Day 8 - Wake up and recover your life!
Scripture focus: For as long, then, as that promise of resting in him pulls us on to God's goal for us, we need to be careful that we're not disqualified. We received the same promises as those people in the wilderness, but the promises didn't do them a bit of good because they didn't receive the promises with faith. If we believe, though, we'll experience that state of resting. But not if we don't have faith. Remember that God said, exasperated, I vowed, "They'll never get where they're going, never be able to sit down and rest." God made that vow, even though he'd finished his part before the foundation of the world. Somewhere it's written, "God rested the seventh day, having completed his work," but in this other text he says, "They'll never be able to sit down and rest." So this promise has not yet been fulfilled. Those earlier ones never did get to the place of rest because they were disobedient. God keeps renewing the promise and setting the date as today, just as he did in David's psalm, centuries later than the original invitation: Today, please listen, don't turn a deaf ear... Hebrews 4:1-7 (The Message)
One of the ways we get disqualified from the race is by abusing the privilege of being called an explorer, an adventurer, a pioneer. The most ardent explorers, adventurers, and pioneers live within limits. One of the most adventurous people I know is my dad. I think he might have been born in the wrong era. His temperament type seems more suited for exploring new, uncharted lands inhabited by wild beasts than living in suburbia.
If he'd been around before those guys in Genesis, he'd have invented a tent or forged tools from bronze. (The harp and flute would have needed to wait for someone else to come along!) But here's the thing about my dad – he's a cautious adventurer.
When he flies, he checks his aircraft meticulously. He keeps careful records, has the appropriate inspections, kicks the tires and wriggles the flaps before every flight.
Faith provides us with the courage to strap on wings to fly and the wisdom to know that we better not fly too close to the sun. Faith teaches us to dream big, but reminds us that we must play by God's rules. The ends do not justify the means.
God keeps renewing the promise, asking us to listen and not turn a deaf ear. Part of that listening involves being willing to play by his rules. Live with character. Love others more. Care about what God cares about.
Is it possible that the fulfillment of our dreams is on hold while God waits for us to learn the fine art of listening?
Recommended reading: Numbers 22-24
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