12 And may the Lord cause you to increase and excel and overflow in love for one another, and for all people, just as we also do for you;
1 Thessalonians 3:12
The titles of today’s devotional sounds like an obviously logical statement, like something everyone knows and should have a basic understanding of.
But the truth is that many actually fail to take care of their own spiritual input for their lives. Yet they still expect to have the ability to give as well as take care of those around them, as if God is simply going to supernaturally give to us what we need to help others around us.
I think this is where so many Christians become disillusioned with God and then want to turn and blame Him for not providing what is needed in that particular moment. After all, aren’t we doing the will of God? He should therefore then provide for us so that we can fulfil His mission. Incorrect …
I remember a good couple of years ago before I had ever purchased my own car. I had such a desire to own my own car. My friends around me were practically given cars (well in my mind, anyway!) and here I was wanting to be able to buy my own. It simply never happened. Although I was never without wheels (God always made a way), I could never call it my own.
One day, as I was talking to God about buying a car and asking Him when it would actually happen for me, I can remember the Holy Spirit challenging me with the following words, “You want to buy a car, but have you even begun saving up for some form of a deposit?” I had not, and it was in that moment that I realised that not everything was simply going to fall into my lap – God would have me do my part before He makes a way to do the rest.
This sounds like a silly example, but at the heart of it the principle remains the same. If you and I are going to look to God, expecting Him to simply provide supernaturally while we sit back and do our own thing, we are in for a bit of a reality check.
You cannot give what you haven’t been willing to store up. In this case, you will simply not be able to help those around you, having the ability to endure and look past the constant disappointment, if you haven’t taken the time to spend time alone with Him in His presence.
Everything we do flows from our time spent alone with Him. This means the inability to look past the constant let-downs from those we hope to see reach their best will simply not be available as we will find ourselves empty – having reached the end of the line.
Where there is no love there is a lack of the presence of God in our lives, and where the presence of God resides, love abounds.
You might have reached the end of the journey with those who constantly disappoint you, and I don’t blame you as we all reach that point with many people. But if you desire to change things, start by making sure you are well refreshed and nourished in your own walk with God.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father. I might be finding myself today in a place of emptiness, where the patience for those I once loved is simply not evident anymore. Refuel my life again as I draw closer to You. I pray this in Jesus name. Amen.