What or Why?

In applying for a job, what we do is important.

Being rectified for our mistakes, what we did is important.

Sadly, the world’s standard for respect considers what we do as important.

Does God judge us using the same standard?

 

RBC ministries came out with a very inspiring website, discovertheword.org, which features online a Radio Bible Class. This endeavor is designed to stimulate and involve netizens to insightful conversations about biblically based subjects that amazingly relate to our daily living. Instantly, I got drawn and immersed to it.

 

Last March 15^th, the discussants, led by Haddon Robinson, pondered on the relationship between faith and works.

By an act of faith, Israel walked through the Red Sea on dry ground. The Egyptians tried it and drowned. (Hebrews 11:29, MSG)

Israelites. Egyptians. They both moved forward but with different motives. The Israelites acted on because they trust God. Haddon Robinson elaborates, ”God judges us not on the basis of what we do but why we do it. The Israelites moved in faith because they have a Word from God.” He further adds, “Two people may do the same thing, but it is not the same thing. Some deeds reflect faith and others reflect self-sufficiency. The motive makes the difference.”

I asked myself these two questions: “Have I done things because God wanted me to do it?”; and “Have I responded to a situation because I believe it is the right thing to do?”

A wise king wrote, “We may think we are doing the right thing, but the LORD always knows what is in our hearts.” (Proverbs 21:2, CEV)

 

I once wondered,”How am I supposed to win over my endless trials?” I wouldn’t know. Only God knows and I am learning I need to trust and obey Him. It is a journey filled with potholes, nonetheless, this broken road prepares His will for me.

 

 

Broken But Healed

Seven thousand miles away from home, I miss the security I used to have. In all fairness to myself, I was starting to embrace the challenge of independent living—until, recently, my left arm got injured after a bad fall.

Unable to work, I persevered like a one-armed soldier. At home, I still pursued making myself useful. ‘Have you ever heard of a one-armed cook?( Fortunately, I haven’t burned anything yet). I even managed to wash the dishes single-handedly(literally).

 

My growing concern over being temporarily out of work did not diminish. Reality unpleasantly reminded me that I’m still in the process of establishing my career. In his popular devotional, Oswald Chambers wrote,”The agony we suffer is only the result of the deliberate shallowness of our own heart. We won’t believe; we won’t let go by severing the line that secures the boat to the shore— we prefer to worry.”

 

Most frequently, God does His deepest work in our lives in the midst of our struggles. I only have to open the lock of security.

 

And turn over the key to Him.

“With all your heart, you must trust the LORD and not your own judgment. Always let Him lead you, and He will clear the road for you to follow. Don’t ever think that you are wise enough, but respect the LORD and stay away from evil. This will make you healthy, and you will feel strong.” (Proverbs 3:5-8, NCV)

Unnecessary worry will only make me feel discouraged and lose the willingness to move on.

 

God made me realize, He never left my side and He has always been faithful in protecting and comforting me. Instead of having a concussion, I only had a broken arm. He made it easier for me to bear the pain while waiting for my turn in the emergency room. He anointed people who lovingly took care of me. He also blessed me the wisdom on how to be creative in utilizing only one functional arm.

 

Each day offers another mountain, another uphill battle. God is teaching me, in going through each climb , trusting Him weighs more than my personal judgment. And then unexplainable peace happens. The climb goes on.