Truth is the expression of reality, what God ordained in His sovereignty according to His character. It is our highest honor to share the Truth with each other, to exhibit His work in us and praise His work around us. But there is a dangerous assumption in the way many attempt to uphold this responsibility: that this is to be accomplished by our own effort and will. Belief in the sufficiency of human ability is a passive form of pride very difficult to completely rid yourself of, and is consequently a common contributor in our considerations; yet such internally motivated intentions are always doomed to fall short.
Often in our failures to achieve some worthy goal, we bemoan our shortcomings and the need to overcome them as the most relevant factor. Or perhaps we consider our efforts to have been sufficient, but sabotaged by the lack thereof in others. Both perspectives implicitly assume that man has the preeminent influence upon his circumstances, with other variables such as chance considered beyond reckoning for. In reality, our own lives are beyond our control; you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. (James 4:14)
What then is the solution, that we may have assurance in our calling? Jesus looked at them and said, “With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God.” (Mark 10:27) We are not meant to accomplish these things in our own strength, For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9) Only by the power of God do we succeed in His ordinances, and are thereby blessed.
For this reason we also should not become overly discouraged by failure. Everything that happens is subject to God’s sovereignty; as He is to be credited with our every success, we ought to recognize a purpose in outcomes we consider less ideal. It is often by trial and tribulation that God chooses to bring our attention to our needs, that we may more purposefully direct our efforts. The results of our actions are not their justification. We are called to uphold the Truth regardless of success or failure, simply because it is God’s glory to do so; let Him direct the outcome according to His plan. And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28)
Be perseverant! TTT