Do I have what it takes

First a quick note before I begin this weeks post.  I noticed from the stat count that several people have viewed last weeks post (thanks by the way), without ever reading the testimony.  After talking to Tyrone I realized that it may not have been as obvious as I had hoped.  The "My Testimony" on that page was actually a hyperlink to my testimony.  If it was by choice so be it, but I just wanted to let everyone know that you may have over looked that link.  Now that I look at it, I would probably have overlooked it as well....but of course I wrote it - 8^)

So what has been on my mine this week?  Well from the subject you can probably figure it out.  I think all us men struggle in this area, and if you are like me then it probably plagues you more than you would like.  I guess lately for me it has been in the area of ministry as well as discipleship in regards to my boys.  These are the two areas that I feel like I am failing in daily.  And I guess when it really boils down to it, the truth is - it is all about faith.

Remember Abraham was given a similar ministry as we are today.  He was told that he would be the father to many nations - "Look up at the heavens and count the stars if indeed you could count them.....So shall your offspring be." ~ Gen 15:5  The only thing was that out of all this, he would only see one child from which this covenant would be answered and yet he died before seeing this son produce an heir.  It had to take tremendous faith in order to serve without ever seeing results.  I guess that is why in verse 6 God credits Abraham's belief as righteousness.

I have to say I stand in awe of this.  This week as I stated, I have struggled in this area.  Pouring into ministry, pouring into my boys, until sometimes I feel poured out.  Then I look back expecting to see the planted seed sprout, or the watered seed flourish and grow, but to my sadness only bare soil lay before me.  And yes, I know....only God can make it grow, but it doesn't make it any less disappointing.  My heart aches to see the Lord flourish in my boys and in those men to which I share Him daily.  I find myself in tears some days wondering if I have failed in some way, wondering what is the next step, how can it all be fixed.  Then I realize that these feelings are only helping doubt grasp a foothold.  Like Abraham, I must be willing to give every bit of my being into the service of the Lord without ever expecting to see the reward in this life time.

Abraham was willing to give it all in the service of the Lord and had ultimate faith in the Lord's word.  I mean think about it for a minute - God promised Abraham that the His covenant with him would come through Isaac.  So as Abraham walked up on to that mountain, ready to sacrifice his son, his faith shined.  Are you hearing me?  His faith was so great, because he believed that God would raise his son from the dead.  Because if the covenant was with Isaac and Abraham was charged with sacrificing his son, what other option would there be?  Tremendous faith in what one cannot see.  I pray that God grows that kind of faith in me.  Like the doubting father states in Mark 9:24 - "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!"

Our Prayer:

Oh mighty father of Abraham, teach us to believe as he did.  Guide us in your truth.  Teach us wisdom to discern your ways, to lead others in your truth, and love unconditionally.  Help us to seek you in our doubt, to depend on you and not ourselves.  May your blessings being upon us always.  In Christ's name we pray.  AMEN!