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“Whenever we take on a God-sized challenge, self-sufficiency is no longer an option.”

A thought by Erwin Raphael McManus from his book, Chasing Daylight: Seize the Power of Every Moment (Kindle Location 843). Kindle Edition.

That is one of the main reasons we are given the opportunity of taking on God-sized challenges, He wants us to depend on Him.  When we can do it on our own then we don’t need Him and someone else. We do that so we won’t share the credit and also many times so we won’t fail.  The need to not fail drives us more it seems than the need for faith.  But to Him without faith it is impossible to please Him.  To please Him or bring Him glory is the reason why we are alive.  Somehow we need to really get that into our life view and live it.

Now I know there is fear in faith but there is also fear in failing.  Failure takes something out of you and faith puts something in. 

I can point to many God-sized challenges in my life but I think that retirement has been one of the most challenging opportunities that God has ever given me.  For a while I wasn’t sure if I would find the reason for me to have made this drastic step in Margaret and my life but I’m finding it to be the most challenging and exciting period in our lives.  He has changed me and is adapting me to the task He has for me to do each and every day.  Living out this God-shaped adventure has been so very rewarding.  God is so good. 

This last year we have lived in Oceanside, New York, Seminole, Florida and now Pasadena, California.  If I wasn’t retired this life-adventure would never have happened and it isn’t over.  It is just beginning.  It is really hard to believe what He is doing in our life.  There is no way we could have done this without Him.

Understand, there is always a major risk in taking on a God-shaped challenge but it is so worth it.

So what is He challenging you to do?

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  1. Brett WilliamsMarch 15, 2013 at 8:51 PM

    What is God challenging me to do...hmmm...play it safe? stay where I am? keep doing what I'm doing? remain "comfortable", focus on security for me and my family?

    nah!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Bill WilliamsMarch 16, 2013 at 5:16 AM

    that is so true. you have an exciting, challenging adventure ahead. i'm glad i'm going to be a part of it!!

    ReplyDelete

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