The Hardest 18 inches (45cm)

Within this past week I have had the opportunity to talk with four or more people about the topic of "knowing about God and His desires in our minds, but not in our hearts." And once again, this morning, during a time of prayer, this topic came up in our prayers. So because of this, I thought I would write about it.
I want to start out with a short personal testimony with this topic...
It was about a month before Rebecca and I were going to be married. At the time I had been teaching the youth at CCCH in the book of Exodus. We were focusing on Exodus 3:14 which says, "And God said to Moses, "I AM WHO I AM...I AM has sent me to you." The Lord led me to focus in on this I AM statement of God and really see who He is! So we began to do a study on the names of God and really consider them in our own personal lives. So now it is a month before our wedding and there were many bills that were due and circumstances that had to take place in order for details to work out for the wedding. Fear, Worry, and Concern began to overtake my heart. So I went into one of the other pastors office to get some prayer and wisdom from him. This pastor's name was John Kantorak! Pastor John was someone that I highly respected and looked up to (not only physically, but spiritually). I went into his office and told him all that was going on at the time. I went on to tell him that I already knew the names of God and the definitions of these names and even the verses that he (John) would give me, for I had already been giving them to myself. He then sat back in his chair, smiled at me, and then asked me the following questions:

• Joey, when you compare this to all of eternity, do you think that this is really that big of a deal?
• Joey, do you honestly not think that you will still be here next month after your wedding and that God will take care of all of this?
• Joey, look ahead years down the road, do you still think that you will be here and that this will all be behind you?

To all of these questions, I simply replied that he (John) was right. This situation that I thought was so big at the time would be nothing compared to eternity. I did believe that I would get past this situation, but I wasn't sure how. So that is what I told John. "But How?" Once again, John leaned back in his chair and smiled at me and said, "Joey, you know it up here (pointing at his head), but God wants you to learn it in here (pointing at his chest) and these are the hardest 18 inches that we must go in our lives."

I will never forget that conversation with my good buddy John Kantorak. Currently he is in heaven worshiping the King of kings and I look forward to that day when I will be with him worshiping as well!

You see, so many of us have this head knowledge about God. You might be like me... you know the verses, know the names of God, know the definition of these names, and yet still not be able to move forward because you are fearful and cannot see a way out. I want to tell you what John told me over 8 years ago,

"You may know it in your mind, but God wants you to know it in your heart and these are the hardest 18 inches in your life."

What is the situation that you are currently going through? Is fear or worry overtaking your heart? Consider the following verses... Philippians 4:6-7 "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made know to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."

Something that we must understand is this. Jesus loves us too much to leave us where we are currently at. Because He loves us, He is molding and shaping us into His image, to be what He has called us to be. And because this is true, our head knowledge is NOT ENOUGH. All of that head knowledge must be applied to our lives. We have to move forward in our walks with Him.

How is that going to happen? BY FAITH! It will be by faith that we will begin to make the change from just the knowledge in our minds to the movement in our lives. Hebrews 11:6 says "Without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him."

So I want to encourage you today. What is it in your life that must make this CHANGE from the mind to the heart? From head knowledge to life experience? Give it over to the Lord today! Lift your eyes and see that the Lord is high and lifted up and in control! TRUST HIM!

PS - regarding my situation before our wedding... God was faithful. He completely provided! Everything fell into place! HE IS FAITHFUL - I can testify of this!