There are two questions we must ask and answer in our hearts when facing any situation. “What do I want,’ and ‘how do I think it will happen?” One of the earliest biblical imperatives that determines our quality of life is to simply choose life. This directive has an obvious and a more subtle implication. Choosing life starts with understanding that in God alone do we find the ultimate quality of life that fulfills and satisfies the human heart.
If we are not seeking our solution in God first, we have not actually chosen God’s quality of life, abundant life, i.e. the quality of life possessed by the One who gives it. The solutions we find through our own knowledge can only replicate the quality of life we possess. Second, choosing life in God means we are very deliberately choosing what we know and believe has been provided through the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus. God only offers what is provided in the New Covenant purchased by the blood of Jesus.
The second question is “How do I think it will happen?” This is where many serious New Covenant believers get off course. We may know the general truths whereby God will lead us, but wisdom, i.e. the application of that truth, comes from the mouth of God! That’s where we usually stray from God’s provision. We have a specific way we want it to happen. So instead of following our Shepherd into still waters and green pastures, we ask Him to follow and bless our plan. The former is to eat from the tree of life; the latter is to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.
JOIN ME this week and I will help you discover how to partake of the tree of life in every situation and experience the outcome God has promised.
i had to read through this article a few times before I was able to pull the ‘gold from the stone’.
I’m glad I persisted as it is pertinent to my life right now…
I will write down my ultimate ending… pin it on the fridge… and wait for God my Shepherd to guide me to next step.
There are many ways I’ve imagined of “how it could come about”… but I’ll lay them aside and wait.
I want to eat from the Tree of Life… not from the Tree of Knowledge!!!
I too am glad you persisted. I am always amazed at how many people read something, and either misunderstand or miss the point altogether. We do with God exactly what we do with the people around us. If we don’t take time to explore what we’re reading or hearing it is impossible to influence our heart. I thank God for those who do. Enjoy the journey!