Otis T. McMillan ~ Work, Strength, and Faith
“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” — Colossians 3:17
Work – the God-given ability to use our strength and energy to sustain and enhance life for ourselves and others – is a gift of God. God himself is a God who works. God worked to create the universe, he worked to create a people for himself, and he is at work to establish his kingdom among us. He is at work in you and me, gifting, equipping, empowering, and shaping us to work alongside him in accomplishing the work he is doing. Let this perspective turn your work into worship, today and every day.
Yet your strength is derived from your obedience: learning to say yes is essential.
We read in John 4:34, “Jesus said to them, ‘My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.’” The disciples of Jesus wanted the Master to eat. They had been sent into the town to purchase food and had now returned. Jesus rejected their offer, explaining that his meat was to “do the will of him that sent me.” His strength was derived from his obedience.
Where does your spiritual strength come from? As you walk in obedience to the will of God you will discover a true sense of wholeness. It is when you follow, not God’s will, but your own, that you will find spiritual weakness gradually overcoming you. Your willingness to say yes to the Lord is essential.
After all, faith is not controlled by opinion nor logic: with faith, all things are possible.
“By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.” – Hebrews 11:8
When God spoke to Abram, he instructed him to leave his home and family to travel to a place he knew not where it was. There was no logic to the request, but yet, because it was God, he obeyed. Abram was not disappointed; his faith was honored. All of the Lord’s promises were fulfilled.
As the Lord directs your steps, you need not fear. There may not be the logic you desire, the opinions of others may speak negatively about your plans, but if it’s God speaking, your faith will be honored. With faith, all things are possible.