Scripture Reading: Philippians 2:13–16
Key Verse: Isaiah 64:4
Since the beginning of the world men have not heard nor perceived by the ear, nor has the eye seen any God besides You, who acts for the one who waits for Him.
Amy Carmichael wrote,
We have often taken the above verse to mean that our God so guides and controls our outward affairs that confusion ends in peace; and this is true, but taken with Philippians 2:13, we find an even deeper comfort.
We want to be sincere. We do earnestly desire to mix salt [our commitment] in our incense of devotion to Christ at all times, but we fear we might fail. However, you have not to do it in your unaided strength: it is God Who is all the while supplying the impulse, giving you the power to resolve, the strength to perform, the execution of His good pleasure.
Amy explained that while our commitment and devotion to Christ are of utmost importance, so is our willingness to trust God for His goodness by acting on the opportunities He places before us.
Many people miss the blessings of God simply because they hesitate and fail to trust God to give them good things. During the coming year, when you have an idea or see an opportunity unfolding, don’t be so quick to dismiss it. Instead, test its validity by going to God’s Word. Does your dream or goal contradict Scripture? Is it in line with God’s will for your life? If it passes the test, pray for God to continue to make His way clear. The impulse, the inner strength, or the peace is evidence of His good pleasure.
Heavenly Father, let me set goals that honor You and are in harmony with Your plan for my life. Give me the impulse, inner strength, and peace as evidence that my plans are approved. Help me set proper goals, then live out their reality by faith.[1]
[1] Stanley, C. F. (1999). On holy ground (p. 379). Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers.
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