The Faithful Wanderer

What are Divine Tools?

Unlike spiritual gifts, divine tools are 100% available to any Christian. Regular use of these tools will bless us and transform our nature. We’ll become more like our Master. Yet many believers never pick up the divine tools God has provided for us.

Why?

Because each one is cleverly disguised as a command. Unfortunately, stubborn believers refuse to obey Jesus’ commands, so their life remains a mess.

The Mirror

The next tool I’d like to talk about is “the mirror.” The mirrors we own don’t lie. A mirror reveals to us what we can’t see. Standing before a dressing room mirror, I know instantly whether or not an outfit flatters me. In fact, I buy my clothes based on the insight the mirror provides. At home, I stare into my bathroom mirror before I comb my hair. Or wash my face. Or after I change my clothes. Mirrors are valuable to us and in His wisdom, our Lord has given us a spiritual mirror.

James reveals what the divine mirror is.

 ²³ Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror ²⁴ and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.²⁵ But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do. (James 1:23-25 NIV)

I’ve looked into this divine mirror countless times, and yes, it does bring freedom.

Living Scripture

In the hands of the Holy Spirit, the Scriptures reveal the inner truth about each of us. The Bible’s not just an ancient book but a divine source of renewal and life. But only if we act on what we know. Many of the things Jesus commands us to do don’t make sense.

Pray for your enemies? Bless those who curse you? Return good for evil? Forgive people who’ve harmed you?

Almost every new believer screams “WHY?”

Yes, following Christ can be tough.

Resisting God’s Will Cripples a Believer

A Christian who childishly stomps his foot and whines,

“I won’t—and God, YOU CAN’T MAKE ME!”

Is allowed to go his or her own way—but what a tragedy! They stay stuck in a quicksand of their own making, because they refuse to trust the Good Shepherd’s greater wisdom.

Broken, hurting Christians often beg God for inner peace. They yearn and pray to have a joy-filled life, like some mature believers.

But peace and joy aren’t God’s divine gifts.

Instead, peace and joy are fruits of the Spirit (Gal 5:22-23.)

I’ve had 35+ years of experience following Christ as an adult. In the areas where I’ve resisted Him, I find myself stuck in the same old struggles and discouragement.

But where I’ve consistently yielded to His will? That’s a different story. Years ago, I started cultivating a thankful heart at the Holy Spirit’s urging. I now experience joy daily, because I see blessings that other people miss.

Here’s a short list of some things I’m very grateful for:

• The gift of color vision, to enjoy all the beauty in God’s creation.
• Indoor plumbing. If you’ve ever had to use an outhouse or a Porta-potty at an outdoor event, you know why I’m grateful for flush toilets, running water and hot showers.
• Prescription glasses. I am extremely near-sighted. A moment ago, I took off my glasses to look at the computer screen. I couldn’t read anything I’d just typed. It’s too blurry. I can’t even make out the title.

One Last word of Personal Testimony

My husband and I had a rough 1st year of marriage. But the Lord required me to practice thanking Him for my husband’s good points.

Almost 25 years later, praise for my husband’s kind and easy-going nature often spills from my lips, instead of endless complaints.

As you can imagine, it makes a huge difference in our happiness.

What more can I say? Obeying Jesus works.

These images were downloaded from Pixabay.com

Author’s note: I’ve continued to grow older and am committed to honesty, but have decided to use the phrase “35+ years” for the foreseeable future. I do have plans, however, to post a new image of myself in 2022.