Day 4: A Worker Unashamed

How often have you found yourself saying, "Wow, if I had lived back in Old Testament times, there is NO way I would have struggled with my faith! I mean, a ball of fire leading you around the desert at night? And a cloud during the day! A burning bush?... What more do you need?!..." Well, the truth in today's study that was brought is something the Israelites would have longed for. And the "great cloud of witnesses" that looks down on us and encourages us, I'm sure has a few sarcastic voices saying, "Seriously, YOU have the Holy Spirit guiding you, how can you screw this one up?!!! What more do you need?!!!..."

It is something noteworthy for us to realize that God's Spirit--the Holy Spirit--was present in OT times, but not active in the same way He is today--in EVERY believer's life!!! He came upon people as was needed, but now WE have access to this Spirit at all times!!! Isn't that incredible?!!!... While the Israelites struggled with getting used to following a cloud or a pillar of fire around and seeing a consuming fire on top of a mountain (and evidently getting bored with it!), we have to get used to listening to the Holy Spirit--the part of God that lives within us! They built a tabernacle to have His dwelling among them, we ARE the tabernacle that He now dwells within..... Simply amazing.

Following this truth in today's study, we find that God enjoys picking insignificant people to play a huge roll in the outworking of His plan! Isn't that great news?? I mean, how many of us actually feel worthy of the calling God has given us? And truly, if you do, then beware! When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom (Proverbs 11:2). I only point this out to reinforce the fact that God knows us best, He knows we need Him! So, He will often call us to things we are incapable of doing to prove the point that He will provide, He will work in us and through us to accomplish His will! And what sweet freedom and joy come when we are used for His glory!

I love what Beth said, "Sincerity and sweat do not always suffice. God places us in positions beyond our capabilities so that we will be at His absolute mercy, realizing that only He can succeed." It's so true... We can try really hard (sweat) with really good motives (sincerity), but it just doesn't cut it! When we are truly and simply used by God, the outcome is all around amazing--and He is glorified!!!

I also liked the point about submitting to authority... Okay, I want a show of hands, who does this easily?.... I don't see any hands... Well, I suppose that's just because I can't see you, right?... Yeah right! Few people, or should I say practically no one, submits to authority easily or with little thought! However, Bezalel gives us a clear and wonderful example of submitting to the authority God put over Him and to putting his hand to the plow, so to speak, and doing his job well. I also loved the verses speaking about the Holy Spirit and spiritual gifts and how all these things are given to us for the common good. Did you catch that? For the common good. Not for ourselves!

And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever--the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him or knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. John 14:16-18.

Think on these verses and all the truths in today's study. Is there anything that sticks out to you? Do you listen to the Spirit that is within you, that Christ has given you? When is a time that you know the Spirit was leading you to do something, and you obeyed or didn't obey?