There's Hope For TodaySample

I cannot fully enjoy the benefits of American citizenship if I choose to dwell in Peru. I cannot fish the oceans if I stay in Arizona. I cannot know the joy of the summit if I choose to remain in the shadows of the valley. I cannot have the abundance of His blessing if I wander from His presence.

Some would argue that the Christian cannot wander, but this idea does violence to the simple words of Jesus. The “if” that accompanies this great promise of God’s provision stands out as the great qualifier from the human side of the equation. A plain reading of the promise leads me to an inescapable conclusion: If I am to enjoy the supernatural providence of God, I must abide in Him, and His words must abide in me. Reason, then, would dictate that I must make a first priority of dwelling in Christ, and hiding His Word deep in my heart. When I am hidden in Christ, and His Word is hidden in me, I am welcome to ask God for anything. What then will I ask?

Dwelling with Christ has a profound impact on my desires. The more I abide in Him, the more I find myself wanting what He wants and loving as He loves. In His presence, my wants and ‘greeds’ are supplanted by another’s need.