Striving vs. Thriving
God does for us what we, for all our strenuous effort, cannot do for ourselves.
Striving in my own strength is all too natural for me, and I'm sure you can identify with me.
The problem with striving and trying to do it all in my strength is that it only works for a short time.
I start to feel burned out and worn down, and I need a real rest, which requires God's grace.
Over the last few weeks, I have completely immersed myself in reading, re-reading, and then re-reading again the book of John.
Not sure why He has me staying in this beautiful book, I continue to ask Him to continue to show me new revelation in His word, the very words Jesus spoke while walking the earth.
As I was reading about the miracle of Jesus walking on the sea to meet the disciples on the boat, I came upon this scripture:
"It's Me. It's all right. Don't be afraid." John 6:20 MSG
When the disciples saw Jesus walking on the stormy waters toward the boat, they were so scared, but He reassured them. "It's Me. It's all right. Don't be afraid."
Jesus did for the disciples what they, in all their strenuous rowing, could not do for themselves. They could not calm the stormy water. They could not control the situation they were in.
Then Jesus comes to them, declares who He is, reassures them that everything will be okay, and reminds them not to be afraid.
When you are in a stormy situation, do you rely on Jesus, or do you rely on your strenuous efforts?
Let's say NO to STRIVING. No doing in our strength, no working in our own strength, and no performing.
Instead, let's say YES to THRIVING. Yes to being, yes to resting and abiding, and yes to loving.
Let’s look to Jesus, talk with Him, and look for Him during your stormy circumstances.
He is right there.
When you can't control your situation, He will present himself.
Remember, you can do nothing without Jesus.
Instead of striving without Him, let's THRIVE WITH Him.
