The Quill and Me—Devotional Blog•Oswald Chambers Reflections
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May 1
Today's Reading: My Utmost for His Highest
2 Corinthians 5:7
"We walk by faith, not by sight"
Walking by Faith—Not Emotion
Chambers reminds us that there are seasons when God’s presence feels close and unmistakable. But those moments are not meant to carry us. They are not the standard of the Christian life. When God begins to use us, He often leads us into quieter, hidden places where we do the work He gives us without carrying a glow about us and continually feeling inspired.
We are not meant to live as if heaven must stay open for us to move. Nor are we meant to wait for a feeling, a sign, or a fresh moment of inspiration from God before we obey. God calls us to live as ordinary men and women in an ordinary world — but with a strength that comes from being born from above.
Chambers warns that when we try to recreate past moments with God, or insist that He speak to us again before we act, we reveal that we are depending on emotion, not faith. We become attached to the experience instead of attached to God Himself.
Faith is different. Faith gets up. Faith works. Faith obeys without waiting for inspiration.
And then, in hindsight, we realize He was with us the whole time. The quiet seasons were not evidence of His absence. They were the places where faith was being formed.
Our standard is not the exceptional moment. Our standard is the work He has placed in front of us today.
Prayer
Lord, I am walking by faith even when You are quiet.Keep me steady in the work You have given me.
Make me faithful in the ordinary places
where You are shaping my life.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Breath Prayer
You are hereI walk by faith
~ Quil
Scripture References 1. “There are seasons when God’s presence feels close and unmistakable.” Psalm 16:11 — in Your presence is fullness of joy. Psalm 73:28 — it is good to be near God. James 4:8 — draw near to God. 2. “Those moments are not meant to carry us… they are not the standard of the Christian life.” 2 Corinthians 5:7 — we walk by faith, not by sight. Habakkuk 2:4 — the righteous shall live by faith. John 20:29 — blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe. 3. “God often leads us into quieter, hidden places to do the work He gives us.” Matthew 6:6 — pray in secret; your Father sees in secret. Colossians 3:23 — work heartily as for the Lord. 1 Thessalonians 4:11 — aspire to live quietly. 4. “We are not meant to wait for a feeling, sign, or inspiration before we obey.” John 14:15 — if you love Me, keep My commandments. Luke 11:28 — blessed are those who hear and obey. Psalm 119:60 — I hasten and do not delay to obey. 5. “Trying to recreate past moments reveals dependence on emotion, not faith.” Isaiah 43:18–19 — do not remember the former things; I am doing a new thing. Matthew 17:4–5 — do not cling to the moment on the mountain. John 6:26 — you seek Me because of the experience. 6. “Faith gets up. Faith works. Faith obeys without waiting for inspiration.” James 2:17 — faith without works is dead. Hebrews 11:8 — Abraham obeyed and went, not knowing where. Psalm 37:3 — trust in the Lord and do good. 7. “In hindsight we realize He was with us the whole time.” Deuteronomy 31:8 — He goes before you and will not leave you. Psalm 139:5 — You hem me in behind and before. Matthew 28:20 — I am with you always. 8. “The quiet seasons were where faith was being formed.” Romans 5:3–4 — perseverance produces character and hope. James 1:3–4 — the testing of faith produces steadfastness. 1 Peter 1:6–7 — your faith refined by trials. 9. “Our standard is not the exceptional moment but the work He has placed before us today.” Matthew 25:21 — faithful over little. Lamentations 3:23 — new mercies each morning. Psalm 143:10 — teach me to do Your will.
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