GET OUT OF THE WAY...GOD'S HERE

It is written in the commonly called Good Book that faith without works is dead (James 14-26).

Personally, I like faith without works is fantasy, as I heard in the rooms years ago. But then it is important for me to bring old adages and fancy quotes down to my level of thinking...which has never been mischaracterized as intellectual. I give myself airs when I call it "down-home" thinking, but that clicks for me.

I am reminded of a time back in the day when I considered self-centered fear to be paranoia in fancy dress...until I heard someone ask, "What other kind of fear is there?"  There was my click, my Yes! 

That's one reason I relate to no-frills thinking. Rarely do we walk away from a plain speaker, scratching our head and wondering what was meant. We don't necessarily agree, but we're not in doubt what was meant.

That's my premise for faith without works is fantasy. That clarifies my first spiritual director's instructions that we must prove Truth. We can believe Truth but merely saying it repeatedly is just so many words strung together that sound pretty.

As in, He goes before me to make the crooked places straight. Believe it, when we come to a crooked place in our life and have no quick answer, just repeating that may comfort at first. But if the crooked place doesn't soon get straightened out to our soul's comfort, we're going to feel a lot less than at peace. 

Soul comfort does not mean the problem is lifted...no. We get soul comfort when we go to God for God and that is all. The problem, though still with us, is no longer poking us in the eye...our focus has been turned to our Father within, and we know peace.

That is from my experience...I have had my own hair-on-fire crooked places, and who hasn't? It is coming out the other side, finding ourself bent, battered but unbroken, that proves Truth. I tend to suspect those who speak of coming through the fire with no evidence of scorch marks...period.

Came to believe that God can and will intervene in my life in my behalf.  Now prove it. Ah...better: Now get out of the way, and let God prove it.

Thank you.