Two Types of Living
There’s the type of living that makes sense according to my resources. That kind of living takes small risks and makes measured actions, never straying too far from what’s humanly possible or reasonable.
There’s also the type of living that makes sense only if God is who he says he is. This is the type of living that is bothy scary and exciting.
It’s what caused Jack Miller to revoke his resignations from and return to ministry as a pastor and seminary professor, only to see God do more in the next year of his ministry than in all the years before.
It’s what causes his widow Rose Marie Miller to choose service rather than retirement. Now in her nineties, she’s building friendships and sharing her faith with Asian women in London, England.
It’s what causes pastors I know to bank everything on building churches based on what only God can do, so that if he doesn’t come through the whole enterprise will fail.
I spent a long time living the first way, according to my own resources. In light of four billion people in the world without Jesus, the teaching of the Lord (Matthew 25:14-30), and the example of others I respect, I’m fumbling my way slowly into living the second way. Key words: fumbling and slowly. I have a long way to go.
Have you been holding back from a risky, costly course to which you know in your heart God has called you? Hold back no longer. Your God is faithful to you, and he is adequate for you. You will never need more than he can supply, and what he supplies, both materially and spiritually, will always be enough for the present. “No good thing does the LORD withhold from those who walk uprightly” (Ps 84:11 RSV). “God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your strength, but with the temptation will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it” (1 Cor 10:13 RSV). “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Cor 12:9). Think on these things!—and let your thoughts drive out your inhibitions about serving your Master. (J.I. Packer, Knowing God)
