Light from Darkness
When we want to construct something, we have to make sure we have a plan and the proper building blocks and materials available. We assess the situation and then acquire what's needed. This is a fundamental truth that we learn from an early age and application of that truth benefits us in many ways.
For instance, if we want a healthy body, we know that we need to give it the raw material it needs in the form of good food, sleep, sunlight, etc. If an authentic relationship is our goal, we realize it will require an investment of time, vulnerability, and kindness. A successful work endeavor might require an education, an internship, and a strong work ethic. Bodies, relationships, and careers need a blueprint and the proper building blocks in order to become realities.
This mindset is rooted in Biblical truth.
The Bible is full of explicit and implicit if/then statements.
Our God is a God of order, purpose, and integrity. He doesn't fly by the seat of his pants or act rashly. Details are his specialty - nothing gets overlooked or falls through the cracks on his watch.
And yet.
If we settle into this thinking too much, we begin to believe that there's no mystery to God and how he acts. We put him in a box and on a leash. We restrict and restrain Him. We fool ourselves and we miss out on the bigger picture.
It's a normal human desire to want to understand our world and our place in it. But this healthy desire should lead us to contemplation and reasonable action. It should spurn us toward a deep desire for God and lead us into a trusting relationship with him - not into the bondage of a spirit of control.
The truth is that, try as we might, our human understanding is incapable of fully grasping all of the intricacies of God's personality and reasoning and how he chooses to work in our lives.
Instructions and promises that tell us if we do x then we can expect y can give us a measure of reassurance and predictability. In an uncertain world, we appreciate this solid ground.
But what happens when things don't go according to the blueprint?? When we look over the broken landscape of our past and see the brokenness brought about by our rebellious choices? What about the fallout from actions that aren't even our own?
Our God, however, isn't limited by available resources. He is the ultimate source of everything.
For instance, if we want a healthy body, we know that we need to give it the raw material it needs in the form of good food, sleep, sunlight, etc. If an authentic relationship is our goal, we realize it will require an investment of time, vulnerability, and kindness. A successful work endeavor might require an education, an internship, and a strong work ethic. Bodies, relationships, and careers need a blueprint and the proper building blocks in order to become realities.
This mindset is rooted in Biblical truth.
Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Galatians 6:7
There is great blessing when we begin to integrate the lessons of the Bible into our lives. When we use the Bible as our template for finances, relationships, and business, etc, and then apply it to our lives, we can expect to see results.
The Bible is full of explicit and implicit if/then statements.
If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14
Take delight in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4
Our God is a God of order, purpose, and integrity. He doesn't fly by the seat of his pants or act rashly. Details are his specialty - nothing gets overlooked or falls through the cracks on his watch.
And yet.
If we settle into this thinking too much, we begin to believe that there's no mystery to God and how he acts. We put him in a box and on a leash. We restrict and restrain Him. We fool ourselves and we miss out on the bigger picture.
It's a normal human desire to want to understand our world and our place in it. But this healthy desire should lead us to contemplation and reasonable action. It should spurn us toward a deep desire for God and lead us into a trusting relationship with him - not into the bondage of a spirit of control.
The truth is that, try as we might, our human understanding is incapable of fully grasping all of the intricacies of God's personality and reasoning and how he chooses to work in our lives.
Instructions and promises that tell us if we do x then we can expect y can give us a measure of reassurance and predictability. In an uncertain world, we appreciate this solid ground.
But what happens when things don't go according to the blueprint?? When we look over the broken landscape of our past and see the brokenness brought about by our rebellious choices? What about the fallout from actions that aren't even our own?
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.
And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. Genesis 1:1-3a
Our God, however, isn't limited by available resources. He is the ultimate source of everything.
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