Walk by faith...

Walk by faith...

By Fred Gillett, Crystal Cathedral Pastor

"The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."

-Psalm 34:17-18

We usually define a victory by success - being first, not making any mistakes, and careful preparation. Those who succeed and take the credit themselves forgetting all those who made it possible and forgetting God are not successful at all, just self-centered. When we recognize that our strength to get through obstacles, problems, failures, weaknesses, and neediness is from God, then we have success.

I have learned, through experience, that when I tell God what I have decided to do, I usually struggle and many times fail to achieve any satisfaction. It is when I go to God with an open mind and heart, asking Him if my dream is from Him or from my desire, that I can receive true success. When He gives me a dream that is beyond my reach and without Him could not be achieved, it is then that I start my journey. It is then that I can keep the goal in mind and leave the openings for Him. It is a faith-walk, taking one step at a time, leaning and learning on Him. "For we walk by faith, not by sight" (2 Corinthians 5:7).

This journey is not a guarantee of my original dream or expectations, but each step, whether I identify it as success or failure, is followed by a new lesson, growth, and reliance on Him. If I truly want to experience the blessings of a victory, I need to develop a deeper dependence on Him.

Prayer: Lord, I want to achieve a victorious life through living in deep dependence on You. Thank You. In Jesus' name, Amen.