Challenged To The Core - Kathi Brixey

“It” is in every newspaper, on the front page of almost every magazine, every television station, on most every talk radio show; it’s even in the commercials that are supposed to give us a relief from reality. Do you know what I’m talking about? “It” is what we are all worrying about, the state of our country’s finances which have directly affected our own personal financial security. I could go off on a tangent about being good stewards of what God has entrusted us with, that He only gives us what we are capable of handling, or that we may only be limited by our faith. However, this isn’t about finances specifically. What “it” is really about is trusting God completely with a child like faith. As a mother I have many memories of my children trusting me explicitly; teaching them to ride a bike or to jump to me in the pool at the deep end or learning to climb trees and cross over a water-filled creek. One of my memories of my son however doesn’t include me. I believe my son was in a Sunday school class and the teacher was illustrating learning to trust the Lord. In this illustration he asked my son if he trusted him completely and he said yes, then he asked him to be blindfolded and asked him again, “Do you trust me?” My son assured him that he did. The next time he asked my still blindfolded son, “Do you trust me?”, the teacher was standing right in front of my son, he then asked him to cross his arms across his chest and fall backwards even though the teacher was in front of him. Because my son trusted his teacher who had in the past proven himself trustworthy, my son fell backwards into the arms of another teacher. Now of course you probably can see how the Sunday school teacher took the students to the reality of trusting in a God they could not touch or see; a God who has proven Himself over and over again. What a powerful illustration of believing though not having seen. This is the kind of faith that God wants from us as His children; to rest in the knowledge that He knows what is best for us and that He will meet our every need, just like He considers the wildflowers in the fields.

"Has anyone by fussing before the mirror ever gotten taller by so much as an inch? If fussing can't even do that, why fuss at all? Walk into the fields and look at the wildflowers. They don't fuss with their appearance—but have you ever seen color and design quite like it? The ten best-dressed men and women in the country look shabby alongside them. If God gives such attention to the wildflowers, most of them never even seen don't you think he'll attend to you, take pride in you, do His best for you?”
Luke 12:25-28 MSG

Just like children who will grab hold of your finger and walk beside you into a busy mall not having ever been there before, so the Lord expects from us that same un-daunting trust. He created the world and you. He knows what is best for us each and every breath. The reality is that when we fuss or obsess on things we are only spinning our wheels and moving in the wrong direction, which is away from His will for our lives. God created us each as individuals with unique talents and gifts. Not one of us looks exactly like another; even twins have some slight difference. Our heavenly Father created us for a purpose and when we move away from Him that purpose becomes cloudy and appears unattainable. Because the Lord knows us so well and loves us beyond our comprehension it should be easy to let Him have complete control of our lives, but it is most often easier said than done. Even the most seasoned Christian stumbles occasionally in the muck of self worth and the pit of selfishness, but we should never stop trying to reach for and trying to achieve the goal God calls us to.

“Steep yourself in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met. Don't be afraid of missing out. You're my dearest friends! The Father wants to give you the very kingdom itself.” Luke 12:31-32 MSG

In today’s turmoil we want to try and fix all the world’s problems but can’t quite figure out where to start. Sometimes we sit and complain that “it’s” not fair and bemoan the way it use to be, all to no avail. Learn to stand up, take responsibility for your part of the mess, then ask God to show you the way you should go. Be brave and allow Him to supply all your needs. Side note: I didn’t say all your wants. When we truly seek God’s will for our lives He will respond with so much generosity that it will “blow our socks off.” He is just waiting for us to ask! God has broad shoulders and big hands to comfort and cradle us as we learn to walk in Him.

Check your “pulse” this week and see if you’re up to the new you. He’s there waiting to show you His good and perfect will for your life. He created you for a purpose and equipped you accordingly. Be realistic, use initiative, and God will provide! You are His dearest love, seek His face and spend as much time as you possible can in His arms. You will never ever be sorry. I would love to hear from you about how He is becoming your true reality. Drop me a note and share with me your journey into His arms.

Kathi Brixey
“Resting In His Hands”
CHALLENGED TO THE CORE
P.O. BOX 414
LAKE ARROWHEAD, CA. 92352-0414