Yes, but...

 

I’m completely enthralled with Corrie ten Boom this summer. I have been reading her book, Tramp for the Lord and enjoying her wisdom. She tells of her adventures of feeling led by the Lord to go from country to country to tell her story after her release from the Ravensbruck Death Camp. She boarded a plane without hotel reservations, scheduled speaking engagements, or details, trusting the Lord to lead her when she arrived. And, the amazing thing, He did.

Corrie’s adventures make me realize how much I play it safe. I look at my world with two-dimensional reason rather than three-dimensional faith. There is a part of me that wants to be like Corrie—totally trusting—completely surrendered—and in tune with the voice of my Father. There is a desire to understand Whittier’s words that say, the steps of faith fall on the seeming void and find the rock beneath.

So, what hinders me?

The strongest hindrance I have is, myself.  I second guess my impressions and come up with reasons why I shouldn’t take them seriously. Corrie tells a story when she felt impressed by the Lord to go to Argentina. She replied, “Yes, but…” and then remembered that serving the Lord should always be answered with, “Yes, Lord.”

I think I use a lot of ‘buts’ in my thinking. But, what if I take on too much? But, what if I’m not hearing correctly?

The other reason I struggle is because I have burned out too many times. When burnout happens, it’s usually because I have been depending on my own ability, thinking I have got it covered. It sneaks up like a stealth fighter and in an instant, I find myself on my face crying out for help—His help. He’s been there all along but will allow me to take the reins in order to show me how much I need Him.

He is my strength when I am weak. The truth is, He is my strength all the time.  Unless I am depending on His Holy Spirit power, I am kidding myself. There is nothing of Kingdom value I can accomplish on my own. But, I find when I am plugged into His power source I accomplish more with less effort. It isn’t me. It can never be me unless I am surrendered to Him each day.

Corrie went through the fire during her time in the concentration camp. I think there is a dependence that develops when we have nothing left but Him. I don’t want to face hardships like that, but I do want to learn more about the deep trust she found.

How about you? Is ‘but’ in your vocabulary too? What might the Lord be asking you to do?

 

Jeanne

You can find Corrie's book here: 

 

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