As a disciple I must realize that to end well, I must begin well. In the words of Jesus, I must “court the cost” before I begin.
But how do I begin? Jesus said, “You are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Matthew 5:48). What kind of a beginning enables me to reach that goal? I would very much like to earn the Lord’s praise, Well done … good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21, KJV). How do I earn it?
“The more I see of the goals and expectations God has for me and the more I see of my own inadequate resources, the more tempted I am to sit down in despair—except for one thing. My beginnings must be God’s beginnings. My contribution to that beginning may be only a tiny flicker of faith and will, but God’s contribution is an enormous gust of power that carries me on to the finish. The Bible says Abraham believed in the Lord; and he [the Lord] counted it to him for righteousness” (Genesis 15:6, KJV). Abraham’s tiny, flickering faith plus God’s power resulted in righteousness
How often I see that in the Bible! A man with a paralyzed body looks helplessly to Jesus, generates faith, will, and intention, and soon he is on his way home carrying his pallet on his back (John 5:8-9). What a beginning, God’s power pulsating in response to a man’s feeble but sincere willingness’ I see now that the demands, expectations, and accomplishments that the Bible makes and desires of me are realistically possible. I see also that God does not tease us by offering a paradise that is hopelessly out of reach. The impossible Sermon on the Mount, the impossible fruit of the Spirit, and the impossible love character of 1 Corinthians 13 are all gloriously possible—if I begin with God. “That you may know … his incomparably great power for us who believe” (Ephesians 1:18-19, NIV).
“And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6).
Daily with the King 