Monday, January 08, 2007

Soldier of Jesus Christ

I have recently been reading Lyle W. Dorsett's A Passion for Souls: The Life of D.L. Moody. As the title eludes, it is a biography of D.L. Moody's life. Moody was a man of God dedicated to the work of His Creator.

Currently, I am about 150 pages into it, and I am thoroughly enjoying what I'm reading and learning. Last night I was reading the chapter entitled "Trial by Fire," about a time in Moody's life when he experienced a season of trials and tribulations. At the close of the chapter, the author relates the great blessing Moody received when he was able to pass through the trials and enter the next step of his life. Here's what Dorsett wrote about such a time:

"...Moody's recent experience with the Holy Spirit set him free - free from the mania that sees every great need as a call. Time would reveal a liberated Moody. Every need could not be a call. Never again would he go off on his own to do kingdom work and ask God to support it. Instead, he would listen for the Lord's call to him personally, and then he would go forth and obey those marching orders. In the past Moody had fallen into the habit of making decisions about kingdom work, and then in prayer asking God to back these plans. As an experienced Civil War missionary he had seen enough of war to know better. Soldiers do not arise in the morning, making plans, and then call upon their commanding general to provide supplies. On the contrary, loyal troops get up, receive the orders of the day, and then go out in obedience, assuming their needs will be amply supplied to accomplish the objective." (p. 157)

As I was reading, pondering, and reflecting on Moody's experience, my thoughts turned to my own life. How often I find myself planning my day, week, or even life, then asking the Lord to bless and back my plans! What a mixed up and unfaithful way to go about life. I often fail to remember that God is in control of my life; He's the one planning my day, week, and life. I need to be praying that He would bless me with the strength and diligence to follow after His plan. And when I fail to do so, I need to be begging for His forgiveness and mercy.

I've often heard (and seen) the cute saying, "God is my co-pilot." I recently saw a twist to this statement, which was, "If God is your co-pilot, you're in the wrong seat." What a clever, but true statement. If we are going through life with the attitude that God is our co-pilot, we ought to pray for the Lord's forgiveness and hand over the wheel. Get out of your seat and humbly let God take control.

In I and II Timothy, Paul writes to followers of Christ, giving them the title of "soldier of Jesus Christ." Oh how I long and strive to be a loyal soldier: waking in prayer, asking the Lord for my orders for the day, then to follow through in obedience, praying and trusting that the Lord will supply my needs to accomplish His work.

Psalm 16:11 "Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore."

Jeremiah 10:23
"O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps."

1Thessalonians 3:11
"Now God himself and our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way unto you."

2 comments:

Chris Crouse said...

Lydia - as you know this is one of my favorite books! As I read the excerpt you included, I went to get my copy to see the surrounding context, but remembered, I loaned it to you! ;-)

I am thankful that you are enjoying it. While we wouldn't agree with Moody's doctrine, what a blessing if we had a small portion of his zeal!

strem said...

I've always enjoyed reading about Moody's life experiences. As Chris stated, while we disagree with him on a lot, I also agree with much of his practical biblical applications/ reflections about which I've read. Thank you for the important reminders, and I especially love that comment about co-piloting. We need to make some t-shirts with that on it!!!