"Even when
failure is the result of our best effort, willingness speaks success to God.
A perfect heart
and a willing mind are joined together. David counseled his son Solomon to
"serve God with a perfect heart and with a willing mind" 1 Chronicles
28:9. A false heart puts off its work as long as possible and deserves little
appreciation for work done under the rod of correction. But the sincere soul is
ready for responsibility. Though it may lack skill and strength it will always
be eager. Such willingness is like a hawk perched upon a man's hand; as soon as
the game is in sight she launches forward and would be in flight immediately,
except for the tether holding her back.
"The
Levites" were "more upright in heart to sanctify themselves than the
priests" 2 Chronicles 29:34. Why? They were more willing to work. No
sooner had the word come out of the king's mouth concerning reformation than
the Levites arise and "sanctified themselves" (v. 15).
Reformation is an
icy path, which cowards prefer to have well beaten by others before they
venture out on it. But sincerity is made of better metal. It is like a true
traveler-- no weather gets bad enough to stop him after he has determined to
make a trip. And the upright man does not stand around looking for loopholes or
letting discouragement fester, but takes his orders from God's Word. And once
he has them, he will not be turned back by anything short of a counter-command
from the same God. His heart is merged with God's will. When the Father says, "Seek
my face," the heart echoes, "Your face, Lord, will I seek Psalm 27:8.
Even when failure
is the result of our best effort, willingness speaks success to God. When a
father asks his small son to bring him something, an obedient child does not
complain that the command is too hard but runs to do it. And even if he uses
all his strength but miscarries the simple mission, his willingness stirs up
the parent's pity to help him. Thus Christ throws this covering over His
disciples' blunders: "The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is
weak" Matthew 26:41.”
Quoted material from, ”The Christian in Complete
Armour Daily Readings in Spiritual Warfare” by Gurnall and James S Bell.
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