If The Lord Will

by D. Smith, Lerwick | Category: General | May 1967

The power of our testimony for God depends largely on what extent the word of God is allowed expression through us, for if as disciples together in churches of God we are to be an epistle of Christ (2 Corinthians 3.2,3) "known and read of all men", then what is inscribed on our hearts by the Holy Spirit will necessarily be the word of God uncorrupt and unmarred.

The word of God and the testimony of Jesus can never be separated, therefore all testimony must be borne according to the word of God. If in our lives we are to bear witness to the great fact that we are born from above and made heirs of an incorruptible inheritance, then His word must abide in us (John 15.7), dwell richly in us (Colossians 3.16), and be allowed liberty to produce the likeness and moral features of Christ.

That God has so communicated His thoughts to men in language they can understand is indeed a marvel. So also is the priceless faculty of speech with which we have been endowed, to the intent that we should use this great gift in testimony for God. David said, "With my lips have I declared all the judgements of Thy mouth"; "I have not hid Thy righteousness within my heart; I have declared Thy faithfulness and Thy salvation; I have not concealed Thy loving kindness and Thy truth from the great congregation". Lack of reference to God's word in daily conversation is common to the evil day in which we live when men have rebelled against God and cast His law behind their backs. It is also a weakness in individual Christian testimony.

One of the things we should do as pilgrims and strangers here is to preface our intentions and purposes with the scriptural injunction "If the Lord will, we shall both live, and do this or that" (James 4.15). We may not be permitted to know to what extent the frequent use of these words will strengthen our testimony. As they go forth from our lips they may carry great weight, even more so if those who hear them repeated realize that we ourselves are in deed and truth subject to the will of the Lord, and that all our works are governed by the fear of the Lord.

When plans and purposes flourish in our minds we should be prepared to surrender them to the will and guidance of an all-wise God. "Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass" (Psalm 37.5). "The LORD is good unto them that wait for Him" (Lamentations 3.25). May God give us grace to subject our will to His will, and boldness to assert in the hearing of men, "If the Lord will".

D. Smith, Lerwick | May 1967
General