The peril of double mindedness

This week, I would like to share what I learned from Selwyn Hughes's Authentic Apprenticeship series.

He talked about the importance of being single minded in our devotion to the Lord. To illustrate this, he talked about the peril of being double minded. I had an opportunity to understand this teaching first hand.

There was a tasks that I was doing recently, having clearly heard the calling of the Lord towards it. While I was at the task, I began to face tremendous pressure and resistance. I began to doubt, not about God's calling, but rather about whether it was worth the while for me to carry on to the end. I was thus caught in the misery of trying to obey God and yet wanting escape.

The days of being double-minded about it was misery for me. Everyday, I tossed between continuing to obey and wanting to give up. It sapped my energy, it sapped my joy too.

Such is the peril of being double-minded.

But praise be to God who is good all the time - He reassured me that His strength is sufficient for me and His grace is all I need to carry on. More importantly, it was a time of training for me - I was made to clearly know that while I cannot do it by myself, He is with me. I am reminded of Zechariah 4:1-8 of which verse 6 says "So he said to me, "This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: 'Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the LORD Almighty.'"

I was relieved. I was lifted up because He has assured me. My double-mindedness gave way to a single vision of fulfilling what He has laid on my heart to do. I know that I can do it if I kept my focus on His face and not on the surrounding circumstances. By His grace and with His strength I now take my journey step-by-step. Indeed, not by my might nor by my power, but by His Holy Spirit. Hallelujah!

And so I say to you too, that if you are facing any challenge now, remember that the Holy Spirit is in us, to lead us and help us. So, let Him take over and ride on His power.

God bless.

Steven