A Tale Of Intrigue And Three Little Words

Focus verses: Jeremiah 38:1-28

God's prophets are not always accepted and respected by the people. Jeremiah is a prime example. But God is never far from those He has called and is working behind the scenes for their good.

I find it interesting that King Zedekiah inquires of Jeremiah and then asks Jeremiah to keep their conversation secret. In fact, he orders Jeremiah to lie for him. And Jeremiah does as he is told.

Life does get complicated. But the key to un-complicating life lies in verse twenty.

Obey the Lord by doing what I tell you. Then it will go well with you and your life will be spared.

Obey the Lord. Three little words that will guarantee success in any undertaking. Obey the Lord.

We don't always have a Jeremiah around to interpret for us. Sometimes obedience seems complicated because we are not sure we know what the Lord would have us do.

The answer is simple. Check out the scriptures. If what you are contemplating lines up with the known will of God as revealed in the scriptures, you can be pretty sure that's the will of the Lord.

Father, God,

Open our ears to hear Your voice so that we may be quick to obey. Grant us the assurance that You will lead us and not let us be led astray into disobedience.

In Jesus' most precious name.
Amen.

Finite Reason or Infinite Wisdom

Focus verses: Genesis 16: 1 - 5.

Does God really need our help?

When God promises something, we are foolish and impatient to try to hasten its fulfillment.

Look what happens to Abram and Sarai. Sarai knew about God's promise of a son. But she convinced herself and her husband that God was too slow and needed their help.

How many time do we do this? We hear a call of God upon our lives, and we start off well. But when things seem to be moving too slowly we decide we know how to help God make things work faster.

God knows hearts. We just know appearances. God has reasons for His time line we know nothing of. Sarai's proposition seems to make sense from a human standpoint. But she doesn't figure on the human emotions Hagar's pregnancy can stir up in both women. And even in Abram.

You see, God has His own plans and doesn't need our help to bring them to fruition.

What he does require is our patience and faith.

We need to draw closer to Him to bring our will into line with His, to reinforce our faith in His steadfast love, and to strengthen our patience to wait upon His timing.

Father, God,

Help us to understand that Your will for us is perfect, that Your timing is perfect, and that all we need to is wait upon You.

In Jesus' most precious name,
Amen.