Thoughts for another day

April 2, 2009.

Today's verse: Judges 2:22. That through them I may prove Israel, whether they will keep the way of the LORD to walk therein, as their fathers did keep it, or not. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

Some days back, I met a gentleman and we started talking about God. He was a little upset with Abba Father. I tried to understand what upset him. He said he had prayed to God for patience but he noticed he became more impatient because all of a sudden, his work load increased leading him to lose his temper very often. Hence, he felt sometimes God does the exact opposite of what we ask! So saying, he moved away.

I started thinking and it dawned on me that God was answering his prayer though not in a manner he expected. To increase his patience, God was providing situations where he could exercise restraint and be patient. Unfortunately, the man didn’t understand and failed to see God’s work. This is the case with most of us; and Israel too. God seems harsh and speaks in a manner of punishment to the errant Israelites, but nevertheless, He was telling them He’d be there with His might provided they did things His way. And God left the nations, they were to dislodge, remain among them to pester them as a thorn in their flesh. But their obedience would grant them relief. And God does rescue them often as we see in the Book of Judges.

Many times, God gives us problems; if we discern, we can see them as opportunities our beloved Father provides to get back to Him. But what do we do? We curse God that He gave us the problem. Most of our lives, we are trying to move away from God and He in His mercy sends us a situation wherein we can come back. In your life, see if this has happened. Perhaps, it could be some form of illness or a job loss or some ordeal or family problem, etc. See through the situation and identify God’s hand in it. Pray for wisdom in your actions and surely God will arrive and take care of you.