Only because of His mercy
Feb
26
The other day I was reading out of my book “Living in the Light of Eternity” by K. P. Yohannan, when I came across something that really shook me up.
It said “After all we have done, we are still unworthy servants. Nothing I am and nothing I have done gives me one square inch to stand on and say, “I’ve done a good job. I deserve some commendation…”
Nothing in my hand I bring,
simply to the cross I cling.”
“Anything lasting for eternity will have been done by Him and Him alone.”
I was like…wait a minute! What about everything I do for Him? What about the efforts I give to point others to Him? Don’t I get some credit here? As I sought Him on this, He took me back to an analogy He gave me when I attended Journey to the Heart…so I’ll take you back a couple of years.
The analogy was out of Matthew 14 about Peter getting out of the boat and walking on the water to Jesus. For me the boat was full of doubt and unbelief. God called me “out of the boat” to take Him at His Word, by faith, trusting Him, and walk “on the water” to Him. Now back to last week. =) The LORD revealed to me that if, by this journey of faith and obedience He has me on, somehow points others to Him and maybe even encourages them to “get out of their boats” and follow Him, that is only a work of Christ!
If it were not for His mercy, I’d still be in that boat. Like a galley-slave, doomed to die because of my sin that separates me from God. But the King of heaven in His amazing love and mercy came, unlocked the chains that bound me, and set me free from bondage and gives me abundant life! He is the One who saved me, He is the One that called me, He is the one that led me out of the boat, He is the One who keeps me from sinking right now as I seek to keep my eyes on Him and by faith, continue taking Him at His Word, and walking “on the water” to Jesus. Is it easy? Not so much. Is it worth it? Absolutely!
Without Him I can do NOTHING. And even though it is encouraging to hear that others have been pointed to Christ, I cannot say in pride, look what I’ve done, look at how my example has influenced others. Check out my faith. It is ONLY by Him and because of His great mercy He has done a work to rescue this girl that was perishing.
Have you thanked Him for His mercy and faithfulness in your life today?
Patience
Wow Abbie, how true! Nothing I have ever done make any difference before the throne of Christ. It is all a work of Him in my life. Thank you!