When hope is lost, I'll call you Saviour. When pain surrounds, I'll call you healer. When silence falls, you'll be the song within my heart.
The above is what a friend of Lexi’s had as his fb status today and now it is mine too. It really got me thinking about all the things God has been speaking to me lately.
Last night I taught a devotion at Lexi’s play practice (she is the only teen in the group and youngest by at least 10+ years) that I believe is the greatest lesson we all need to learn and probably need to hear it over and over again…simply trust God with every detail of our lives.
I’m taking us back to the Old Testament and the story of Israel wandering in the dessert for 40 years – when they (the next generation) were almost ready to enter into the Promised Land.
Deuteronomy 6:16-25 says:
"You shall not put the LORD your God to the test, as you tested Him at Massah.
"You should diligently keep the commandments of the LORD your God, and His testimonies and His statutes which He has commanded you.
"You shall do what is right and good in the sight of the LORD, that it may be well with you and that you may go in and possess the good land which the LORD swore to give your fathers, by driving out all your enemies from before you, as the LORD has spoken.
"When your son asks you in time to come, saying, 'What do the testimonies and the statutes and the judgments mean which the LORD our God commanded you?' then you shall say to your son, 'We were slaves to Pharaoh in Egypt, and the LORD brought us from Egypt with a mighty hand.
'Moreover, the LORD showed great and distressing signs and wonders before our eyes against Egypt, Pharaoh and all his household;
He brought us out from there in order to bring us in, to give us the land which He had sworn to our fathers.'
"So the LORD commanded us to observe all these statutes, to fear the LORD our God for our good always and for our survival, as it is today.
"It will be righteousness for us if we are careful to observe all this commandment before the LORD our God, just as He commanded us.”
Deuteronomy 8:16-20 says:
"In the wilderness He fed you manna which your fathers did not know, that He might humble you and that He might test you, to do good for you in the end.
"Otherwise, you may say in your heart, 'My power and the strength of my hand made me this wealth.'
18"But you shall remember the LORD your God, for it is He who is giving you power to make wealth, that He may confirm His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day.
"It shall come about if you ever forget the LORD your God and go after other gods and serve them and worship them, I testify against you today that you will surely perish.
"Like the nations that the LORD makes to perish before you, so you shall perish; because you would not listen (be obedient) to the voice of the LORD your God.”
Please take time to read Deuteronomy 6-11 to grasp the full picture of this amazing story in HIS-tory and His love for all people!
Deuteronomy 10:12-22 says:
"Now, Israel, what does the LORD your God require from you, but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all His ways and love Him, and to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep the LORD'S commandments and His statutes which I am commanding you today for your good?
"Behold, to the LORD your God belong heaven and the highest heavens, the earth and all that is in it.
"Yet on your fathers did the LORD set His affection to love them, and He chose their descendants after them, even you above all peoples, as it is this day.
"So circumcise your heart, and stiffen your neck no longer.
"For the LORD your God is the God of gods and the Lord of lords, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God who does not show partiality nor take a bribe.
"He executes justice for the orphan and the widow, and shows His love for the alien by giving him food and clothing.
"So show your love for the alien (stranger), for you were aliens in the land of Egypt.
"You shall fear the LORD your God; you shall serve Him and cling to Him, and you shall swear by His name.
"He is your praise and He is your God, who has done these great and awesome things for you which your eyes have seen.
"Your fathers went down to Egypt seventy persons in all, and now the LORD your God has made you as numerous as the stars of heaven.”
Now what does all of this have to do with I’ll call you?
EVERYTHING!!!!
Because just like the Israelites who (Deut. 12:8-9 “You shall not do at all what we are doing here today, every man doing whatever is right in his own eyes; for you have not as yet come to the resting place and the inheritance which the LORD your God is giving you.”) did not receive God’s blessings – too many Christians today are living without them as well.
Why?
Because we refuse to trust God in everything. We trust Him when it is easy. When it doesn’t take much self sacrifice. We are willing to trust God with the small things or in desperate situations. But in the day to day – our eyes are fixed on what is in front of us.
When we allow anything to come before God – we tell God we don’t trust Him or need Him or love Him.
Have you noticed the first commandment and what we are told many times over and over again throughout scripture is to LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH YOUR FULL HEART AND SOUL?
Why?
Because the only thing God cares about is our heart. He cares about what we fill our hearts with and where we put out hope and trust. He cares about if we are doing what is right in our own eyes or His. He cares about whether or not we are listening to His still small voice – which leads us on the good path or if we are listening to the world around us – which leads us all to separation from Him.
When you love God – truly love Him you will obey Him.
Remember friends NO ONE CAN SERVE TWO MASTERS.
We are either a friend of God’s or His enemy.
We are either choosing life this day or death (separation) from Him. Not physically but spiritually. Not for eternity if you are saved but for however long you decide to walk in your sins and without Him.
Read Deuteronomy 30:11-20.
