Wednesday, March 7, 2007
In This Thing
Yet in this thing ye did not believe the LORD your God. Deuteronomy 1:32 (KJV)
Our faith in God can be tenuous at times. How often have we been through trying circumstances, experienced God’s faithfulness, witnessed His powerful interventions in our life, and known without a doubt that God was on our side, only to turn around and be filled with unbelief at a new issue, problem, or situation? The children of Israel epitomized this so well. Even with their history with God and His continual assurances and reminders, they still acted out of fear rather than faith. Their fear lead them not only to disbelief but also to disobedience. They were so focused on what they saw, heard, and felt that they became deaf to God’s voice, forgetful of His past provisions, and blind to His presence. They caved in to the opinions of others and all the “what ifs” their minds could conceive.
As I read this verse I am instantly aware of the areas in my life where God is saying the same thing to me that He said to the children of Israel. While I may not have specified, laid out directions from Him, I do have a multitude of promises from His Word that should cause me to walk with confidence, determination, and courage. His Word is meant to be a sword that I wield at any thought that leads me to believe lies about God or His involvement in my life. He longs for me to hear Him whisper His assurances to me. A few come to mind right now…
I will never leave you or forsake you. I know the plans I have for you. My thoughts are higher than your thoughts. I have loved you with an everlasting love. I delight in you. I have inscribed you on the palms of my hands. I will supply all your needs. My grace is sufficient. I formed you in your mother’s womb and continue to carry you Myself. Trust Me. Seek My face. Obey My voice. I will lead you. I will protect you. I have My hand and eye on you. My banner over you is love. Come unto me for rest, direction, wisdom, and guidance. In Me you will mount up with wings as eagles. I am here. You are mine.
His words are meant to do more than make me feel good or help me to merely survive. They are meant to equip me to walk with boldness and unhindered faith, so that His words to me can become, “In this thing you DID believe Me!”
Make it so, Father. Make it so. Amen.