RESTING IN CHRIST...

I took Systematic Theology a couple of years ago. Our professor gave us a simple illustration. Placing a chair in the front of the room and facing the class, he stood in front of the chair. With his elbows locked and his hands firmly on the armrests, he began to sink slowly into the chair. After being seated for a few seconds, he used his arms to elevate himself from the seat a little bit, then elevated even more. Then he let himself rest in the chair again.

He said this is the way a lot of us live out our trust in Christ. Perhaps the day we were saved, we rested fully in the seat of the chair. Maybe for several days after we were saved we were still resting in Christ. But then after some time we begin to try and rely on our own strength. We use our physical strength in the place of resting in Christ. Part of the demonstration included portraying individuals who never sat down. They came close to fully resting in Jesus, but as soon as the body was near the seated position, the arms would take over and lift the person out of the seat.

I'm using this illustration today to depict my walk with the Lord. The minute I stop looking up, the minute I stop paying attention to my life of promise, I start raising up on my arms and trying to trust in my own strength. I happens so easily. All I have to do is engage in any human activity. Once my mind is distracted, especially if I have a "to do list," I am off on my own. Now not really. The Holy Spirit hangs in there and doesn't let me get lost for long, but I am surprised sometimes at just how long I have forgotten my Savior and thought I was going it alone.

This is why obedience and surrender are the constant challenge in my life with Christ. How grateful I am that I have permission to fail. He renews me everyday. Hallelujah.