John 3:34 For the one whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God gives the Spirit without limit.

This was written specifically about Jesus, but it actually applies to everyone whom God sends. Problems in ministry are never because of God’s supply, but only from our capacity to receive and apply all that God supplies. It’s not clear whether this verse is something John the Baptist said, or something John the Apostle wrote in commentary. Either way, it’s the Word of God, and evidence of the truth of this verse. How’s that for circular reasoning? We get all involved in the people God uses, to the point that we tend to forget that it’s God who is actually saying and doing the things we admire. Charlie Kirk is an excellent case in point. He was totally committed and submitted to God, and God used him accordingly, accomplishing more through him in 31 years than most people see happen in twice or even three times that span. It’s like Paul said, “We have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.” (2 Corinthians 4:7) He also demonstrated this verse, speaking the words of God and allowing God’s Spirit to work through him. We can do the same! I keep coming back to the awareness that any weakness in the Church, and in individual believers, comes from a misplaced focus on the temporal rather than the eternal, the terrestrial rather than the heavenly. We are accountable for our stewardship of every resource, every opportunity God gives us, and we aren’t to treat them lightly. However, we have got to remember that those things are never more than tools to use in accomplishing God’s will. I recently heard three men talking about how men in particular can be enamored of tools of various sorts, whether a car or a drill or an airplane or whatever. That isn’t necessarily bad, but it can quickly veer into idolatry, and that’s very bad. We need reliable tools, but our real reliance must be in the One who provided them, and nothing less.

I’ve certainly tangled with this issue. I have relied on my intellect and skills more times than I like to think about, and I still get great satisfaction from a new computer. Recognizing that, I have great hesitation in making such purchases, but with the upcoming end of support for Windows 10, I just ordered a replacement for the computer I’m using at this moment. I have the fairly unusual need for multiple bays for optical drives, since I produce the CD recordings of our services, and such cases are no longer common. I didn’t want to go to the headache of buying a motherboard and rebuilding everything, but at just the right moment, God showed me a listing for a refurbished computer, and it will arrive this week. I still have the headache of getting all the necessary software installed, but God will get me through that, and I’m mildly excited. Of far more importance is the progress I’m seeing in someone the Lord is drawing to Himself. That man came to the service yesterday, and I’ll see him again this morning. God has sent me to him, so I’m to speak God’s words to him by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit within me, knowing that God will do what needs to be done.

Father, thank You indeed for Your supply. Help me be the steward You want me to be, accomplishing Your will for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!