The Bible states that “faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1 NKJV). The Oxford Canadian Dictionary describes faith as “complete trust or confidence; a firm belief, especially without logical proof”. Hebrews chapter eleven lists many people who acted in faith and the amazing things they accomplished. Do I have faith to chart a new territory? Is God challenging me to chart a new territory?
Since retirement from full-time work, almost every day feels like a new adventure; even the simplest things sometimes are challenging. However, my so-called ‘adventures’ are a long shot from the adventures some people experience. Driving to new places on out-of-town charters present new challenges each time; mapping the safest route, searching satellite pictures for places to park and turn around a forty-five-foot-long bus – the silly thing doesn’t bend around corners and takes up a great deal of space. The film industry presents its own challenges; what exactly are the directors and producers expecting; how to portray a character as a believable person; how long will we be working in the cold to shoot one scene? Is it time to eat?
My adventures and challenges are not exciting, and they do not require deep faith. When something new pops up, I simply tackle the job and hope I do it right. I sit on two boards, and when given a task to do, I ask God for wisdom and talent to get the job done. And away I go, just as I did when parachute jumping in my twenties. I threw myself backwards off the airplane strut, plummeted spread-eagle several feet and trusted the parachute had been packed correctly by my instructor.
But with age comes fears or perhaps it’s an abundance of caution. I’m no longer daring, leaping into things, or off things. If God were to challenge me to chart a new territory today, would I be up to it? Perhaps not. However, 2 Corinthians 9:8 (NIV) tells us that “God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” Wow! Image that! Whatever God calls me to do, I’ll be able to do it because He will supply all that I need to accomplish the task. Yes, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13 NKJV) I need not fear or doubt when the Lord calls me to chart a new territory. He has told us not to “fear but to be strong and of good courage because He goes with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6 NKJV)
Well then! If God calls me to rise to a new challenge, I’ll be ready because He will make me ready. Whether or not the task sounds logical to my limited understanding, I’ll have complete trust and confidence, and faith to step out because He has promised to be with me. What an amazing God we serve!
Thanks, Shirley, for your inspiring and uplifting message. Being a senior myself, I understand your statement, "But with age comes fears or perhaps it’s an abundance of caution." Yes, I am more cautious now as well, but I also appreciate your reminders that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us and that God will go with us wherever we go. Young or old, we will all face unchartered territory. We are blessed that, if we ask, God will give us strength and he will go walk with us. Blessings in your retirement, Shirley.
ReplyDeleteWhether it's fear or an abundance of caution as we get older, I'm grateful for the word you shared that God is able to make all grace abound to us.
ReplyDeleteThank you for an inspiring post, Shirley.