Kristen Grossman Prose

I am so very forgetful. And God is so very patient. It’s amazing how I can study and dwell on a Biblical concept one week, and the very next I’m back to wrestling with and trying to understand that very same concept.

Today in my Bible study we were discussing the final chapter from Francis Chan’s book, Forgotten God. Francis says:

“I don’t believe God wants me (or any of His children) to live in a way that makes sense from the world’s perspective, a way I know I can ‘manage.’ I believe He is calling me—and all of us—to depend on Him for living in a way that cannot be mimicked or forged. He wants us to walk in step with His Spirit rather than depend solely on the raw talent and knowledge He’s given us.”

As we read this exhortation to live in complete and obvious dependence on God, I once again became overwhelmed with the how. Practically speaking, what does it look like to live in total dependence on God’s supernatural strength? My mind could only turn to big things. Does this mean selling my house and all my possessions, giving them to the poor, and depending on God to provide my daily needs? (How on earth would I get the rest of my family on board with that?!) That’s a lot of pressure when life seems so challenging already.

Supernatural Strength

My sweet Friday Friends talked me down. They reminded me of what I had seen so clearly only a week or two ago. The Holy Spirit wants to manifest fruit in my life—and in yours– in the circumstances we are in today. Giving up all of my earthly possessions would take supernatural strength. But so does walking alongside the broken and hurting people God has placed in my path when it causes my heart to ache. It takes strength beyond my human capabilities to hold my tongue when those with opinions different from mine continue to blast them all around me. And some days, when the world seems utterly bleak and lost and evil, it takes supernatural strength just to get out of bed in the morning. But God is faithful to provide!

Fully Relying On God

Come to think of it, living in today’s world furnishes many opportunities for fully relying on God. Whether we are depleted mentally, physically, emotionally, financially, or spiritually, He can create something beautiful from our deficits. Despite fear, we can be bold. When we are weak, He gives us strength. In the face of sadness, He shows us joy. Despite pain, we exhibit growth.

Boast in the Lord

Dear friend, if you are feeling worn down, weary, and as if you just can’t carry on, you are exactly where God can use you:

“But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things… so that no one may boast before him. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God… Therefore, as it is written: ‘Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord’.” 1 Corinthians 1:27-31

Dear Lord, thank you that your Spirit provides the supernatural strength we need each day. We rejoice that the same power that was at work in the Scriptures is still alive in us today. Thank you for the strength to do hard things. May all glory go to you. Amen.