NorthStar Community Daily Devotional

May 13 - Unlikely heroism

Scripture focus: By an act of faith, Rahab, the Jericho harlot, welcomed the spies and escaped the destruction that came on those who refused to trust God. Hebrews 11:31 (The Message)

The past is not only that which happened but also that which could have happened but did not.

Tess Gallagher

Rahab is an unlikely heroine. She worked in the oldest profession but certainly not one that any mother would dream for her daughter.

Once we make a decision to believe God, we begin to grapple with what it means to trust him. We hear about who God is, what he cares about, and how he works. As we get to know him, we discover things that inspire confession. As we hear about God's character, and learn that we are to be imitators of him, we can say, "If God is...then I...." We wrestle with all the inconsistencies, lapses and just plain old wrongdoings that we find in ourselves that cause us to question our commitment to faith. This is the birthing process of discernment – living life prayerfully – bringing oneself to God as honestly and completely as possible, seeking God's guidance as openly as possible, and then, in faith, responding as fully as possible. A life lived this way, trying to bring all one's faculties into harmony with God's transforming grace, is consecration in practice. (p.163, Addiction and Grace by Gerald G. May, M.D.)
Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place. Psalm 51:6 (NIV)

Skill set #11: Learn how to discern.

Recommended reading: Deuteronomy 17-19

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