Fish or Cut Bait?

   "The most devout among us become atheistic in this connection; we do not believe God, we enthrone common sense and tack the name of God on to it. We do lean to our own understanding, instead of trusting God with all our hearts." (Oswald Chambers)

   "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding." Proverbs 3:5

   There are two contrasting emotions in the reading for today, fear and trust. They are polar opposites, so can they both occupy my life at the same time? If I say that I trust God, can I not do what He calls me to do? There is an obvious answer to this question, but it is hard to embrace.

   So, why is the answer and the hesitation so obvious? I believe it all stems from an unsure call. Did God call or am I trying to conjure up something that would justify my continued existence? Could He actually be speaking to a person my age? Is there a purpose to a project that goes beyond self expression or self esteem?

   There is a wide gulf fixed between trust and fear, and it is filled with questions, but my life cannot be lived there for very long. If there is a call from God, it is a call to action, not continual waiting. There is a time for waiting, but it cannot be forever. A boat tied up to the dock won't ever sail very far.

   My writing, as well as my life, is filled with cliches', so I will finish with another one.

   "Do I fish or cut bait?"

"Lord I believe, help my unbelief" (Mark 9:24)