But Wait (Part 3)

Having established that we do not obey Christ, and/or have not received the requisite power from the Holy Spirit to do the work, let us now examine the reasons for our lack of obedience and/or empowerment.

As I expressed in the first post, people world over are frustrated and discouraged.  They don't understand why God isn't interposing on their behalf.  But here we have it.  These people are not living a life of obedience to God.

You see, to obey God, we need to put off selfishness and self confidence.  As Charles H Spurgeon said in his daily devotional, "Morning and Evening," self confidence is the armor bearer for sin.

Now, since we insist on wearing our self reliance as a shield, expressing both lack of faith in, and respect for God, we shut Him out and say "we can do this without you."
Please note however, that even though we shut Him out, not only is He never far from us,  but to the repentant cry, howbeit weak and almost silent, He comes flying on the wings of Heaven to assist His distressed child.

Also, though we think He is not here in our situations of distress, and we think we're bearing it alone, let me say this.  I have found that it is the Almighty God himself who restrains the enemy of our souls from totally and completely destroying us.

The enemy is not trying to keep you in straits, he is trying to consume you completely!
In 2 Thessalonians 2:6-7, we are told of a restraining force preventing the lawless one from fully manifesting or unleashing his wickedness!

Also we all, both righteous and unrighteous alike, enjoy the general providence of the Almighty who is El-Shaddai. Jesus Christ in Matthew 5:45 tells us this about God our Father, that "He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust."

Therefore, two facts are established:
1.  He is in that situation of distress with His child (Psalm 23:4)
2.  His mercy is the reason we are not completely consumed by our troubles (Lamentations3:22-26)

Let us in the light of this great and persistent mercy of God toward us, stop resorting to Him as 'plan B-Z,' and let us turn our whole hearts to Him, for He always is the only one who has loved us with an everlasting, i.e., unending love and with loving kindness He continues to draw us unto Himself. See Jeremiah 31:3.

Prayer
Heavenly Father, please forgive my unbelief, and help me. Help me to trust in, and honor you with my faith. Help to lean on, and cast my cares on you. Give me a revelation of the goodness of your thoughts toward me, in Jesus's mighty name I pray. Amen.

#momomily2013