Cinderella

Well, I think it's time to break out the little kid in all of us. It is Disney week, or the first of many weeks (I watch a lot of animated films), and today is Cinderella. The little mice in Cinderella sing a pretty fantastic song while preparing an outfit for Cinderella to wear to the ball. It starts with We can do it, we can do it, we can help out Cinderelly... and continues into a rhyming list of all they can do to help her. They are tiny mice, going against a number of obstacles but they have faith that they can do it. I want the attitude of these mice. And Paul wanted the same attitude for the Romans.

After discussing the suffering the Roman Christians were facing, Paul reminded them, "What shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31). The Philippians needed this reminder too. The Philippians wanted to help Paul in his spreading of the gospel. And, though he graciously accepted their help, he reminded them, 

"I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength" (Philippians 4:11-13).

I know these two groups of people aren't the only ones who need these kind reminders from Paul. Maybe you aren't physically suffering by persecution for your beliefs, but I bet you've had times where you've undergone some form of suffering. Cancer, loss of friendships, betrayals, life issues. Maybe you have been persecuted for your proclamation of the gospel. I don't know, but whatever the form, please know that you don't suffer alone. God is cheering for you, helping you, and giving you strength.

As a side note here, I want to point out that you must be in line with God's will for these promises. I had a friend tell me one time that he hated God because he had prayed that God would give him a girlfriend and he didn't. I asked if he had planned on having sex with this girl and he said probably. I reminded him that perhaps God was helping him by answering "no" to his prayer to keep him from falling under the temptation and sin of a sexual relationship. Please, please do not take the verse "if God is for me who can be against me" out of context. God is never "for" sin. He is "for" righteousness and the pursuit of his will. So before you wonder why God hasn't answered your prayers how you would like him to, remember he is not a genie (this isn't an Aladdin post) and he doesn't grant wishes because he has to. He longs to bless you, but only according to his will and his timing.

Now that that's out of the way, let's get back to God being for us and teaching us to be content. Lately I have had little nudges of God trying to push me out of my comfort zone. Through time in prayer and his word, I have felt him call me to pursue specific relationships with people and new goals that, in all honesty, make me uncomfortable. Fear of the unknown is difficult. Fear of what others may think can be paralyzing. But God is not the God of fear. If he has called you to something that seems too big or overwhelming, know this: "The Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline" (2 Timothy 1:7). 

God gives you power, not fear. So step out. Do what he has called you to do, remembering that he is for you. There is a book out there by John Ortberg called "If You Want to Walk on Water, You Have to Get Out of the Boat." I haven't even read the book, and the title alone causes me a whole lot of thought. If God is calling you to do something, if he longs to show off his power through you, please don't shy away, take the step. And take on the song of I can do it, I can do it. But never forget that you cannot do it alone. God is the strength that brings contentedness, and when he is for you, nothing can come against you. Trust him. Go where he tells you to go and by his power, take on the song of the mice.