It is said of Oswald Chambers that he was a man who was “never content with low achievements… always climbing the mountain peaks.”
Recently, while reading my devotion, I read a quick story of a man who died climbing the Alps’ highest peaks. On his grave, after the climbers name, are these words: “He died climbing.”
Even though it was a quick story, it had a huge impact on my life. Do you and I have this same attitude? One that, whatever your hand finds to do, you do it with all your might? (Eccl. 9:10b) Or are there times you just have “a get by mentality”? As women of God, we are called to a higher standard of living beyond yourself.
All He asks from us is to come to Him with what we have, trust Him with the outcome and He will do the multiplying.
In Matthew 25:1-13, we read the Parable of the Ten Virgins. There were five prudent virgins and five foolish virgins. The five prudent virgins were found ready, whereas the foolish virgins were not prepared and wanted to borrow the oil from the wise ladies. They had a “get by mentality.” They were not found ready and when they realized their lack, it was too late.
And then, in the next parable, Matthew 25:14-30, we read about the Talents. To the one who was given five talents, he doubled his talents; the one with two talents also doubled his; the last man with only one talent, hid his out of fear. The first two were blessed. The last man’s talent was taken away and dispersed between the other two men.
Both these parables represent being watchful, prepared and making good use of the gifts given to them. I want to be among the five and two. I want to be prudent and wise.
God is not going to just wave a magic wand and all your desires and dreams will come true. He wants you to:
- commit your ways to Him (Psalm 37:5)
- practice the gift He has given you (1 Timothy 4:15)
- be found faithful to the calling He has blessed you with (Ephesians 4:1)
When you commit your way to Him and allow Him to determine the time and place of blessing, you will watch Him do far more above and beyond what you could ever imagine or think according to the power working within you. (Ephesians 3:20)
The power working within you from Ephesians 3:20 is the Holy Spirit power. Yes, you already have this power if you have received Jesus’ love in your heart and confessed Him as Lord! You just have to tap into his power and step out in faith.
As for you, the anointing which you received from Him abides in you, and you have no need for anyone to teach you; but as His anointing teaches you about all things, and is true and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you abide in Him.
1 John 2:27
May you and I be women who die climbing.
Journeying with Him,
Jessie