“His divine power has given us everything needed for life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.”
2 Peter 1:3 (NRSV)

In my home office I have this handcrafted paper sign that is a sobering and humbling reminder for me. It says, “Good Morning. This is God. I will be handling all your problems today. I will not need your help. Have a nice day! I’m your God in case you forgot!”

Free will is a gift that we do not know how to use without the guidance of God. We too often mistake our will with the will of God. We only hear but never intently listen for His guidance. We only look with fleeting sight and often miss His vision.

“And without faith it is impossible to please God, for whoever would approach him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.”
Hebrews 11:6 (NRSV)

How many times do we believe we know better than God? We negotiate with God on what decisions we will let Him make for our life. We attempt to do the rest on our own without ever fully believing His sovereignty or relinquishing our own will and spirit to have complete faith in Him. 

Our faith is only as good as we genuinely believe that God first had faith in us.

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith and this not from yourselves, it is a gift of God.”
Ephesians 2:8 (NIV)

Bill Wilson (who founded Alcoholics Anonymous) puts it very plainly and soberly. “Faith has to work 24 hours a day in and through us, or we perish.”

Is your faith built on transaction (you do this for me God and I promise I will change) or transformation (let your will, God, be my will)?

I can think of so many times when I decided to go at it alone without consulting with God. I failed most of the time and when I did succeed it was a hollow celebration that lasted a short time. I failed because I forgot to include God and acknowledge the others needed to make that experience special.

One such time, I was struggling with a group of youth during a UM ARMY work project.  We were assigned to a lady’s home that needed more repairs than what we expected or planned for. In my usual “get ‘er done” mentality I proceeded to push the team as if they were hired hands. Quite simply this was not working as the youth were not responding to my way.  I said, “We are here for Christ and we’ll get this job completed no matter what.”  My pep talk fell on deaf ears. 

This week as we bid Pastor Deborah farewell, she left us with an important message to ponder. “God is much more interested in our formation than He is in our destination.” Is it the goal or the journey that gives us the satisfaction we strive for?  As believers we know the end of the story. We have eternal life awaiting us because we believe that Jesus said he is going to prepare a place for us. 

Yet it is all about the journey on our spiritual pathway that transforms our life. Our formation involves the courage to step out and use our God-given talent. The moments of transformation happen each time we believe faithfully that our God can make a difference no matter what. 

Are you relinquishing control of your life to Jesus? Do you still hold some control like a crutch to the life you once lived? 

“Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. Let your good spirit lead me    on a level path.”
Psalm 143:10 (NRSV)

This past week there were some special folks in Louisiana who trusted their Lord would take care of them. Our brothers and sisters from UMC Lake Charles are operating on pure faith as some of you personally experienced from your own challenges during Hurricane Harvey. Another group of missional folks from Lighthouse Ministries answered the call to act on their God-given talents by cooking delicious hot meals for those in need. Once again, our very own AUMCers answered the call to support by way of monetary gifts to help both organizations form a net of comfort for those most in need. All three organizations united by one common thread… transformational faith in God.

Under the sweltering July heat, I had finally succumbed to whatever control I thought I had. Drenched in sweat I gasped, “God tell me what to do.” His words stirred in my heart and mind. “Why do you think you are here at UM Army?” “I have greater needs to accomplish than just to repair this special lady’s home. I am here to repair lives.” 

“Therefore, I intend to keep on reminding you of these things, though you know them already and established in the truth that has come to you.”
2 Peter 1:12 (NRSV)

Soon, the wise words of a much younger assistant youth director replayed in my head. Earlier that morning she had led a devotional where she said, “don’t forget why you are here.”

I disappointedly shared with that dear lady that I was not sure we would complete the job. I know she sensed the distress in my voice as I shared that I was not making progress with the youth. She then said, “how can I help?” I asked if she would share some words of wisdom with the kids. She smiled and said, “I was just waiting for you to ask. God has been so good to me. After all, He brought you all here.”

“I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective when you perceive all the good that we may do for Christ.”
Philemon 6 (NRSV)

I brought the youth into her house and I went back outside to finish some work. Time seemed to fly as I continued to work on the siding. Then, one by one, the youth came out of her house and began to pick up hammers, nails, and supplies to help me finish. I saw a changed look on all their faces. A glow that was hard to describe. As if the veil Moses spoke about in Exodus had been lifted from each of them.

I asked them, “how did it go in there?” One youth shared, “How could someone with so little have so much more faith than all of us combined?” This special lady who we thought we were there to help had taught us a lesson that we would not soon forget. She had complete trust in God, nothing more and nothing less.

“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Indeed, by faithour ancestors received approval. By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was made from things that are not visible.”
Hebrews 11:1-3 (NRSV) 

She took the time to listen with her heart and to see with the eyes of her mind to comprehend the vision God had for her life. She knew the end of the story whereas she cherished and relied on her savior. More importantly, she trusted that God would guide her journey of faith. She lived out the prayer of the prophet Isaiah reminding us of whose we are.

“Yet, O Lord, you are our Father;
    we are the clay, and you are our potter;
    we are all the work of your hand.
Do not be exceedingly angry, O Lord,
    and do not remember iniquity forever.
    Now consider, we are all your people.”
Isaiah 64:8-8 (NRSV)

Hear the good news! We are the clay in the potter’s hands being formed into something unique for His will on this earth. Our journey will be marked by cracks, breaks, and missing pieces during our most challenging times. Rest assured, Christ will reveal the mended pieces that somehow hold us together for His will in our life. Praise the Lord!

What stories formed your faith journey? What held you together? Are you assured of your destination? 

Maybe you need to whole-heartedly accept Christ as your savior. If so, read these words out loud to God and accept his grace to lead your new life in Christ.

“Dear God, I thank you that you know me and love me. I have sinned. I have tried to live by my own strength. I have not followed your will for my life. Thank you deeply that while I was still a sinner Jesus Christ died for me. By your grace, I repent and turn from my sin and, by your grace, I accept your forgiveness. By your grace, I confess Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, enable me to live a faithful life in your kingdom. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen!”

Peace be with you,
Kenny Shortsleeve, Lay Leader