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Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy. Jude 24 NASB
Stumbling – The word aptaistous is used only here in the entire New Testament. It comes from ptaio, a verb that is a metaphor for falling into disobedience. There is a beautiful parallel here with Isaiah 42:16. God promises to make the blind walk in paths they do not know. Now we see the same idea in the New Testament. God is the power behind walking without stumbling. When we were blind, we constantly crashed into life, stumbling and falling with injuries. But God makes us able to walk with sight. We don’t stumble because we can finally see where we are going.
The Greek text actually says “to keep you without stumbling.” It is not that God directs us in ways that give us a nice smooth path. It is rather that wherever we walk, we do not stumble because He keeps watch over us. It is His guarding power that sets our footing firmly, even if the path we tread is full of pitfalls and obstacles. The path of a follower is a new way, a way we would never have considered on our own. It is often very treacherous, but the dangers are overcome because God guards our steps.
Once I took a driving class in a Ferrari on a racetrack. The instructor took me through the turns and straight-aways, telling me when to accelerate and when to brake. Then we switched places. “Now let me show you how this car is supposed to be driven,” he said. I thought I was doing well until he started driving. I was scared to death. But he said to me, “Don’t worry. I’ve done this hundreds of times. You’re in no danger.” God has traversed the pathway more often than we can count. We are in no danger, not because the path isn’t dangerous but because we are following an expert guide.
God must be in the driver’s seat. If He’s not, you better move over. God’s ways are usually not the smooth highways with nice exit ramps. God’s ways are more likely to be mind-numbing acceleration and wild hairpin turns. God’s ways require diligence and attention. You can’t gaze at the roadside flowers while you’re moving at His pace or you’re likely to crash. But God promises that His ways will be infinitely more satisfying and joyful. And He says, “You’re not traveling alone. I’ll drive, if you don’t mind. Just come along for the ride.” Even when He is driving, it will take your breath away. But be confident. He has driven the course thousands of times without a single mistake. Now you get to take your turn to ride with Him – without stumbling.
Topical Index: Jude 24, aptaistous, ptaio, stumble
Lol! I’ve often fantasized about writing my “autobiography” and have even thought of a title: “Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride.” I too, have been through some “stuff,” but life is like that for everyone- isn’t it? Life is one wild ride. God will turn us “every which way but loose!” One thing we do know is, – we don’t know.
Just last night I witnessed the frustration of my son during a “situation” over which he had no control. No matter which way he turned the “steering wheel”- it seems the “car” would not respond. Oh how blessed we are when we decide to let God do the driving, and to ask Him,- “LORD, will you handle this?”- Yeah, go ahead and ask.. “God, are you able?” – (please). – And the answer is? He IS always able. Always.
Whose Name is Faithful? Who Name is True? His Name. Who is our Deliver and Who is our Redeemer? He is. Who is the Good Shepherd who ever loves and cares for His own? Him. Who is our blood-covenant Friend and an ever-present Help in time of need? The LORD. (what is our “malfunction?”)
The Bible, (the Book God wrote), declares “For we know not what day may bring forth..” Are you capable, (apparently many are not) of asking yourself- “Is this true?” Do I know what today holds? I might have grandiose plans, but “the best laid plans of mice and men oftime go awry!” Maybe we should write another book entitled: “When Everything Goes South.” or “When Life Falls Apart.”
God makes the rain falls upon the just and the unjust. Why? Because, dear friend, God is good. All the time. And to everyone. God is “always good” – even “in the midst” of trouble.
We love the promises of God, – they give us great comfort, consolation and hope. Very comforting words “for such a time as this,” but how about these words: “in this world, (yes, the messy one we now live in) you (Mr./M’am) will have tribulation.” -Where is the comfort in these words? Who wants to be ‘tribulated?’ Any takers? Tennis.. er “trouble” anyone?
My heart can sing, when I pause to remember.. (selah and amein!) a heartache here is but a stepping stone..- along the trail- that’s winding always upward!- this troubled world is not my final home! Ahh- but “until then”- my heart will go on singing!- “until then” with joy I’ll carry on!- Until the Day- my eyes behold that City. Until the day- God calls me home.
Yes, “then.” The “sweet by and by..”- But what about the “nasty now and now?” lol! – Yes,- what about it?
Does Jesus care when my heart is pained
Too deeply for mirth or song,
As the burdens press, and the cares distress
And the way grows weary and long?
Oh yes. He cares. I know He cares,
– His heart is touched with my grief;
When the days are weary, the long nights dreary,
I know my Savior cares.
Does Jesus care when my way is dark
With a nameless dread and fear?
As the daylight fades into deep night shades,
Does He care enough to be near?
Oh yes. He cares. I know He cares,
– His heart is touched with my grief;
When the days are weary, the long nights dreary,
I know my Savior cares.
Does Jesus care when I’ve tried and failed
To resist some temptation strong;
When for my deep grief there is no relief,
Though my tears flow all the night long?
Oh yes. He cares. I know He cares,
– His heart is touched with my grief;
When the days are weary, the long nights dreary,
I know my Savior cares.
Does Jesus care when I’ve said “goodbye”
To the dearest on earth to me,
And my sad heart aches till it nearly breaks,
Is it aught to Him? Does He see?
Oh yes. He cares. I know He cares,
– His heart is touched with my grief;
When the days are weary, the long nights dreary,
I know my Savior cares.
“God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks to us in our conscience, but shouts in our pains: It is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world” – C.S. Lewis
Anyone need a “Wakeup call?,” – anyone? A good slap in the face is better than a cup of coffee, but I prefer coffee. Just sayin’..
Maybe the “board of education” might need to applied “to the seat of knowledge?” Just sayin’..
We have been promised, “my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in Jesus..” Oh, we like that one! One of our favorites.., but is “trouble” to be counted as one of our “needs?” ~Sufficient unto the day is the” ____” what?- but why..”
Yes. Why trouble? Why pain? Why suffering? Why affliction? Is SomeONE (Who BTW is Sovereign!) “attempting” to get our undivided attention? “ker-slap”- Little Johnny, little Susie, – may I have your attention please? Will you now listen to Me? – Got yer ears on? God has always spoken to those who were listening and faith comes by hearing. Hear, O Israel.. “Shema” the Savior. Avad ADONAI, Amein!
~ Whatever He says unto you, – do it! ~ (John 2.5)
yes, this much is true.. ~ I do not know what a day may bring forth..~ this much is true- as for this.., my confession? I am clueless. But what I do know is this.. (Hallelujah!) I know “Who” brings forth the day!! – for this, ~ is the day which the LORD has made..~ (and always -because of this)- I will rejoice and be glad in it!! ~ (Psalm 118.24)