What is the greatest challenge you have been facing? Does that challenge provoke frustration or anticipation? Do you see it as your enemy or your friend? Our initial response to a serious provocation is to avoid or escape it. However, a far better response is to view it as an opportunity in which God can show Himself mighty. What has been your default response to your threatening challenges?
As with lightning, miracles occur when there is a massive voltage difference between need and supply. As long as we think we can figure out a way to overcome our problem, our need factor is low. Consequently, the probability of a supernatural intervention is low. Pride and self-sufficiency are enemies of God. A church mentioned in Revelation 3 said of themselves, I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing. But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. Revelation 3:17 (NIV) This is the polar opposite attitude of those for whom God does miracles. Consequently, God promised He would spit them out of His mouth.
It is not enough to be a follower of God. I must become a friend of God. I must move beyond the point of simply using God as an insurance policy or a life preserver. Friends do not exploit each other, and I must never use my relationship with God as a handy ticket to success or an easy means out of a messy situation. These words of Jesus to His disciples were very revealing and provocative. I no longer call you slaves…now you are my friends (John 15:15, NLT2). They were no longer robotic servants; they were part-owners of His plans and purpose. But He also made it clear this transition was not automatic. Not all believers seek to become His friends. Only those who love God enough to abandon their self-interest can be made a friend. It must be clear to all that God’s purpose, vision, plans, and passions are mine as well.
I certainly have not arrived at the level of friendship with Him for which I so desire. I am just humbled and grateful that it has been growing within my wife and me. I now can see that when that friendship is at the core of my relationship with God, my awe of Him increases along with my faith or trust in Him being more personal than it ever has been. My varied insecurities are being replaced with a deep felt-NEED for an even more intimate friendship relationship with Him. My identity leans less and less on my knowledge, wisdom, or ingenuity, and more and more on my close friendship with Him.
Connie and I are currently facing a very tall mountain of a challenge. At this point, the medical profession can only offer what their limited knowledge tells them, which is an imminent death sentence. We are not cringing or being frustrated by it because we know He is the only one who has our days numbered. He alone is our Hope. Instead of angst, there is a sense of anticipation of how our friend, our God, is going to deal with this mountain. We are good with whichever way that might be. We only want our Friend to be glorified. We believe this is the posture that releases Him to respond in such a way that will most benefit Him, His kingdom, and each of us.
It is in this context; our challenge is not our enemy. It is an opportunity for Him to show His majesty, wisdom, love, grace, and truth. A Bible verse that has been my favorite for decades is what Moses asked of God. If it is true that you look favorably on me, let me know your ways so I may understand you more fully and continue to enjoy your favor. Exodus 33:13 (NLT2)