John 3:30
He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less.
The
Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by
permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois
60188. All rights reserved.
My women’s Bible study
session this morning included a discussion about Noah and Job. The
question that was posed with regard to both men was…“Why did God allow
this?” Why did He allow everyone except Noah’s family and the animals
he placed in the ark to be drowned and destroyed? Why did God allow the
devil to persecute Job, kill his children, and do everything short of
killing him? We talked about several thoughts…that God’s
ways are not our ways, and there are things we will never understand
until we get to heaven…that sometimes, God uses these things for a
purpose that we cannot see or understand…that God does not cause these things – but often, He does allow them for reasons that are perfect, if not understandable.
So
when I read this verse in the Book of John, I was reminded of the morning
discussion. I thought about how we noted that this is where
unbelievers, children, and those new in their faith walk get stuck. How
can a loving, powerful, all-knowing God allow tragedies, human
suffering, and disasters of all kinds? Why doesn’t God just fix everything? And in this single sentence in John 3, I believe we see at least part of the answer.
We
must become less and less as God becomes greater and greater. In other
words, we must trust more and worry less. We must learn to say, “God,
whatever you deem to be the right decision is okay with me,” even when
every fiber of our being is screaming, “Noooooo!” I don’t know what you
are going through – or what you have endured already, but I know that
God is with you. I know that when we say to God, “Less of me…more of
You,” He hears us.
I will not lie to you…amazing things do not
necessarily happen in the universe…all of your problems are not
instantly dissolved…and life on this earth may not be grand in any
way/shape/form. But when we surrender ourselves and focus more on God
and less on our own thoughts, feelings, and situations…things are
somehow better. And I can only attribute this to God’s incredible and
perfect love and care. It’s the only answer that makes sense.
We
read over and over in God’s word that we are to seek more of Him and
less of ourselves. We see countless examples of those who sought God
above everything and everyone else…and how He blessed them. I’m not
going to tell you that giving God more and more of your time, attention
and heart will get you out of debt - or trouble. It won’t cure cancer
and other diseases…prevent persecution…or ensure that your child will
grow up to be the next President. And if you are sick, you may still
die. But just like Noah and Job, when we make God greater and
greater…and we become less and less…God handles the rest. He fills in
the gaps and knits everything together perfectly. And others take
notice.
Are you a living example of God’s greatness? Have you
allowed Him to “drive the car,” so to speak…or do you still insist on
running the show? When others look at you, are they encouraged and
uplifted because of the evidence of God’s hand in your life? Are you
making a point…or is God making a difference in and through you? Isn’t
it time you figured this out and got it right? Are you ready to get
started?
©2015 Debbie Robus
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