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Overcoming Worry
Rod ShimabukuroIn the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach,until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen.He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God. Acts 1:1-3
How Jesus lived and what He taught evidenced God’s nature and purposes. He gave commands by the Holy Spirit, including instructions about the Kingdom of God. To me, the proof of His Godness is revealed as He presented Himself alive after suffering and dying on the cross. The Holy Spirit had been poured out upon those waiting in the Upper room.
The theme of prayer and the person of the Spirit stands out to me. Being community who devoted themselves to prayer is a key component to Kingdom living. “All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.” [v14]
Prayer after the Spirit of God had been poured out, seems to me to be an important truth. A truth of trusting in the God who knows the hearts of everyone! “And they prayed and said, “You, Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which one of these two you have chosen.” [v24]
I want to live differently by being more trusting - growing in the area of living more free from worry and concern for the future. The God described in Acts 1 - who Jesus and the Holy Spirit is, is the God I’m in relationship with. So what’s my problem? I don’t believe... in who He is as God. As a God who provides, protects, and sovereignly oversees my life.
Do I really trust Him - even as I contend for Christian friends who are battling cancer? For marriages that are falling apart? For men who have lost their jobs and whose identity as provider and the man of the house is being threatened?
Dear Sovereign God! You alone have the answers for all the problems and challenges of life - even for those You know Beckie and I have been praying for. And please forgive me again - for my lack of faith. For my impatience and gross sin of worrying and not trusting You! I want to grow in knowing and believing Your Holy Spirit’s power to live for the glory of Jesus and the Kingdom of God.
