The difference between successful and unsuccessful discipleship is not in the number of talents I possess, but in how willing I am to allow God to help me in what I cannot do. The paralyzed man was healed because he allowed the surging power of Jesus Christ to do what he could not do (John 5:8–9). The man’s yearning to be healed triggered the healing process and made him start to rise, but Christ’s power added the difference between his lack of power and the complete healing.
If God were to bless me for only what I did, I would be a sorry disciple indeed. But He blesses me for what I intend to do, yearn to do for Him, except I lack the power. That is where God comes in, adding His limitless power to my limited intention, and the results are delightful.
Think of Abraham and Isaac on Mount Moriah. In obedience to God’s order, Abraham fully intended to offer his son on the altar of sacrifice. But God stopped the offering before Abraham could plunge the knife into his son. Yet, amazingly, God said to Abraham, “Because you … have not withheld your son, your only son, indeed I will greatly bless you” (Genesis 22:16–17). Abraham did withhold his son; but because the yearning and intention of his heart were so set on obeying the command of God, the Lord took the intention for the died, and rewarded Abraham accordingly.
I see now what David meant when he said God will give me “the desires of [my] heart” (Psalm 37:4). God will enable me to fulfill my spiritual desires beyond my own capability; yet He will reward me for them as if I had done them on my own. The glory of the Christian life is not “I—struggling,” but “God and I—overcoming!” Such a God is ours.
“Thou hast dealt well with Thy servant, O Lord, according to Thy word. Teach me good discernment and knowledge, for I believe in Thy commandments” (Psalm 119:65–66).
Daily with the King 