The Ability

So long time no write, eh? I really don't know what I've been doing over the past few months, nothing of much consequence unfortunately as I'm waiting to hear from grad schools. That has all changed this week as I've gone from zero to sixty in about 5 seconds with several essays due this week and more to follow over the next few weeks. It's always interesting standing on the edge of a really busy few weeks. How quickly we gravitate to the question "How in the world am I going to get this all done?" Setting up the calendar is almost like working a puzzle to fit everything into place and make sure that you leave enough room to get everything finished. To me, it's like standing at the top of double black diamond hill getting ready to head down. As you stare over the edge you being to ask the same questions: "What was I thinking? There is no way I can do this!" I remember my first run on a major ski hill; I stood at the top looking down for what seemed like ages as dozens of more skilled skiers and snowboarders flowed past. With much encouragement I set out and, similar to busy work schedules, worked through each section at a time. It's amazing how many times we say we can't get through something because of how busy it is or how hard it looks, that we aren't able to accomplish the intimidating feat set before us.

That feeling can lead to utter despair when faced with a challenge where we know that our own abilities will fail, our capacity is not enough. So I was in Jude recently (A book which is sorely overlooked yet contains a goldmine of awesome scripture for a book of only one page) and found 1:24 which says "Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy." I find that life often moves from one double back diamond to another as the challenges mount. Whether its intense work when our bodies are already shutting down from exhaustion, difficult situations which test both our humility and patience, or persistent sin which we desperately pray for victory over; there are few seasons in life (if any) when we could say we are not on the edge of a impending challenge, trial, or temptation. That's why this passage is so awesome; the author might have said something like "God will fight for you" or "God will strengthen you" (both true) yet this picture of a God which is dealing with our insufficiency by his own complete sufficiency for the task at hand. There is no challenge that can be thrown at Him whereby the outcome is in doubt. Here we can see the complete and utter sovereignty of God over both the worldly challenges of his people as well as our ultimate salvation. Going into every challenge we hold two truths: God is able to handle our difficulties and our salvation is secure.