Too Big

I awoke early one morning, and as I sat eating my breakfast, the darkness emphasizing my solitude, I remembered part of a song I had heard the day before. "When God took His people to the promised land // He gave them their freedom, and He gave a command // He said 'West of the Jordan, you can have all you see // But beware of their idols, and be holy to Me.'" For some reason, every time I hear or think of this phrase, I get teary-eyed. True, it's just a song some guy wrote, but it is a statement of the truth.

It is not God who puts limitations on us regarding what we attain.

On this particular morning, along with this snatch of song I remembered something really beautiful the Lord had promised me one day when I asked Him why I had had to go through some of the things I'd been through. I don't care to share them at this point, but they added up to one thing: the Lord led me by a particular path so that even when I reach the greatest heights, I will not forget Him.

This may seem a little too obvious, but it really is not. When we are being led toward the promised land, remember, we're always led through the wilderness. In the wilderness, our tendency is to believe that we are destined for the wilderness. (If you don't think that's true, then I'm inclined to think you haven't reached the wilderness yet!) It does not in any way appear obvious that the Lord is making His presence so necessary to our survival that no amount of blessing-in any area-will ever eliminate our need for Him. These are the "root" years. In the dry land, our roots seek Him out, and they must go deep and even deeper to find Him. This is very painful indeed, especially if we see people around us who are receiving rain. What is wrong with me? I have sometimes wondered. Why are they getting their needs met right away, while I have to wait and wait?

Meanwhile, the roots go deeper.

The couple of days before that morning had been difficult. I felt as though all my life was at a standstill, so much so that even scheduling appointments with two new bookkeeping clients didn't alleviate my discouragement. I was failing to make progress in anything of importance. My weaknesses loomed large in my view. I wondered how on earth I could possibly do the half of what is in my heart, when I am so incapable.

So the Lord reminded me. He puts into us something that is too big for us, so that we will always need Him. "Jesus is calling you, 'Come, take my hand // I'll lead you away from this wilderness land // To a place full of goodness as far as you see // But remember who brought you, and be holy to Me.'"

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