“It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23

The path of Christian growth is a steady process of recognizing that no matter what lessons have been learned along the way thus far, we have not yet “arrived.” Yesterday’s victory doesn’t suffice for today’s challenge. I must daily choose to put on the Christian armor and stand. (Ephesians 6:10-13) Today’s trial does not exempt me from facing one tomorrow. There is no room for complacency or self-congratulatory accolades.

With one phone call I was reminded just how quickly things can change and how very much dependent I must be upon the Lord for what a day will bring. One of our granddaughters was in a car accident that could have had a very serious outcome. (Praise the Lord she is okay and her friend’s injuries are minimal.) Upon hearing the news, my heart was gripped with that familiar feeling of helplessness and loss of control over life’s circumstances. When the prospect of tragedy brushes so close, the heart cries out “No, Lord, please don’t make us go there again!” Then the Holy Spirit gently reminds me that nothing comes into my life but that it has first passed through the hands of a loving God. I praise Him for protecting my loved one. I honor Him for the reminder of my own weakness and the need to daily draw upon His mercies.

“And Solomon left all of the vessels unweighed because they were exceeding many, neither was the weight of the brass found out.” 1 Kings 7:47

Reading through the account of King Solomon directing the building and furnishing of the temple for God, I couldn’t help but marvel at the sheer volume of work and materials involved in the project. Obviously, Solomon was overwhelmed by it too and dispensed with trying to keep count of it all. When the work was finished and the people assembled to worship, it is recorded that they sacrificed sheep and oxen that could not be numbered for multitude! (8:5)

Such an account prompts the question: Is there anything in my life in such abundance that it cannot be weighed or measured? Oh yes! I am blessed beyond measure from above as God pours out innumerable blessings on me. I am recipient of His great and precious promises that are mine without end. His mercies are new every day. His love and forgiveness knows no boundaries. I cannot count the times I have cried out to Him and He has heard me. This one may sound silly, but having just returned safely to Taiwan, I am reminded that in 27 years of air travel back and forth to the mission field and others places in between, I cannot count the times I have arrived safely without so much as a piece of lost luggage!

A second question is more sobering: What have I done for the Lord in such abundance that it cannot be weighed or measured? I want to live my life in such a way that if I were to begin to count my service, my worship, my sacrifice, it could not be numbered for multitude. Perhaps one day this temple of the Holy Spirit will be furnished with innumerable gifts in response to the extravagant love of God. The debt I owe cannot be counted!