Trusting in the LORD is hard. We live in an age of instant gratification, materialism and wealth that constantly seduces us into thinking that immediacy is the fruit of fulfillment. Our Enemy, the Devil, knows that. The Bible calls him, 'the god of this age' 2 Corinthians 4:4, 'the ruler of this world' John 14:30, 'the prince of the power of the air' Ephesians 2:2, and 'the accuser of our brethren' Revelation 12:10. When Jesus had fasted for 40 days and 40 nights, he met with Him in the wilderness to tempt Him to exchange the promise of faithfulness for the emptiness of immediate self-gratification. In Matthew 4:1-11, he appealed to the imagination of the mind and the hunger of the flesh by telling Jesus to prove Himself by changing stones into bread. Then he took Him to the highest point of the temple, challenged Him to throw Himself off, and command the angels to come and lift him up, in order to display His magnificent power in an act of self-glorification. Lastly, he took Him to a very high mountain, showed Him the wealth of the world and promised Him that if He would worship him (Satan), then all would be given to Him. Each time, Jesus responded with the Word of GOD.
Jesus' obedience resulted in the salvation of mankind: "For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God" Hebrews 12:2.
"Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died-more than that, who was raised to life-is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us" Romans 8:34.
"He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world." 1 John 2:2
As we wait upon the LORD, we may feel tempted to stop praying, give up, walk away, rush forward on our own, fulfill the lusts of the flesh and abandon GOD. That is the voice of the Tempter our own wilderness experience. Let us encourage one another to hold on, trust Him and trust in His Word.
"For we walk by faith, not by sight." 2 Corinthians 5:7
"God is not a man, that He should lie,
Nor a son of man, that He should repent.
Has He said, and will He not do?
Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?" Numbers 23:19
"Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful." Hebrews 10:23
And remember, sometimes the fire of delayed answers is to bring forth repentance.
"With the LORD a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like a day. The LORD is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. Instead He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." 2 Peter 3:8-9
TRUST HIM!
5 comments:
THANKS FOR THAT TIMELY POST! I NEEDED THAT! PRAISE GOD!
thanks for this post. i've been looking for a site like this. it will be really nice if there's a blakberry group too.
I continue to trust HIM! The sea seems so rough and the waves threaten to engulf but with Jesus on board, the victory is a cinch! I continue to trust HIM and keep my gaze upon HIM, the AUTHOR and FINISHER of our faith.
Yes, I contunue to trust HIM. Thanks for the post.
Amen, I agree this is a timely post. God wants us to know more and more how special HE is compared to the things we long after apart from Him. HIS GLORY in our lives is what we should look for more of in our quiet times, HIS PRESENCE, which will give us reassurance and rest.
May we learn the true treasure that He is, even in our wildnerness experiences ... ESPECIALLY then!
Beloved,you are so right when you say may we learn to trust HIM, especially in the wilderness experiences.
God is building a 'childlike faith' within me, as I go through my wilderness to come to a testimony of HIS love and faithfulness.
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