I often wonder why I struggle with trusting God and how come it has been my greatest stumbling block to receiving His full blessings in my life – peace, joy and love?
Because I forget just like the Israelites did – that everything you and I see was made by God. Everything that happens in life is because God created it or allowed it. He did NOT create evil – nor does He create the bad things in this life – they are a product of the sins of man and the evil one of this world (satan).
God’s plan has always been and will always be for our good and a future of hope and to live with Him. It is up to us whether or not we will receive the full blessings He has given us in Christ Jesus. God never promised life would be without trials – He did promise to get us through them – not by our might – but by the power of His Spirit.
Deuteronomy 31: 6 “Be strong and of good courage, do not fear or be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.”
Why did God tell them and us so many times do not be afraid? Because He knew we would take our eyes off of Him and forget about - it was Him who saved us. It is Him who will save us over and over again too – if we simply…
No matter what is going on in your life today – it is NOT too big for GOD who parted the sea for the 2 million Israelites to be saved. Who fed them in the dessert for 40 yrs. Who made their shoes and clothes last. Who went before them step by step defeating their enemies to bring them into the land that was impossible for them to take on their own. It is NOT too big for GOD who sent His Son to die on the cross to pay for all mankind's sins for all time to handle. NOTHING is impossible for God!
So the question that remains is this: Will you call upon Him to be LORD of your life?
Will you allow Him to be the Master of your day and all tomorrows?
If God is for us, who can be against us? Romans 8:28-31
Here is my answer!
I’ll call on You LORD because You alone are faithful!
I’ll call on You LORD because You love me and want what is best for me!
I’ll call on You LORD because without You I am nothing!
I’ll call on You LORD because Your grace is sufficient for all of my needs!
I’ll call on You LORD because You alone are worthy of all praise and honor!
I’ll call on You LORD because I need You!
I’ll call on You LORD because I desire to walk with You all the days of my life!
I’ll call on You LORD because I love you and I want to leave a legacy for our children’s children!
I’ll call on You LORD because there is no place I would rather be then in Your arms of love, safe, protected and provided for!
What is your answer? Are you ready to trust God today? How can I pray for you or help you let go of whatever is standing in the way of you receiving God’s full blessings in your life?
PS Will you please join me in praying for my dear friend Kim and her family. Their daughter Selah went home to be with Jesus. Her family is a beautiful example of what it looks like to trust God in all things!
6 Friend's Thoughts:
What a great post, Jill...it reminds me of the song, "Trust and Obey":
When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word,
What a glory He sheds on our way!
While we do His good will, He abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey.
Refrain
Trust and obey, for there’s no other way
To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.
Not a shadow can rise, not a cloud in the skies,
But His smile quickly drives it away;
Not a doubt or a fear, not a sigh or a tear,
Can abide while we trust and obey.
(Refrain)
Not a burden we bear, not a sorrow we share,
But our toil He doth richly repay;
Not a grief or a loss, not a frown or a cross,
But is blessed if we trust and obey.
(Refrain)
But we never can prove the delights of His love
Until all on the altar we lay;
For the favor He shows, for the joy He bestows,
Are for them who will trust and obey.
(Refrain)
Then in fellowship sweet we will sit at His feet.
Or we’ll walk by His side in the way.
What He says we will do, where He sends we will go;
Never fear, only trust and obey.
Praying for Selah's family
Awesome song Beth! Thanks for sharing it here with everyone!!!
Love you,
Jill
Your post just hit me right between the eyes...our pastor preached on Romans 8 yesterday...and then you post this.
I am totally blown away in how God is speaking to me this day. We are in the process of needing to move but we have no idea where or when. We just know that our landlord is selling...and it's time for us to buy our own place again. But no idea where.
This post you gave is exactly what I needed to read...confirmation for me in a BIG way.
Thank you so much for sharing this with everyone.
Praying for Selah's family.
I so love the book of Deuteronomy! Thanks for a great post. It makes me think also of the verse in jeremiah 33:3..."Call unto me and I will answer you and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know." Oh, if we would only just call upon the name Jesus each and every day and in each and every situation and trial. He is there and all He asks is that we look to Him alone! He has so much He wants to show us and give us, all we need to do is call on His name!
Love you,
Stacy
Stacy - Jeremiah 33:3 was the verse I posted a week ago because like you said all we have to do is call upon Him and He will answer!
:-)
I agree 100% with you!!!
Love you too precious friend! can't wait to hug you in person again!
Jill
Jill, is this perfect timing or what? You know I struggle with trust. And as you know I'm doing a Bible study on a heart renovation.
The Scriptures in Deuteronomy are relevant to us even now. God is all powerful, all knowing and He alone is Sovereign. Nothing is impossible for Him. Not an unbelieving spouse, not a financial disaster, not sickness or a hurting heart.
I choose to open my heart fully to His healing hand. As I walk through this valley, my eyes are on Him alone.
Love you and keep teaching,
Debbie
Post a Comment