It's OK to feel vulnerable

When we follow God, especially through paths unknown, we are bound to have an inner sense of vulnerability. Contrary to what many have been taught, feelings of helplessness is not a lack of faith; they could, in fact, be a sign of progress in the journey of purpose.

Which is safer, staying in the "boat of comfort" or walking on the "waters of uncertainty"? Of course the former. "Walking on water" is utter foolishness to human reasoning. But sometimes, God's leading may require a step in the direction of vulnerability. Ask Peter. Agreed, he began to sink when he saw the boisterous waves, but then was rescued by the Lord who is always close by, always watching, ever present to help the helpless who call upon Him. Ask Peter again. He was not carried back to the boat and given a lesson on "safety first"; he and the Lord walked back on the same water that once threatened to destroy him. We may never learn lessons of faith if we do not go through seasons of vulnerability.

Whilst I am not advocating recklessness in our life decisions, it is certain that the call and leading of God will often times expose what we are really holding unto inside - God or something else. And it's OK to feel helpless when holding unto the invisible.

Why did Jesus pray as much as He did? Because He was helpless without God's help. Prayer and intimacy with God are divine remedies to human vulnerability. This is how missionaries of old spread the knowledge of God to the ends of the earth. This is how we must do it too.

Paul gloried in his weaknesses because they kept him dependent on God, and this dependency always made grace available for him. Thus the words of Christ, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness" (2 Corinthians 12:9).

Lord, I am gazing in the direction in which you are pointing, and all I can feel is utter helplessness in my self. My heart cries out to you, my Help. Guide me by Your Spirit. Make clear your leading and I will follow all the way, even when I feel vulnerable. Amen.

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Unfamiliar paths

We all want God to lead us. We expect Him to. What we don't always want is the unfamiliar paths He sometimes leads us on. These kind of "leadings" reveal the depth of our knowledge of and confidence in Him. Do I know God as the One who knows all things, all paths, the end from the beginning? Am I confident enough to follow Him even when I cannot recognise my surroundings?

Experience is not a bad thing, but if I am always relying on my past experiences and not the Lord, I will end up with limited "new" experiences and remain confined to my yesterday. God is bigger than my yesterday; He holds the key to my tomorrow.

A true well-digger is ready to leave the comfort of the "familiar" and follow God's voice to the Promised Land. A true well-digger will keep on following God no matter the obstacles on the way. If I stop "digging" half-way just because the journey is getting a bit dark and strange, I won't discover the fresh water of life that can bless countless communities. I am a well-digger; I will keep on following. His grace is available, even along unfamiliar paths.

Shepherd of my soul, I give you full control
Wherever You may lead I will follow
I have made a choice, to listen for Your voice
Wherever You may lead I will go

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Practically overwhelmed!

The Psalmist said it all: "When my heart is overwhelmed; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I" (Psalm 61:1,2). At times, it does not take too much for the heart to become flooded with feelings of helplessness. This little organ, physically speaking, does so much on behalf of the body, pumping blood non-stop through miles of veins. As complicated and delicate its task, God knows that the heart is capable of carrying out its function effectively.

In the same way, our responsibilities and prevailing circumstances may involve so much, yet, God is able to help us bear them all. And when they make us feel as if our very life is slipping away, we can cry out to the God who hears the prayers of the righteous. He will doubtlessly attend to us and give us grace to overcome.

Whatever the overwhelming situation you are in, get ready to be lifted high to the Rock, even Jesus the Christ!

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