working for our good, and that good has to do with that which is of eternal value, and His glory.
When I was in Bible School, a dear friend gave me a plaque. It read: “God will never lead you where the grace of God will not keep you.” This is true. But we might add also, that He will never lead us where our capacity to abide in Him is not equal to the circumstance. We forget that Jesus said, “Without Me, ye can do nothing…,” and that it is by ABIDING in Christ that true fruit is born for eternity. If we are going so fast that we are not able to abide in Christ, then we are going too fast. We may be involved in a secular job or a “spiritual work.” (they are the same in the will of God…) But regardless of the endeavor, we cannot bear fruit, nor be useful if we are not abiding in Christ. Let us remember the Jesus’ words: “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch CANNOT bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in Me.” (Jn. 15:4) Christ’s words transcends every endeavor that we might be engaged in. But what does it mean to abide in Him?
It begins with the truth of our inseparable union with Him, by the Spirit. “All is in Christ…and we are complete in Him.” But how do we live in/from this union? First of all, by the taking the position of faith that we are IN HIM. Secondly, by setting the Lord always before us (…by worship, praise, thanksgiving, prayer, reading and studying of His word…) Psalm 16. And thirdly, by “walking” with/by the Spirit, “…deriving all from Him by that inward aspiration of faith.” In other words, living a life looking heavenward to Christ, receiving all from Him by faith for every need and circumstance.
Though no one can live a perfect life of abiding, there is ample, sufficient, and even abundant grace for an ever-increasing experience of such a life and walk. Our greatest reward is Christ, the experiential knowledge of Christ. And it is out of a life of abiding that we come to know Him. It is also out of such a life that much fruit will be born that will bring great glory to Him. So, let us trust Him for such abundandt grace, that we will be enabled to abide in Him…and believe Him to abide in us.
Love, Dad