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This was today's devotional from Wisdom Hunters. Wisdom Hunters is a constant source of blessing to me. Today's was especially meaningful to me. I hope you are blessed as well. You can see their full material at wisdomhuntersdevotionals.com. God Bless.
“Take the talent from him and give it to the one who has ten talents.” Matthew 25:28
God has the prerogative to take and give. He can take what He has given us and give it to someone else. He can execute this transaction with or without our knowledge or understanding. Just because we enjoy His blessing today does not guarantee His blessing tomorrow. There is a direct correlation to our faithfulness and His blessing.
So—our obedience does matter—it does determine our level of responsibilities within God’s Kingdom.Faithfulness allows us to enjoy God’s blessings. If we are not faithful with God’s blessings He may take them from us and entrust them to someone else. It may be resources, relationships, opportunities or skills. Thus, this responsibility of managing His blessings is not to be taken lightly. What is not used for God’s purposes could very well be lost for good. However, this is not a reason to live in fear. Fear is finicky.
Fear may cause us to lose perspective of God’s true nature. He is not a cruel taskmaster waiting to crush one little misstep on our part. He does not superimpose unrealistic expectations on us to frustrate our progress. His will is doable. His plan is discernable. Everything for life and godliness He has given His children in Christ. Do not believe the lie that God is trying to catch you in a misdeed, so He can bring swift judgment. On the contrary, His patience affords you many opportunities to get it right.
Time does prove your ability to execute His will. Holy Spirit led risks are needed to explore options and test the waters of His will. After the Almighty gives you an assignment look around for the relationships and resources to accomplish the task. Look within you for the character to persevere and trust. Look to Him for wisdom. Look to others for validation and counsel. To do nothing when He has said to do something is unwise. If you remain in a state of denial and defiance you may forfeit opportunities.
He can take what He has given you and entrust it to another who will be more effective. If this happens, do not get mad at God, nor be resentful of the one who is the recipient God’s blessing because of your unfaithfulness. Rather learn from this—become better not bitter. Let God restore you to a position of blessing. Losers need not linger in ‘what ifs’. Leave behind your disappointments. Reinvigorate your faithfulness. Let the Lord restore the joy of your salvation. What He took He may give back, so pray for His restoration.
So—our obedience does matter—it does determine our level of responsibilities within God’s Kingdom.Faithfulness allows us to enjoy God’s blessings. If we are not faithful with God’s blessings He may take them from us and entrust them to someone else. It may be resources, relationships, opportunities or skills. Thus, this responsibility of managing His blessings is not to be taken lightly. What is not used for God’s purposes could very well be lost for good. However, this is not a reason to live in fear. Fear is finicky.
Fear may cause us to lose perspective of God’s true nature. He is not a cruel taskmaster waiting to crush one little misstep on our part. He does not superimpose unrealistic expectations on us to frustrate our progress. His will is doable. His plan is discernable. Everything for life and godliness He has given His children in Christ. Do not believe the lie that God is trying to catch you in a misdeed, so He can bring swift judgment. On the contrary, His patience affords you many opportunities to get it right.
Time does prove your ability to execute His will. Holy Spirit led risks are needed to explore options and test the waters of His will. After the Almighty gives you an assignment look around for the relationships and resources to accomplish the task. Look within you for the character to persevere and trust. Look to Him for wisdom. Look to others for validation and counsel. To do nothing when He has said to do something is unwise. If you remain in a state of denial and defiance you may forfeit opportunities.
He can take what He has given you and entrust it to another who will be more effective. If this happens, do not get mad at God, nor be resentful of the one who is the recipient God’s blessing because of your unfaithfulness. Rather learn from this—become better not bitter. Let God restore you to a position of blessing. Losers need not linger in ‘what ifs’. Leave behind your disappointments. Reinvigorate your faithfulness. Let the Lord restore the joy of your salvation. What He took He may give back, so pray for His restoration.
“Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me” (Psalm 51:12).
What area of my life needs my focused faithfulness? What responsibility can I ask the Lord to restore?
Related Readings: Genesis 40:21; 2 Samuel 9:7; 2 Corinthians 13:9; 1 Peter 5:10
With you for His glory
