What Do We Do?

Well, I had great intentions for today's blog post. I intended to pull out my journal and process through some of the quiet time notes I have taken. But I'm not at home. And guess what? I didn't bring my journal. Makes it a little tough to process through those notes, doesn't it?

But that brings up a couple of rather important contemplations.

1. What do we do when we lose the resources upon which we so heavily rely?

2. What do we do when plans change and things don't go as expected?

As I stare at those two contemplations, they seem very different. Yet are they really? Perhaps they're more connected than we might initially realize.

In fact, I would argue that our plans could potentially be included in that list of resources upon which we rely.

So, that leaves us with the foundation of the question. What do we do?

The answer comes to me clearly and rather disturbingly: We do what we should have been doing all along. We rely on the voice of the Lord, ultra-sensitive to the Holy Spirit's leadership.

Ouch.

My plan was to write from my journal. After all, the Holy Spirit had illuminated passages of Scripture on various mornings. It is logical to share those thoughts, isn't it? Logical, possibly, but does that automatically mean it is obedient. It does not mean that I stopped to seek the Lord's guidance regarding what I should write.

When I grocery shop, I rely on the balance of my grocery budget to help me determine what we can and cannot purchase.

When I need to go somewhere, I rely on one of the two vehicles in my garage.

When I need shelter, I rely on my home, the church, or the home of a friend or extended family member.

When I need time, I rely on a readjustment of the schedule.

When I need a physical item, I rely on my ability to purchase it.

When I need to work, I rely on my computer and the internet.

What if all of these things were removed from me? All of these plans. All of these resources. What would I do?

I would be forced to rely on my Savior.

Why should I not do that right now? After all, He is the one who has granted me these resources. They are gifts from Him. He gives them and He can take them away. If I was created to be unified with Him and these resources are keeping me from that purpose, He will do what is necessary to restore me to the right path. If the nudges of His Spirit don't allow it to happen, He just might start pulling some of my beloved resources to force me to rely on Him.

What if I just go ahead and rely on Him first? A couple of things would result. First, I would rest more securely, knowing that all I need will be provided. Second, I would cling much more loosely to the things I consider essential. He would be the only essential. Everything else – the money, vehicles, shelter, schedule, and technology – would be only tools in His hands.

What a blessing to have left my journal at home! Some day soon, He might use it as He inspires this writing outlet He has allowed me to enjoy. But, it is not necessary. He alone is necessary.

May I continually rely on Him, nothing else.