The Plumbline

But he knows where I am going. And when he tests me, I will come out as pure as gold. For I have stayed on God’s paths; I have followed his ways and not turned aside. I have not departed from his commands, but have treasured his words more than daily food. (Job 23:10-12 NLT) I have followed his ways and not turned aside. Wouldn't that be the best testimony you could hear when you meet God face-to-face in eternity? To have followed so closely that your ways were consistent, your heart was totally in tune with his, and your desire to know and follow his commands were like 'daily bread' to your soul.  What we fail to read in this passage is the way this is proven. And when he tests me...those are the words we want to skip over, aren't they? We don't like the 'testing' of our faith. We might even resist it a bit. To be honest here, it isn't news to anyone that we resist - testing is hard and we don't mind the easy path. We want to goodness of his ...

Whom have I in heaven but you? I desire you more than anything on earth. My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever. (Psalm 73:25-26 NLT) Winston Churchill reminded us, "Kites rise highest against the wind, not with it." When contrary winds come into your life, rise or fall, the choice is often made in the perspective you maintain. Maintain a low perspective, only focusing on the negativity you see coming your way, or maintain a much higher one, seeing Christ's encouraging eyes beckoning you forward instead. The choice is pretty clear to me - his strength is available when we keep the right perspective. True it is - health fails and our spirits grow weak. In the midst of weakness, we can find our greatest strength. It seems a little bit of an oxymoron that we can find strength in weakness, but when that exchange of strength happens, we soar. Our strength dwindles, but his strength picks up when we are wil...