Then they asked him, “What must we do to do the works God requires?” Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he
has sent.” (John 6: 28-29)
The mantra “Just Do It!” is in vogue. Those commanding words are applied to everything from refinancing a mortgage to choosing not to do drugs. In some cases they may seem appropriate. In most instances they are utterly simplistic, particularly when applied to believing in Christ. In our verse from John’s gospel for today, Jesus says: “The work of God is this: to believe in the one whom God has sent.” Of course, it is HE of whom He speaks! And in this case, “Just Do It!” is an exhortation from the very heart of God!
The problem is, it is far easier to say than to do - much more a process than a one-time act, completed and done! When I answered that daunting question asked of me at my confirmation: “Who is your Lord and Savior?” the Holy Spirit blessed me to be able to answer with a resounding: “Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior!” I meant what I said, and I have never ever regretted it.
But, it was the second question and my response, which has been a continual struggle for me. The question was a simple one: “Do you trust in Him?” I quickly answered “I Do!”
Had I known then what I know now, I might not have answered quite so quickly! Because, saying we believe isn’t a “Just Do It!” and it’s done kind of business. It’s not all that simple. No! Because belief is not an intellectual transaction, it’s an ongoing commitment actively to trust and follow Jesus at every moment and in every situation in our lives! Daunting! Difficult! Impossible! Without the Holy Spirit it won’t happen!
We learn the dimensions of active trust in God most clearly when life reminds us we can’t go it alone and be masters of our fates and captains of our souls! It doesn’t take much: a stressful job change; a child going through a painful struggle; a dream dashed on the rocks; the death of a loved one; a divorce; worry over a serious medical condition. These days I’m thinking a lot about that rather impulsive “I Do” with which I answered the question, “Do you trust in Him?” I’m realizing that in spite of the way I’ve often thought of that question, it is a 24/7, day-by-day business!
PRAYER: Lord Jesus Christ, help me gladly to accept your gift of trust in you, day by day, hour by hour! Amen.
The Rev. Craig Peel
The mantra “Just Do It!” is in vogue. Those commanding words are applied to everything from refinancing a mortgage to choosing not to do drugs. In some cases they may seem appropriate. In most instances they are utterly simplistic, particularly when applied to believing in Christ. In our verse from John’s gospel for today, Jesus says: “The work of God is this: to believe in the one whom God has sent.” Of course, it is HE of whom He speaks! And in this case, “Just Do It!” is an exhortation from the very heart of God!
The problem is, it is far easier to say than to do - much more a process than a one-time act, completed and done! When I answered that daunting question asked of me at my confirmation: “Who is your Lord and Savior?” the Holy Spirit blessed me to be able to answer with a resounding: “Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior!” I meant what I said, and I have never ever regretted it.
But, it was the second question and my response, which has been a continual struggle for me. The question was a simple one: “Do you trust in Him?” I quickly answered “I Do!”
Had I known then what I know now, I might not have answered quite so quickly! Because, saying we believe isn’t a “Just Do It!” and it’s done kind of business. It’s not all that simple. No! Because belief is not an intellectual transaction, it’s an ongoing commitment actively to trust and follow Jesus at every moment and in every situation in our lives! Daunting! Difficult! Impossible! Without the Holy Spirit it won’t happen!
We learn the dimensions of active trust in God most clearly when life reminds us we can’t go it alone and be masters of our fates and captains of our souls! It doesn’t take much: a stressful job change; a child going through a painful struggle; a dream dashed on the rocks; the death of a loved one; a divorce; worry over a serious medical condition. These days I’m thinking a lot about that rather impulsive “I Do” with which I answered the question, “Do you trust in Him?” I’m realizing that in spite of the way I’ve often thought of that question, it is a 24/7, day-by-day business!
PRAYER: Lord Jesus Christ, help me gladly to accept your gift of trust in you, day by day, hour by hour! Amen.
The Rev. Craig Peel
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