No Way, No How...

The title sounds pretty convincing, as though someone has made up their mind completely, leaving no room at all for the “ifs and buts” that try to squeeze in and steal away that determination.

My dad, when he made up his mind to do or not do something, was not easily swayed.  Once he had settled on a decision, even the strongest persuasions or temptations couldn’t easily change his mind.  He was a strong-willed individual who loved God and served Him to the best of his ability.

I believe that same dedication should be the foundation of every Christian’s commitment to serving God with all that is within them—a made-up mind, come hail or high water.

The peace, hope, and family togetherness our Heavenly Father provides for His children are precious blessings within the family of God.  We can maintain that confidence because the Lord is able to keep what we have committed to Him.

2 Timothy 1:12 provides this assurance: “For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day.”

You may ask, “How in the world can that be true?”

The answer lies in the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit, who leads us into all truth.  Psalm 37:23 says: “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way.”

1 Corinthians 10:13 also assures us: “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make a way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.”

It is then up to each individual believer to take the way of escape God provides through His power working within us, rather than going our own way and closing our eyes to the avenue of escape.  The choice is ours.  God has given every individual free will to choose.

He provides the way out.  Scripture assures us that the Lord will never leave us nor forsake us.  That is the positive influence of His love and amazing grace.  His mercy endures forever.

When temptation comes our way, we need to rest in the Lord and look for the way out.  God is faithful, and He will provide it.

We can declare in the face of temptation: “No way, no how will I partake of sin and risk losing the joy of the Lord!”

We are safe in the arms of Jesus, our Lord and Savior.

Written by,

Papa Boyd