Devotionals by Pastor Chuck Swindoll

Just as you cannot understand the path of the wind or the mystery of a tiny baby growing in its mother’s womb, so you cannot understand the activity of God, who does all things. Plant your seed in the morning and keep busy all afternoon, for you don’t know if profit will come from one activity or another—or maybe both. (Ecclesiastes 11:5-6) 

As an alternative to doubting, Solomon advises us to trust the living God. Just as we do not know the path of the wind or how bones are formed in a tiny unborn child in the womb of the mother, we are to trust Him in everything—courageously!

The only way we can do this—and come to terms with reality—is by trusting God, regardless. If I am a farmer and God allows a flood to come and wash away my crops or God chooses to give me a bumper crop, I trust Him and I give Him praise. I take life as it occurs. I don’t waste time in the pit of doubt and worry.

We can’t wait for conditions to be perfect. Nor can we wait for things to be free of all risks—absolutely safe. Instead of protecting ourselves, we have to release ourselves. Instead of hoarding, we are to give and invest.. We must be bullish!

Allow me to give you several direct words of challenge. The first has to do with getting started.

Start activating your life today and never quit. Find someone to invest in. Locate a series of people that you can become a part of and activate your life. Don’t wait until you have spare time or more money or stronger health or a bigger house. Don’t wait for perfect conditions. Be bullish about this.

Remember that wisdom must accompany action. When we read about “living life to its fullest” we tend to become supermotivated and put on rollerblades and dash out into life half-cocked. That may be zealous, but it’s not wise. Start today but start with wisdom. Ask God how you can expand just one section of your life to make room for others—or invest a slice of your wealth in others. Remember, wisdom needs to accompany action.

Watch out for enemy attacks during a lull in the action. As you set out to live a bullish life for Jesus Christ, you will find periods of time that aren’t very exciting. There will be times of little production. I don’t know why. I don’t know how to explain it. We all have them, and they’re hard to endure. But during those lulls in the action, be careful of enemy attacks. The enemy will say things like: “It’s not worth it. You’re a fool. Give it up. Don’t waste your time.” Even though a few people try to point out all the dangers, press on. Never forget this: Bullish living is threatening only to people who refuse to live it.

Taken from Living on the Ragged Edge by Charles R. Swindoll. Copyright © 1985, 2004 by Charles R. Swindoll, Inc. Used by permission of HarperCollins Christian Publishing. www.harpercollinschristian.com

Used with permission. All rights reserved.

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