Willing Participant

Matthew 17:26b-27 “‘Well, then,’ Jesus said, ‘the citizens are free! However, we don’t want to offend them, so do down to the lake and throw in a line. Open the mouth of the first fish you catch, and you will find a large silver coin. Take it and pay the tax for both of us.'”

Don’t deflect the work you do and have done in your life. So often I deflect and say it is because of God that’s certain things have happened. Yes, God given me guidance and strength to walk a specific path. The reality is, I have to walk the path and do the work He has called me to do.

In the above scripture, Peter said they paid the temple tax. Jesus didn’t want to offend anyone, and He didn’t need to pay the tax. He is the King. Kings don’t pay tax nor do they tax their families. Although Christ could have just supplied the payment, He did not. Peter had to do something. He had to go catch a fish and open its mouth. Peter had to be wiling to do the work. We too need to be active in the process. God can rescue you, heal you, provide for you; He wants you to partner with Him. He doesn’t see us as puppets, but as children to love, support, and teach. Do the work and thank God for His strength and guidance as you walk the path He has laid before you.

Gracious, loving King, thank you for being my partner in this life. Thank you for guiding and loving me through my trials. Thank you for always being a source of strength as I learn and grow. Father, I want to partner with You on this journey of life. Help me to do the the work You have laid before me and trust You with the process. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Faith

2 Thessalonians 2:9-10 “this man will come to do the work of Satan with counterfeit power and signs and miracles. he will use every kind of evil deception to fool those on their way to destruction, because they refuse to love and accept the truth that would save them.”

Accepting the truth requires faith. Faith in God holds distinctly different elements than faith in man. When we put our faith in God, we are saying with firm conviction, that we acknowledge God’s full revelation and truth. Faith in God allows us to be truly known and seen with all of our “yuck” that no one else is able to see and be loved in the midst of that space.

In our humanness, we often want to understand the “why” behind our hurts, trials, and trauma. Faith in God frees us from having to know everything. We can sit in the midst of trials and trust that God will do what He says He will do. We do not need to understand every aspect of God to have faith in Him. Faith is trust and who better to trust that the one who created you?

Gracious, loving Father, I come before you with all my broken pieces and ask you to take them and do what you do best, heal, love, and mend. Father, you take my brokenness and make it beautiful. I place my faith, trust, hope, and life in your capable hands. I can know that everything will work out because You are in control, even in the midst of my sorrow, You are able to bring joy, peace, and calm, thanks you for this and so much more. Help me to press into you and know that You are God of the broken. In Jesus’ Name, Amen