“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13)
My earthly father, J.W. Russell, was raised on a farm in Gilbert, Arizona close to Phoenix. I recall his advice “God helps those who help themselves”. My youthful interpretation of the phrase was much different than it is now. I thought he meant God would help those who take what they can when they can. Now I see that he meant something much different. He came from a daily routine of dirt, animals, sun rise to sun set, hard work every day.
First, “trust in Him” and then do something constructive. When Sue and I first married my zeal for God frightened her family. Her mother said, “He’ll just sit in a chair and pray while your babies starve”. Well that did not happen. We trusted God through all manner of hardship, violent storm, financial difficulty, betrayal, ridicule and relationship challenges. Our boys are now 20 and 22 years old. God is faithful in Christ Jesus to do what He says He will do for those who “trust in Him”.
Trusting God and doing something constructive knowing that He will “pick up the slack” caused by human imperfection allows joy and peace in the midst of every storm. Facing the storm head on, standing firm in faith and ignoring the intimidation of human fear offers more than hope, joy and peace, it provides “the power of the Holy Spirit”.
The power of the Holy Spirit causes confidence and motivation. It encourages and supports the actions of benefit God gives to those who live by trusting Him for outcomes. Trusting God’s word, His faithfulness, His gift of forgiveness over human understanding allows Him to guide and provide the promises of fulfillment and effectiveness.
Chaplain Don Russell
Friend of Answers2Prayer spokaneorc@hotmail.com
Appearing Sunday, Sept. 1, 2002