Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – September 11, 2018
Those who know your name trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you. Psalm 9:10
I once spoke with a man who shared with me, “I did everything I could in the twenty-one years I was married, to be a good Christian husband and father. I attended men’s Bible studies. I went to church. I learned about parenting. I loved my wife. Then one day out of the blue she came home and told me that she didn’t want to be married anymore. I was shocked. I was so angry at God. I had done everything. I had followed all the rules, but it didn’t work.” Tears filled his eyes. “I’m still there,” he said. “I still feel that God betrayed me.”
As we talked, I thought about the deals we make with God and that some of them are unspoken. We can make them without realizing what we’re doing. Then, later, like this man, we find out that the deal was one-sided. He may have been unaware of it, but he had made a deal with God: God, I’ll do my part and you do yours. I’ll be a good husband, and in return, you’ll give me what I want. You’ll spare me from pain.
Whether we knowingly or unknowingly make deals with God, making deals can be a way of gaining control to avoid pain. Also, fear and pride can be the main motivators of wheeling and dealing with God. (If you’ve been there, you’re not alone! I’ve been there too!)
Sure, sometimes we may make a deal in a moment of human desperation, but it’s when we insist on holding God to our one-sided deal and demanding our way that believing God has been unfaithful can set in—and that leads to nothing but pain.
Early in my Christian walk I told God that if I never married, I wanted Him to let me die because I was sure I couldn’t handle being alone. It sounds crazy to me now, but that’s how I felt when I considered the possibility of my greatest desire not becoming a reality.
As the years passed and I was still single, I became convinced only He knows what we can and can’t handle; our job is to trust Him no matter what comes. Is it always easy? No. But it’s what He asks of us, and it’s the only way to peace.
When our dreams have not turned out the way we desire, will you trust God or believe He has been unfaithful?
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13).
Prayer
Lord, thank you that you are always faithful, no matter what happens in my life. Please help me to remember that you will give me what’s best for me and I don’t have to make deals with you. Amen.
Application
Look up scriptures on surrendering to God. Choose one and memorize it today.
Related Reading
Psalm 56:3; Proverbs 28:26; Proverbs 3:5-6
Post/Tweet today
God knows what we can and can’t handle; our job is to trust Him no matter what happens. #WisdomHunters #dealswithGod
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