Daily PresenceSample

During my time in college, I was forced to attend a “team-building” retreat. We did all of these idealistic group exercises; everything from extreme trust falls to group rock climbing. I’ll admit I had some fun but if the goal was to “team-build,” the college wasted its money.

There was one particular exercise that truly worked against itself. We were paired up into teams. One student would guide a blindfolded partner through a maze in hopes of building “communication” and “understanding.” Looking back I write those words while rolling my eyes. What a joke! It quickly turned into a cacophony of shouting voices and a helpless, blindfolded bunch bumping into obstacles and tripping over hurdles. Unfortunately, I was in the latter group. As I tried to interpret the instructions of my partner, I didn’t know what voice to listen to or who to trust. I started to wonder if I’d be better off relying on my own understanding.

One phrase keeps repeating itself in Leviticus 8 and 9. “God commanded.” As we read through the endless maze of sacrifice and cleansing rituals drawn out for the Israelites, we may not understand the true purpose behind each step. But our understanding isn’t faith. Our faith in trusting God is leading us where we’re meant to go without questioning every step. As we get to know Him and spend time in His presence, His voice becomes clear among the chaos. He becomes distinct and the only truth we need.

We see the deadly end that comes when we choose our own “fire.” When we have faith in our own power and understanding we lose the power and understanding of an infinite God. There’s no competition! The choice is obvious! God's ways are higher than my own. His truth is higher than my feelings and the thoughts of my finite mind. I choose to trust in His word and His boundaries because I know they lead to His presence and blessing.