Thoughts for another day

September 30, 2008.

Today's verse: Judgs. 2:22. In order to test Israel, whether or not they would take care to walk in the way of the LORD as their ancestors did, (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

As God’s man or woman, you’ll often be taken to the crossroads. There, you’ll have to decide if you bear fidelity to God, or not. Sometimes, this bringing to the Crossroads can be traumatic with a good deal of pain. Some might lose their jobs. Some may be on the verge of a divorce/separation; a major ailment may strike, etc. Be that as it may, you will be led to the crossroads where God awaits your decision, not that He doesn’t know what it is, but that you yourself may behold the state of your heart.

Reading this, would you take God as a cruel God? See, God seeks devotion from us. We are made to praise and worship Him and seek His glory. He sends all good things toward us so that we are enabled to do it. Why, you may ask, does God need devotion from us? That’s because, He created us with much love and he loves us so much that it is but right the object of His love – us - love Him in return and be devoted to Him. Don’t we behave the same way? When we bring up a child (although we have not created it), love it and dote over it; don’t we expect its love in return?

God expected devotion from an errant Israel as we read in the verse above. Yet, they sinned and vexed God. Therefore, He promised He wouldn’t come to their aid though He was pained by it. But, He knew it was necessary. How else would they come to be with Him? He did it to test them…whether they would walk in the way He set out for them or do what they willed. Years after this, God is still doing the same thing with us. He sends affliction with no seeming sense of redemption and He sends us trouble with no way out. But like He told me recently, He’s still on the Throne. He still is ready with a patient ear to hear you out and to grant you relief. The rest is up to you.