DEFINITE
I wish life were fill with more “definite” than “maybe.” To me uncertainty is that dreaded two-edged sword that we can never expect to avoid no matter how much we wish we could. Regardless of our circumstances or desires, the land of uncertainty is one we will never be able to avoid.
For myself, I know I would vote to eliminate it if I could, but I also understand as a follower of Christ that God allows this condition for our own good. Faith is the most tested when we are faced with a question or crisis that represents risks in our lives. We can talk about what we believe and we can make all kinds of boasts about our convictions, but as one preacher used to say, “when the rubber meets the road” we find out what is in our hearts.
I think for example of Abraham. He was a man credit for his faith, but God still tested him and what he really did belief came to a crisis when the Lord commanded him to sacrifice his son as a test of his faith. Of minor note that perhaps would be overlooked by some is the fact that on his way up that hill to sacrifice his son, he told his servants that were left behind that “he and his son would return.” It might be easy to miss the aspect of trust in Abraham by that comment, but he says how he knew somehow God would be sure Issac, Abraham’s son, survive the sacrifice. I doubt he had a clue on how and might have had a few thoughts, but the point is he did obey what God has told him to do and with faith that the Lord affirms latter.
I have no idea how I would have handled such a situation myself. And I’m grateful God doesn’t make that kind of test on the rest of us. But I do know that God is totally capable of knowing what we value most and can bring us to the altar of obedience to choose between that item and him in some form of sacrifice.
It is amazing how many times when it comes to that altar people often miss out on the meaning. Perhaps someone has for themselves a reputation or family that is in their minds the ultimate of their world. I’m not saying those things are bad, but if you cherish over the Lord he will test our hearts to see if we will be willing “sacrifice” it for him.
As with Abraham though he often provides a means of alternative sacrifice if he sees deep into your heart that you truly are willing to trust him above all else. How many times I’ve known people by their confession that walked right passed that altar with some excuse for not obeying. Sometimes they just keep going to church and through all the worship motions and never come close to appreciate God isn’t even listening to them any longer. Since the holy spirit isn’t there because they honestly aren’t trusting him for anything they end up not even having a clue of how far they are from the Lord’s will or his heart.
Definite is such a perfect land in which to dwell.
It is full of flowers and a refreshing well.
While it might appeal to us in every part
there is no value if it keeps us from God’s saving heart.
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