Why do I put myself in situations where I find my protection and safety coming from other sources and not from God? I say that I put myself in those situations because lately I am learning to walk out of them and put myself into the hands of God. It has taken a long time to trust God completely, even in the midst of His reassurance and love. Sometimes I look back and see myself rejecting God, and saying – no I have this one.
“You trust Egypt for protection. So you refuse my advice and send messengers to Egypt to beg their king for help. But Egypt can’t protect you, and to trust that nation is useless and foolish.” The holy Lord God of Israel had told all of you, “I will keep you safe if you turn back to me and calm down. I will make you strong if you quietly trust me.” Then you stubbornly said, “No! We will safely escape on speedy horses.” – Isaiah 30:2,5,15,16
This is especially important to me this week as I just learned of another strong Christian leader, a friend of mine, in the church, fall to adultery. I bless the Lord for his willingness to come under the leadership for reconciliation. Could that have been me while I am rejecting His protection and promise of safety? How could I protect myself or keep myself safe? Without God, impossible.
I have heard terrible things about some of you. In fact, you are behaving worse than the Gentiles. A man is even sleeping with his own stepmother. – 1 Corinthians 5:1
When I think of the Lord’s care and His offer of keeping me safe, what am I thinking about? He is offering me a place of safety, a place where gossip cannot reach me, a place of refreshment when I have nothing left to give. How could I refuse such a place to be in relationship with Him?
A king and his leaders
will rule with justice.
They will be a place of safety
from stormy winds,
a stream in the desert,
and a rock that gives shade
from the heat of the sun.
Then everyone who has eyes
will open them and see,
and those who have ears
will pay attention.
All who are impatient
will take time to think;
everyone who stutters
will talk clearly. – Isaiah 32:2-4
Lord, look at me! I am finally coming to a place of humility in my walk with You. I am giving up more of myself each day and You are filling in my emptiness. The blessings are incredible – why do I and so many others refuse You? Help me Lord, I need Your kindness and Your patience as You work in my life. I need You to offer the same blessings to my friend who has known all along he was sidestepping You – I am glad he was caught. If I am caught by anyone doing anything, may I be like Daniel – found praying morning, noon and night.
Erwin (evanlaar1922)
Sixty-six books in a year 