Wednesday, December 6, 2017

Season in the Wilderness

"Why?"
That is how I start my conversations with God when i have my season in the wilderness.
The answer is not short in coming to me...disobedience.

Here is another "Why" question for us to ponder.  (Me mostly).  Why is it i can remember the goodness of God when i am being blessed, but i cannot remember the same God when I am sinning?
Remembrance is a key ingredient within the Bible.  (Examples)
God does not want us to forget what He has done in our lives through salvation, healings, deliverances and etc.  Those past remembrances are a guide for us to use, whether they were good or bad.  Joshua makes a profound statement in chapter 24 verse 7 of his book, which underscores the point i am trying to make.  It reads:
"And when they cried unto the LORD, He put darkness between you and the Egyptians, and brought the sea upon them, and covered them; and your eyes have seen what I have done in Egypt: and ye dwelt in darkness a long season."

Many times I have seen God move in my life and in the lives of others around me.  It is an amazing thing to see the transformation both internally and externally.  As a child of God i would love to stay in the place of constant growing fellowship.  However, my flesh, just as it did with the nation of Israel, gets in the way.  When i step away from God i end up in the wilderness lost and wondering, seeking some form of direction.  Israel's wondering lasted 40 years.  God willing mine will not last that long.  The struggle is trusting God totally.  Trusting in His nature, character, His word, His commands, everything.

Joshua offers a summation in verse 14a "now therefore fear the LORD, and serve Him in sincerity and in truth."  
Having the fear of God should cause the Christian to not knowingly sin.  When we knowingly sin there is no fear of God or the consequences of that sin. If we have a true love relationship with the God of creation then we will never have seasons in our lives that cause us to wonder for 40 years.

God wants us to use our time wisely and refocus our attention back to Him.  In every season of our life God is there.  Believer and non-believer alike.  For the backslider they will remember "there God" and hopefully come back to Him.
As for the undecided, God's eternal Holy Spirit is working on their hearts.
"Go to God and come out of your wonderings." Joshua implores
What is your heart telling you right now?
Do not let the crushing weight of life keep you in darkness.
I am not saying life will forever be sunshine and rainbows after we draw close to God.
We will have difficult days.  No doubt.
But, when we know God as our Father and King and Saviour, then what can keep us down?
To come or stay is a personal decision.  I have like Joshua have made mine.
"Choose you this day whom you will serve...as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD."  

Whom will you serve?
God bless

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